WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
OCTOBER 4, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENN. AT BRIDGESTONE ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor
Attendance: WrestleTix reported earlier that 8,320 tickets were distributed so far; arena set up for 9,819. The arena has a capacity of 20,000 spectators when configured for concerts. Check out WrestleTix for the final attendance figures.
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[HOUR ONE]
-After “Then, Now, Forever, Together” narrated by Triple H, Michael Cole introduced the show as a drone shot aired of downtown Nashville, Tenn. including the arena. They showed The Bloodline arriving, then DIY backstage, and finally The Street Profits and B-Fab getting out of an elevator.
-They cut to a wide shot of the arena including the top deck filled to the last row. Alicia Taylor introduced Hardy, who was standing in the ring. He introduced the return of A.J. Styles. Styles came out to a new theme song. Cole noted they hadn’t seen Styles since June at the Clash at the Castle where he wrestled Cody Rhodes. Graves said he had to step away and recalibrate and refocus and remind himself why he is in fact the Phenomenal One. Cole said 11,171 were in attendance. Fans chanted “Welcome back!” and “A.J. Styles!”
Styles said, “I have missed you guys so much.” He said it’s only fitting he’s in Nashville. “This is where it all started for A.J. Styles.” He said he’s done things in recent months he regrets that he might not be forgiven for. He said he wants to rebuild the legacy of Styles starting tonight. “This is still the house that A.J. Styles built!” He was interrupted by Carmelo Hayes.
Hayes walked out to his music, mic in hand. He said after everything he’s done, he’s not surprised there’s not a long line of guys in the back eager to welcome him back. He said he decided to be that guy. He said he’s been holding things down since he’s been gone. He said he’s a huge fan of Styles. “I love old-timers like you,” he said. He said he must be out there to sign a Legends contract. He said he deserved it. He then asked to have a chance to talk about himself for a minute.
Hayes said he, not L.A. Knight or Andrade, deserve to be U.S. Champion. Styles interrupted and said he’s been in the ring with Knight before and he’s relentless. “He came to my house,” he said. “We had a match at WrestleMania.” Hayes pushed the mic down and then said he didn’t need Styles’s advice. “I don’t take advice from quitters,” he said. Fans ooh’d. Styles said he earned that one. He told Hayes if he’s Him and as good as he thinks he is, he’d be U.S. Champion right now. Hayes said if he was so phenomenal, he’d be WWE Champion again. “He’s not Him!” chanted the crowd.
Styles said they’re both in their wrestling gear inside a ring, so they should have a match. Hayes said, “Naw, I’m good.” He dropped the mic and turned to leave. Knight walked out to his music and said it’s a familiar sight to see Hayes being challenged and backing down. Knight said the last time he was around Styles, Styles was lying about retiring and then he made a liar of himself.
Knight told Hayes if he accepts Styles’s challenge and beats him, he can make a convincing case to G.M. Nick Aldis that he deserves a title shot. He called for a referee. Charles Robinson came out. [c]
(1) A.J. STYLES vs. CARMELO HAYES
The bell rang 18 minutes into the hour. Cole talked about Styles debuting in Nashville in the year 2000 as part of the NWA Anniversary Show. He said he won a TNA X Title, NWA Title, and tag team titles. He said Styles loves wrestling. Hayes took control a couple minutes in and scored a two count with a cocky cover after a shoulder tackle. He knocked Styles to the floor and then went after him. Knight stood and had a few words for Hayes as they cut to a break at 4:00. [c]
Back from the break, Hayes had Styles in a half crab. They showed a clip of a doctor checking Styles’s left ankle during the break. Cole said it’s a possible sprained ankle for Styles. Styles fought back and knocked Hayes down, favored his ankle, and then landed a leaping clothesline. Styles landed a backbreaker on his knee, but then clutched his sore ankle afterward. The ref called for the bell. Styles expressed frustration. The doc checked on him. Graves said this is the unfortunate part of their business and ring rust might’ve played into it. He said your body is going to react differently. They replayed a couple of moves where they think he suffered the injury.
WINNER: Hayes via injury forfeit at 9:00.
-Afterward, Knight gave Hayes a BFT and then trash talked him. Cole said if Knight keeps his promise, Hayes gets the U.S. Title match.
-They cut to Cole and Graves at ringside. He noted that Bad Blood starts at 6 ET. He threw to a video package on Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu.
-They showed Tommaso Ciampa warming up backstage as Johnny Gargano talked to him.
-They showed a garbage dumpster being rolled to ringside. [c]
(2) CHELSEA GREEN vs. MICHIN
Advertised Matches & Appearances
- The Bloodline vs. DIY vs. The Street Profits – WWE Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Ladder match
- Michin vs. Chelsea Green – Dumpster match
- Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton
- A.J. Styles returns