WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was about stimulating action, unexpected turns, and intense rivalries. The blue brand, ever on a strident march towards the next pay-per-view, managed to keep fans on tenterhooks with plot dynamics in store for shaping up the landscape of WWE in the weeks to come. What follows is a detailed account of the most memorable moments from the episode.

Opening Segment: A New Challenger Emerges

Kari: It started off with a big bang when WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns came out to the ring flanked by his ever-loyal Bloodline. Having recently been on a dominant run as Head of the Table, Reigns took quite some time to cut a promo about addressing his next challenge. The crowd was electric with anticipation, looking at who would step out and challenge the Tribal Chief next.

Just as Reigns was about to lay down his plans, the arena lights dimmed, and a familiar theme song reverberated throughout the speakers. Much to everyone’s surprise, AJ Styles made his way back to SmackDown after a really short hiatus. The former WWE Champion, Phenomenal One, didn’t waste time mentioning what he had come back for—nothing but the Universal Championship. Their tension was palpable, making for what looked to be an epic showdown at the next pay-per-view.

Ladder Match for the Tag Team Championship: The Uses vs. The Street Profits
One of the night’s big fights proved to be the Tag Team Championship where the reigning holders The Uses went against the ever-popular Street Profits. The reigning champions for quite a while now, the Uses had in Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins quite a task.

This was a fast-paced, high-flying affair that showed the incredible athleticism of both teams. Dawkins and Ford were really stepping up their teamwork, quickly on the rise, and with a series of near-falls and great double-team offense, it looked like at one spot they could take this. At one time, it seemed like the Profits might just pull off the upset, but the cunning and experience of The Uses came into play.

The finish came in the closing moments as Jay Use hit a superkick on Dawkins while Jimmy Uso nailed a top-rope splash to score the fall. There ya go, The Uses were still your tag team champions, but this match had the WWE Universe demanding more from these two elite teams.

Women’s Division Showdown: Charlotte Flair vs. Shotzi

The Women’s Division remains one of the real bright spots in SmackDown, and Episode 1491 was no different. In an eagerly anticipated contest, Charlotte Flair, the self-proclaimed Queen of WWE, faced off against rising star Shots.

Shotzi has made a great impact with her crazy style and fearlessness; she sought to bring that attitude into one of the most decorated champions in WWE history. From the opening bell, Shotzi brought the fight to Flair, catching the veteran off guard with her aggressive offense and innovative moves.

However, Flair’s experience and technical skill eventually dominated the match. A hotly contested bout came to a close when Charlotte trapped Shotzi in the Figure-Eight Leglock, forcing the tapout win. This was where the contest was lost for Shotzi, but she made a mark on the fans’ hearts. On the other hand, Flair again underlined her position as the number one title contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Intercontinental Championship Controversy: Shinnosuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn
With the Intercontinental Championship driven to great heights over the years in the WWE, the rivalry between Shinnosuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn has just added a lot more to the legacy it holds. Episode 1491 would see both competitors go one on one, vying for the survival of the fittest.

The contest was an enthralling one as both kept on exchanging holds and counters, making the crowd go crazy with each passing moment because it slowly became evident that both men would go to any lengths available to get that belt hanging over their shoulder. Nakamura started showing his striking ability, and Zayn went dirty with his antics.

A highly controversial ending came about when Zayn was trying to take leverage from the ropes during a pin, and the referee caught him in action. While Zayn was at loggerheads with the official, Nakamura took his chance and got a big Kinshasa knee strike for victory and retaining the title. All that helped Zayn forget all his woes, and possibly enchanted that this was only the beginning of a war.

Sideshow: The Return of The Fiend and MESSAGE SENT

The most shocking moment of the night occurred during a backstage interview of WWE Hall of Famer Edge. Flickering started coursing through the lights as Edge was elaborating on his current feud with Seth Rollins, and then eerie music filled the air.

The arena went dark, and it went back to light to reveal The Fiend standing behind Edge, all very horrific, really, with his mask and whole aura. The Fiend would then, of course, attack Edge with a playful Mandible Claw before leaving him laid out on the floor.

The return of The Fiend, send chills down the spine this Friday on SmackDown. He is the most dangerous entity in the WWE due to his unpredictable nature and his persona, which brings terror to another level. The question now is, what does The Fiend want, and who will be his next victim?

Main Event: Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins

The prime event of SmackDown Episode 1491 was colossal—the match of two huge stars for WWE, Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins. The company had put so much work into enhancing their careers, had seen Drew progress to hold the torch at the highest level, just like Seth, and this was the time to back up the claim for the top spot in SmackDown.

McIntyre was known for his blunt-force approach and resiliency, putting up an early, dynamite fight using his power with Rollins. But Rollins simply answered with a show of technic, bothering McIntyre with one high-impact move after another and numerous sharp blows.

It was a see-saw battle, really—both men at different times looked as though they could steal the victory. Towards the end of the match, Rollins went for the Curb Stomp, but McIntyre countered with an out-of-nowhere Claymore Kick, getting the win via pinfall against all odds.

Winning this match signals and positions McIntyre toward a run for the Universal Championship over the rest of SmackDown; it is a win that tells every other super wrestler in SmackDown that the Scottish Warrior is not only back but is truly back, big time.
Episode 1491 of SmackDown functioned as one great night of thrilling matches, shocking returns, and big advancements. Laying before this grand way to the next pay-per-view is a card with AJ Styles taking on Roman Reigns, the return of The Fiend, and the statement victory by Drew McIntyre.

More twists and turns are in store this summer as SmackDown gives great entertainment for weeks on end. Last night’s 1491 was going to set the stage for what promised to be a memorable power-packed journey with new rivalries forming in the wake and the old ones intensifying, one thing’s for sure: The standard in professional wrestling will be set by the blue brand.