WWE Friday Night SmackDown — Season 23
## WWE SmackDown: 2021 - A Year of Shifting Alliances and Championship Chaos The Friday night spotlight on WWE SmackDown in 2021 was a whirlwind of unexpected turns, fierce rivalries, and constant power struggles. The year kicked off with Roman Reigns’ dominance firmly established, his "Tribal Chief" persona radiating authority as he manipulated the landscape alongside Paul Heyman. But complacency proved fleeting; challengers emerged from every corner, eager to dethrone the seemingly untouchable champion. Throughout the spring and summer, SmackDown witnessed a captivating rise of new stars like Omos, who formed an imposing partnership with AJ Styles, while others, including Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, navigated complex alliances and betrayals that kept audiences guessing. The Universal Championship remained at the heart of the drama, fueling intense clashes and strategic maneuvering as contenders vied for their shot. As autumn arrived, SmackDown’s landscape continued to evolve. Unexpected partnerships blossomed, old grudges reignited, and established stars faced surprising setbacks. The Women's division also saw compelling storylines unfold, with Charlotte Flair asserting her dominance while others fought to break through the ranks. Ultimately, 2021 on SmackDown was a year defined by its unpredictable nature – a constant battle for supremacy where loyalties shifted, championships changed hands, and the fight for Friday night glory never truly ended.
Kevin Owens aims for definitive resolution with Jey Uso. For the Intercontinental Championship, Big E and Apollo Crews will contend with Sami Zayn and King Corbin. The Street Profits mark the start of the year with celebration. The Riott Sq…
The Royal Rumble will crown a challenger to Universal Champion Roman Reigns, decided by a Gauntlet Match. In another contest, Big E will defend the Intercontinental Title against Apollo Crews. And for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, Th…
In a calculated move, WWE Official Adam Pearce appears to gain the upper hand against Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. Bayley debuts her new talk show, "Ding Dong, Hello!", welcoming Bianca Belair as her first guest. Shinsuke Nakamura sets his…
Paul Heyman orchestrates a match for WWE official Adam Pearce. Bianca Belair agrees to Bayley’s grueling Ultimate Athlete Obstacle Course Challenge. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks faces Carmella's wine connoisseur, Reginald. The WWE…
The reigning Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, and Kevin Owens renewed their bitter exchange, the animosity deepening with each barbed remark. In another contest, Daniel Bryan found himself across the ring from AJ Styles. Bianca Belair and …
The victor of the Royal Rumble, Edge, locked eyes with Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Bianca Belair savored the moment of her Royal Rumble triumph. Elsewhere, Ruby Riott met Bayley in the ring. Daniel Bryan engaged in a singles contest ag…
A series of qualification matches determine who will compete in the Elimination Chamber. The SmackDown Women's Champion, Sasha Banks, and Bianca Belair face off against the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Meanwhi…
Six Superstars will clash in a pivotal Six-Man Tag Team Match within the Elimination Chamber. Seth Rollins delivers a powerful statement of intent. The Mysterios face off against Otis and Chad Gable. Bayley’s defiant cry of "Ding Dong, Hell…
Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion, faces a challenge from Daniel Bryan. Bianca Belair, victor of the Royal Rumble, announces her WrestleMania opponent. Seth Rollins extends an invitation to Cesaro, urging him to "embrace the vision." Apo…
In a brutal Steel Cage encounter, Daniel Bryan and Jey Uso clash, their contest offering a coveted opportunity for the Universal Championship. Apollo Crews steps forward, issuing a challenge to Intercontinental Champion Big E. Cesaro and Mu…
Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion, and Daniel Bryan formally ratified their contract for the upcoming title match at Fastlane. Meanwhile, Big E issued an open challenge for his Intercontinental Championship. In the women's division, Smac…
After more than ten years, Edge returns to the SmackDown ring for his first match, vying with Jey Uso for the role of Special Enforcer at WWE Fastlane. Intercontinental Champion Big E engages in conversation with Apollo Crews. Meanwhile, Sh…
At WrestleMania 37, Daniel Bryan earned a place in the main event. Elsewhere, Seth Rollins faced Shinsuke Nakamura, enduring the fury of Cesaro. Bianca Belair competed against Natalya. And Rey Mysterio engaged in a singles match with SmackD…
In a brutal street fight, Daniel Bryan clashes with Jey Uso, while Bryan’s WrestleMania rivals, Edge and the Universal Champion Roman Reigns, watch intently. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn welcomes YouTube personality Logan Paul to the premiere of hi…
SmackDown at WrestleMania showcases two significant contests: the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
Capitalizing on his WrestleMania triumph, Cesaro now finds himself in the crosshairs of Universal Champion Roman Reigns, with a match slated against Jey Uso. Meanwhile, Bianca Belair basks in the glow of her newly acquired SmackDown Women's…
Cesaro issued a challenge to Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Kevin Owens challenged for the Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews. Tamina faced Nia Jax in a singles match. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio competed against Oti…
Tonight, Daniel Bryan faces Roman Reigns in a contest for the Universal Title, a fight that will define the trajectory of his SmackDown career. Apollo Crews will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Big E. And in the women's div…
SmackDown #1133 This special Throwback episode finds Cesaro vying for a shot at Roman Reigns' Universal Title at WrestleMania Backlash, facing Seth Rollins in a pivotal contest. Speculation surrounds the potential return of Jimmy Uso, wh…
## SmackDown #1134 Natalya and Tamina issue a challenge to Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. In the build-up to WrestleMania Backlash, Cesaro delivers a pointed message to Universal Champion Roman Reig…
## SmackDown #1135 Apollo Crews will defend the Intercontinental Championship in a triple threat match against Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens. In singles competition, Dominik Mysterio will face Robert Roode. Additionally, SmackDown Wo…
## SmackDown #1136 Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio put the SmackDown Tag Team Championship on the line against Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. After a year apart, The Usos team up for the first time against The Street Profits. And in a…
## SmackDown #1137 The Usos issue a challenge to Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Apollo Crews will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Kevin Owens. And SmackDown Women's Champion Bi…
## SmackDown #1138 Rey Mysterio sets his sights on a reckoning with Universal Champion Roman Reigns. On "Ding Dong, Hello!", Bayley is joined by Seth Rollins. Shinsuke Nakamura will challenge King Corbin. In another contest, Kevin Owens …
## SmackDown #1139 Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Rey Mysterio face off in a ferocious Hell in a Cell Match. Bayley delivers a warning to SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair. Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews and Commander…
In the latest SmackDown, Jimmy Uso steps forward to assume the role of his brother's enforcer, while Universal Champion Roman Reigns finds himself targeted by a returning Superstar eager for opportunity. Meanwhile, SmackDown Women's Champio…
A message is dispatched to Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The SmackDown Women's Champion, Bianca Belair, issues a challenge to Bayley. In a Last Man Standing match to qualify for Money in the Bank, Kevin Owens faces Sami Zayn. Zelina Vega…
## SmackDown #1142 In the build-up to WWE's Money in the Bank event, Edge successfully repelled Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Usos. NXT rising stars made their first appearance against reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions N…
SmackDown #1143 The WWE Universe gathers once more for a night of intense competition. The Bloodline will clash with Edge and the Mysterios. Bianca Belair will defend her SmackDown Women's Championship against Carmella. And the SmackDown…
## SmackDown #1144 John Cena made a return to SmackDown, issuing a challenge to Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Toni Storm has joined the SmackDown roster. Jimmy Uso will compete against Dominik Mysterio. The SmackDown Women's Champions…
## SmackDown #1145 The contract signing for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship match at SummerSlam descends into chaos. SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair finds an unexpected ally in her corner. Meanwhile, Big E, Cesaro, and Kin…
SmackDown #1146 Following the denial of his Universal Title opportunity, Finn Bálor is driven by a desire for revenge. His betrayal of SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair has ignited a renewed feud with the EST of WWE, Sasha Banks. …
## SmackDown #1147 Universal Champion Roman Reigns and John Cena shared a tense encounter, their paths crossing in the lead-up to their upcoming match at SummerSlam. In a sudden attack, Sasha Banks ambushed SmackDown Women's Champion Bia…
## SmackDown #1148 Universal Champion Roman Reigns and John Cena shared a tense encounter, their paths converging ahead of their upcoming clash at SummerSlam. Meanwhile, Edge delivered a somber warning to Seth Rollins. And in two separat…
## SmackDown #1149 Finn Bálor and The Street Profits ignite disruption at The Bloodline’s celebratory gathering. Following her victory, Becky Lynch, the new SmackDown Women's Champion, finds herself facing a growing number of contenders.…
## SmackDown #1150 Universal Champion Roman Reigns aims to maintain his year-long dominance as he squares off against Finn Bálor. Meanwhile, Bianca Belair formally challenges Becky Lynch. In another encounter, Happy Corbin and Logan Paul…
## SmackDown #1151 WWE journeys to its New York City home, Madison Square Garden, where Universal Champion Roman Reigns faces a formidable challenge from Brock Lesnar and Finn Bálor, known as "The Demon." Edge and Seth Rollins renew thei…
## SmackDown #1152 Bianca Belair returns to the ring in a celebrated homecoming. The reigning WWE Champion, Big E, faces off against Universal Champion Roman Reigns before joining forces with Finn Bálor to challenge The Usos. Meanwhile, …
SmackDown #1153 Roman Reigns faced Montez Ford, with the ominous presence of "The Demon" Finn Bálor watching from the periphery. Kevin Owens interrupted Happy Corbin's newly launched talk show, "Happy Talk." In another match, Zelina Vega…
## SmackDown #1154 The 2021 WWE Draft commences tonight. Brock Lesnar issues a clear warning to Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Usos. In a highly anticipated contest, Bianca Belair faces Sasha Banks in a rematch of their WrestleM…
## SmackDown #1155 Edge seeks retribution against Seth Rollins. The King of the Ring and Queen's Crown tournaments of 2021 commence. Roman Reigns challenges Paul Heyman for explanations. SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch, Bianca Bel…
## SmackDown #1156 Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar formally execute their contracts for the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event. The King of the Ring and Queen's Crown tournaments advance with crucial semifinal bouts. Becky L…
Following the events of WWE Crown Jewel, Brock Lesnar seeks retribution against Roman Reigns. A dispute has arisen concerning the exchange of the WWE Women's Championship. King Woods celebrates his newly acquired title. Hit Row makes their …
SmackDown #1158 King Woods and Kofi Kingston of The New Day face off against their enduring rivals, The Usos. SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair selects Shotzi as her next challenger. Naomi is compelled to compete against Shayna …
SmackDown #1159 The Bloodline delivered a stark warning to King Woods and Sir Kofi. Drew McIntyre faced Ricochet in the ring. The Viking Raiders made their SmackDown debut, challenging Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. Sonya Deville establis…
## SmackDown #1160 For the title of SmackDown's undisputed champion, Universal Champion Roman Reigns clashes with King Woods in a contest for dominance. The landscape of SmackDown's Survivor Series teams shifts dramatically. Meanwhile, T…
## SmackDown #1161 The Bloodline makes a bold move, seeking to supplant King Woods. In the ring, Sasha Banks faces Shotzi in a hard-fought contest. Meanwhile, a fierce competition unfolds as several stars battle for a coveted position on…
The latest episode of SmackDown features a Black Friday Battle Royal, with several Superstars vying for the opportunity to challenge Roman Reigns. Amidst the speculation surrounding Brock Lesnar’s future with the company, the competition pr…
## SmackDown #1163 Brock Lesnar made his return to the blue brand with a clear objective: to secure a championship opportunity against Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston and King Woods issued a pointed …
## SmackDown #1164 The New Day, The Usos, and RK-Bro contend for the distinction of WWE's premier tag team. Xia Li makes her highly anticipated SmackDown debut. Brock Lesnar delivers a pointed message to Sami Zayn. Shinsuke Nakamura and …
## SmackDown #1165 Roman Reigns challenged Paul Heyman regarding Brock Lesnar. Drew McIntyre sought the return of his sword, currently held by Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. The New Day faced The Usos in a contest of wills. In another mat…
SmackDown #1166 The SmackDown Women's Championship will be on the line as Charlotte Flair faces Toni Storm for the title. In a Christmas Eve Street Fight, Drew McIntyre will join forces with The New Day to take on Madcap Moss and The Uso…
In a recent episode of SmackDown #1167, Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and Becky Lynch presented WWE's definitive ranking of the year's ten greatest matches and moments from 2021, offering a retrospective of the most memorable events.
