WWE SmackDown Before SNME Tampa: Winners, Grades, And Key Highlights

David

3 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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WWE SmackDown Before SNME Tampa: Winners, Grades, and Key Highlights

The road to Survivor Series (SNME) 2023 continued this week with a thrilling episode of Friday Night SmackDown, emanating from the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The show delivered several key moments that set the stage for the monumental showdown between Raw and SmackDown at the upcoming pay-per-view. But who came out on top, and which segments truly delivered? Let's break down the winners, grades, and key highlights from this pivotal SmackDown.

Key Highlights & Match Results:

• The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Reigns' Dominance Continues: Roman Reigns, alongside his formidable Bloodline stable, continued their reign of terror. Their segment, while predictable for some, effectively built anticipation for the upcoming Survivor Series event. The sheer power and presence of The Tribal Chief remain a significant draw, proving once again why he's the top dog in WWE. This segment earned a solid B+.

• Rhea Ripley's Ruthless Victory: Rhea Ripley, the reigning SmackDown Women's Champion, showcased her dominance with a decisive victory over her opponent. Her performance highlighted her exceptional in-ring skills and cemented her position as a top female wrestler in the company. The match itself received an A- for its intensity and storytelling. Expect Ripley to be a major player in the Women's Survivor Series clash.

• The Brawling Brutes' Triumph: The Brawling Brutes, Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch, secured a crucial win against a formidable tag team. This victory underscores their importance to the SmackDown roster and positions them as potential dark horses in the Survivor Series team competition. Their performance was energetic and crowd-pleasing, receiving a strong B.

• LA Knight’s Continued Popularity: LA Knight continues to be a fan favorite, generating huge pops from the Tampa crowd. While he didn't have a match this week, his presence and interactions kept the energy high. His ongoing feud is a key storyline to watch as we head toward SNME. Grade: A for crowd engagement.

Winners & Losers:

• Winners: Rhea Ripley, The Brawling Brutes, and undoubtedly Roman Reigns, who continues to dominate the narrative. LA Knight also won big with the crowd.

• Losers: While no one suffered outright defeats that significantly impacted their momentum, several wrestlers had relatively quiet nights, leaving their storylines slightly underdeveloped going into Survivor Series.

Grade Breakdown:

• Overall Show Grade: B+ - A solid episode that effectively advanced several key storylines heading into Survivor Series. While some segments felt predictable, the overall energy and excitement were undeniable.

• Production Quality: A - The production was smooth and professional, enhancing the viewing experience.

• Crowd Engagement: A - The Tampa crowd was electric throughout the night, contributing significantly to the overall energy of the show.

Looking Ahead to Survivor Series:

This SmackDown episode served as a vital stepping stone toward Survivor Series. The seeds for several key matches were planted, and existing rivalries were further developed. The event promises to be a clash of titans, and this week's SmackDown effectively heightened anticipation.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on this week's SmackDown in the comments below! Who are you predicting to win at Survivor Series? Let the discussion begin! And don't forget to tune in to Survivor Series for what promises to be an unforgettable night of WWE action!