WWE SmackDown Episode 1491: A Night of Unforgettable Action

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, broadcast live on October 11, 2024, from Madison Square Garden in New York City, delivered an action-packed night with thrilling matches, evolving storylines, and unexpected surprises.

As the final SmackDown before Survivor Series, the stakes were high, and tensions ran deep, with WWE superstars looking to make a statement.

Here’s an in-depth look at the episode, breaking down the action, fan reactions, and what lies ahead.

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491: Air Date and Venue

The electrifying WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 occurred in one of WWE’s most prestigious venues Madison Square Garden. Known for hosting historic events in wrestling, the energy in the arena was palpable.

Fans filled the legendary venue, ready to witness an evening that promised high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments.

Major Storylines Leading Up to Episode 1491

As SmackDown’s final stop before Survivor Series, several high-profile storylines had the WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 Universe buzzing with anticipation:

Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight

The intense rivalry between the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and the resilient LA Knight was at its peak. With their upcoming WWE Universal Championship match at Survivor Series, all eyes were on the main event.

Tag Team Division Battle

The competition in the tag team division was fierce, with The Usos seeking to solidify their dominance while The Judgment Day looked to establish themselves as top contenders.

Women’s Division Rivalries

New contenders emerged in the women’s division, with multiple superstars staking their claim for a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491: Match Card Breakdown

Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight

Match Analysis

The highly anticipated showdown between Roman Reigns and LA Knight didn’t disappoint. The match was a hard hitting contest, with Knight showing his resilience by standing toe-to-toe with the dominant Reigns.

Knight displayed incredible agility and striking, countering Reigns’ powerful offense. The crowd erupted during several near-falls, with both superstars coming dangerously close to victory.

Key Turning Points

A dramatic reversal by LA Knight, turning Reigns’ Spear attempt into a DDT, left fans on the edge of their seats.

However, Reigns eventually secured the win after countering Knight’s finishing move with a devastating Superman Punch followed by the Spear.

Impact on the Storyline

The victory solidified Reigns as the favorite heading into Survivor Series, while Knight earned the respect of fans for his gutsy performance. The rivalry is far from over, with Knight potentially eyeing another shot at Reigns in the future.

The Usos vs. The Judgment Day

Detailed Breakdown 

This tag team match was an explosive battle, showcasing The Usos’ high-flying agility and Judgment Day’s raw power.

The back-and-forth action featured jaw-dropping moments, including a double superkick from The Usos that nearly secured the victory.

Critical Moments

The turning point came when Jimmy Uso delivered a high risk dive to the outside, taking out both members of The Judgment Day. This allowed Jey Uso to hit the final blow inside the ring for the win.

Implications for the Division

With this victory, The Usos re-established themselves as serious contenders for the tag team titles, setting up potential showdowns at Survivor Series or beyond.

Singles Competitions: Veterans and Rising Stars

Austin Theory’s Momentum

Austin Theory continued his ascent in WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 with a hard-fought victory against an established veteran. His athleticism and innovative moves won over the crowd, solidifying his status as a rising star.

Kevin Owens’ Experience Shines

Owens demonstrated his ring awareness and experience, delivering a classic performance against a tough opponent.

His resilience and in-ring psychology kept the audience engaged, and fans were eager to see where his storyline would go next.

Backstage Segments and Surprising Returns

Key Interviews

Roman Reigns and LA Knight Face-Off

A backstage confrontation between Reigns and Knight added fuel to their rivalry. The intensity was unmistakable, with both men exchanging verbal barbs that hinted at unfinished business.

Austin Theory Addresses the WWE Universe

Following his victory, Theory spoke about his aspirations, making it clear that he’s targeting bigger opportunities in the future.

Surprise Appearance: Randy Orton’s Return

A Shocking Moment

In a surprise twist, former WWE champion Randy Orton made a dramatic return to confront his old rivals.

The crowd erupted as Orton, who had been absent for months due to an injury, made his presence felt, teasing future confrontations with some of WWE’s top names.

Women’s Division Developments

Emerging Contenders

The women’s division saw new rivalries take shape, as several superstars vied for a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship. With Survivor Series approaching, the competition has never been fiercer.

Key Moments

One of the standout segments featured a backstage brawl between two of the division’s top contenders, setting the stage for a potential clash at the pay-per-view.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Twitter Trends

#SmackDown, #RomanReigns, and #RandyOrton quickly became trending hashtags as fans took to social media to share their reactions.

Many praised the main event’s intensity and expressed excitement over Orton’s unexpected return.

Fan Comments

• Some fans speculated about potential triple-threat scenarios involving Reigns and Knight.
• While others shared theories about Orton’s future plans in WWE.

Popular Fan Theories

• Triple-Threat Speculation
  With LA Knight’s strong showing, many fans are theorizing a triple-threat match for the Universal Championship at a future pay-per-view.
• Possible New Alliances
  Orton’s return sparked discussions about potential alliances or rivalries, particularly with younger stars looking to make a name at his expense.

Future Implications for WWE SmackDown

Storylines That Will Continue

• Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight: The rivalry is far from over, with fans expecting Knight to continue challenging Reigns’ dominance.
• The Usos’ Title Aspirations: Their victory puts them in a prime position to contend for the tag team championships in the near future.

Predictions for Upcoming Episodes

With Survivor Series on the horizon, WWE will likely continue delivering shocking moments and building suspense around key rivalries.

• Women’s Division Shakeup:  New contenders may emerge, setting up title matches and feuds to keep fans invested.

Conclusion

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered on all fronts, combining high-stakes action, captivating storylines, and fan pleasing surprises.

With major developments heading into Survivor Series, the episode set the stage for what promises to be an exciting pay-per-view.

As tensions rise and rivalries deepen, the WWE Universe can look forward to more thrilling episodes in the coming weeks.

FAQs

Did any titles change hands during WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?

No titles changed hands during the episode, but several title-related storylines were advanced, setting up potential title matches for future events.

What role did Paul Heyman play during the episode?

Paul Heyman, as Roman Reigns’ special counsel, provided strategic guidance and was seen ringside during the main event, adding tension with his usual antics and reactions.

Were there any injuries reported during WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?

There were no official injury reports following the episode, although some matches featured intense physicality that left a few superstars looking worse for wear.

How did the fans at Madison Square Garden react to Randy Orton’s return?

The fans erupted in a huge ovation for Randy Orton, welcoming him back enthusiastically after his long absence due to injury.

What did LA Knight say in his post-match interview?

In his post match interview, LA Knight expressed his disappointment at losing but vowed to return stronger, teasing that his pursuit of Roman Reigns isn’t over yet.

Did any superstars tease a potential heel or face turn during the episode?

There were hints of a potential face turn for Austin Theory, who seemed to win over some fans with his passionate in-ring performance, signaling a possible character shift.