Picture this: The arena lights dim. A sea of phones flash like stars as 15,000 fans hold their breath. Then—glass shatters. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s theme? No—it’s 2024, and WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 just dropped a bombshell that left the WWE Universe buzzing for days. From jaw-dropping returns to a main event that redefined “brutal,” this episode wasn’t just a show—it was a seismic shift. Let’s break down why SmackDown Episode 1491 is already being called a modern classic.
Why SmackDown Episode 1491 Will Go Down in History
This wasn’t just another Friday night. Here’s what made Episode 1491 unforgettable:
The Return That Shook the WWE Universe
The opening segment teased a “mystery partner” for LA Knight’s tag team match. Cue voices—Randy Orton’s theme hit, and the arena erupted. After months sidelined with injury, The Viper struck fast, RKO’ing Solo Sikoa and setting up a WrestleMania-worthy feud with The Bloodline.
Why It Matters: Orton’s return wasn’t just nostalgia—it’s a strategic play. With Roman Reigns’ faction dominating SmackDown, WWE is building a legacy vs. legacy showdown.
The Women’s Division Just Leveled Up
Bianca Belair vs. Bayley started as a standard grudge match… until Jade Cargill stormed the ring. The former AEW star didn’t attack either woman—she stared them down, then powerbombed both through adjacent tables. Message sent.
Key Stat:
| Moment | Social Media Mentions (1 Hour Post-Show) |
|---|---|
| Jade Cargill’s Debut | 58,000+ |
| Orton’s Return | 42,500+ |
The Bloodline’s Cracks Widen
After Orton’s ambush, Paul Heyman cut a backstage promo dripping with tension. “The Tribal Chief will restore order,” he vowed—but Jimmy Uso’s nervous glance hinted at cracks in the empire.
Fan Theory Alert: Speculation is rampant that Jey Uso could return to confront Jimmy, splitting The Bloodline for good.
Breakdown: Top 3 Matches of the Night
Let’s dive into the fights that defined Episode 1491:
Kevin Owens vs. Santos Escobar (No DQ Match)
Result: Owens won via Pop-Up Powerbomb onto steel steps.
Highlight: Escobar attempted a Phantom Driver through a table, but Owens reversed into a Stunner mid-air.
Post-Match: Escobar attacked Owens’ knee with a steel chair—hinting at a long-term feud.
Bianca Belair vs. Bayley
Result: No contest after Jade Cargill’s interference.
Hidden Detail: Bayley subtly protected her knee all match—a possible setup for a future injury angle.
Main Event: AJ Styles vs. Grayson Waller (Last Man Standing)
Result: Styles won after a Phenomenal Forearm off the top rope through a flaming table (yes, flaming).
Fan Reaction:
- “Best SmackDown main event since Cena vs. Rollins!” – @WWEStan93
- “Grayson Waller just became a main-eventer overnight.” – @WrestleTake
Behind the Curtain: What You Didn’t See
- Backstage Heat: Rumor has it Logan Paul (absent this episode) confronted management about a WrestleMania storyline.
- Injury Update: Rey Mysterio was backstage in a knee brace—teasing a possible retirement angle.
- Easter Egg: The Usos’ old theme played faintly during Heyman’s promo—a nod to the brothers’ fractured bond?
What’s Next? Road to WrestleMania Heats Up
Episode 1491 wasn’t just about shocks—it laid groundwork for WWE’s biggest season:
- Orton vs. The Bloodline: Expect a 6-man tag at Elimination Chamber.
- Jade Cargill’s Target: Will she go after Belair’s title or ally with Charlotte Flair?
- Waller’s Redemption: His gutsy performance earned him a future Intercontinental Title shot.
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Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 proved that wrestling’s magic lies in its chaos. It blended nostalgia (Orton), star-making turns (Waller), and sheer spectacle (flaming tables) into a blueprint for modern sports entertainment. The Road to WrestleMania just got a lot more interesting—and if you missed this one, you’re already behind.
FAQs
How can I rewatch WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
Stream it on Peacock (U.S.) or WWE Network (international).
Did any titles change hands?
No—but the drama suggests big shifts before WrestleMania.
Is Randy Orton back full-time?
Reports say he’s signed through WrestleMania 40, at minimum.
What’s next for LA Knight?
Backstage segments hinted at a feud with Logan Paul. “Yeah!” vs. “No!” incoming.
Was the flaming table stunt safe?
WWE uses controlled flames and fire-retardant gear. Still, don’t try this at home!
