WWE SmackDown 1491 Recap: High Drama, Rivalries, and Unforgettable Moments

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 proceeded on October 18, 2024, completely providing WWE fans around the world a great watch. It took place in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, and offered the fans breathtaking moments, spectacular and incidences furthering the development of key storylines. This episode was highlighted by several crucial grappling bouts, dramatic barrage of promos and moments as well sudden twists that have WWE fans on the go talking.

The Return of the Tribal Chief

The show began with Roman Reigns, the Tribal Chief, returning to the show as was expected by everyone. Reigns then, like a proverbial bolt of lightning, seemed to remind everybody of his presence before WWE took a short break during the July 4th holiday, where he returned with a vengeance by cutting a promo in the ring and bringing out members of the Bloodline, Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman. To be fair, Reigns did not wait for anyone to tell him that he is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and delivered a great promo directed at his future opponents. Of particular interest he asserted no one can unseat him at the throne, especially with one eye on his potential challengers such as LA Knight and Cody Rhodes.

Reigns’ return set the tone for the night, leaving fans eager to see what would unfold next. The head of the table is always a focal point, and his presence promised that SmackDown 1491 would be another pivotal chapter in WWE storytelling.

WWE SmackDown 1491 Event Highlights Table

LA Knight Triumphs in Fatal 4-Way to Become No. 1 Contender for the U.S. Title

The one of the night’s big attractions was a Fatal 4-Way Match with Rey Mysterio against LA Knight, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. Rush and Lumus fought for the opportunity to challenge for the United States Championship, which was owned by Santos Escobar at the time. All four competitors laid it all on the line but it was LA Knight who came out on top in what was more than a show, but an experience for the fans in New Orleans.

What made the match most captivating was that, at times, it was filled with aerial moves, crisp and complex in its work-rate, and at other moments filled with power-offense. The match ended as Rey Mysterio entertained the crowd with his classic 619, but LA Knight took advantage of the situation and hit Grayson Waller with his BFT finisher, and then pinned him down to score the three-count. This win cements Knight as a rising young star for WWE and puts him in the perfect position to becoming the first WWE singles champion.

Knight’s Post-Match Promo

Following his victory, LA Knight grabbed a microphone and addressed the WWE Universe with his signature charisma, sending a direct message to Santos Escobar. Knight vowed to take the U.S. Title and continue his meteoric rise in WWE. The fans were firmly behind Knight, whose popularity continues to surge week by week.

Street Profits Continue Dominance in Tag Division

The Street Profits have been on a roll lately and this did not change in SmackDown 1491. They competed with the Brawling Brutes in an also quite colorful tag team match. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins proved once again that they have excellent team coordination; they managed to massively attack the Brutes with various aerial and powerful double-team moves.

Despite Ridge Holland and Butch’s best efforts to mount a comeback, the Profits were too much to handle. Ford sealed the victory with a stunning From the Heavens splash, securing the pinfall and another impressive win for the duo. The Profits are looking to put themselves back in the championship picture, and after this victory, it’s clear they’re gunning for gold.

Women’s Division Heats Up: Charlotte Flair and IYO SKY on Collision Course

Another key storyline from SmackDown 1491 revolved around the WWE Women’s Championship. Triple threat match contender IYO SKY with Bayley cut the promo in the ring as the champ said that the current reign is the best one in recent years. But it did not take long when the executive director, Charlotte Flair, came out and interfered thus creating a possible angle.

Finally, the match between SKY and Flair witnessed some sort of tension where Bayley was seen playing the character of verbal challenger. Taking on IYO, for the title, Charlotte never one to be backed down, shows that she wants to get back to the top of the women’s division. The fans cheered when the two stars started hinting at a possible confrontation in what is expected to be at the next pay-per-view show.

Gunther vs. Sheamus: Brutality at Its Best

That bout was one of the most impressive on the night, the angle of the fight that sees Gunther successfully defend his Intercontinental title against Sheamus. The first two fights were fought between these two athletes and these two well-muscled and well-conditioned fighters have always provided a pack of aggressive, knockout sulfuric track records so that match was no exception. Touted for his strength and determination Sheamus struggled with the overpowering Ring General the fight was a display of both the wrestlers’ stamina.

Gunther targeted Sheamus’ chest with thunderous chops, while Sheamus dished out his signature Beats of the Bodhrán. The physicality of the match had the crowd on their feet, especially when Sheamus hit a devastating Brogue Kick that nearly secured him the win. However, Gunther, ever the ring technician, managed to reverse Sheamus’ momentum and deliver a crushing Powerbomb to retain his title.

This victory solidifies Gunther’s reign as one of the most dominant Intercontinental Champions in WWE history, while Sheamus proved once again why he’s one of the toughest competitors in the business.

Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles

As expected the highlight of the show was the main event in which Roman Reigns battled AJ Styles in a non-title encounter. AJ Styles, always a great wrestler, wanted to show that he still belongs to the upper echelon of the top cruiserweights. Styles saw himself challenged by Reigns, getting to counter him using every opportunity because Reigns outpowered him in strength, quickness and agility.

The match was quite a game of exchanges between the two men, both produced extraordinary performance and brought various tentative styles. As the end of that moved drew near, Styles nailed a Phenomenal Forearm which would have been enough to score him the win but Reigns proved why he has been champion for over a 1000 days and managed a comeback to continue fighting. Styles did not stand for a classic comeback as Reigns delivered a series of brutal counters only for the crowning moment when Reigns delivered a hard-hitting Spear to pinned Styles and leaving the fans to wonder where he stands in the food chain in WWE.

Following the match, Reigns stood tall in the ring, staring down the camera as he held the Universal Championship aloft. With challengers like LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, and potentially Seth Rollins lining up, Reigns’ reign continues to be under threat, but for now, the Tribal Chief reigns supreme.

What’s Next for SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown 1491 provided build up for several stories that were to follow into the next WWE event. Roman Reigns continues to be the main attraction of the blue brand, but the talent that surrounds him has never been stronger – from up-and-comers LA Knight to mainstays AJ Styles. The women division also appears primed for a leap forward as there are potential pitches for Charlotte Flair to face off against IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship somewhere soon.

Following WWE as it approaches the subsequent pay–per–view, viewers are only more eager as SmackDown 1491 non–plussed them and made them anticipate something bigger.

Conclusion

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a night filled with drama, incredible matches, and unforgettable moments. The surprise appearance of Roman Reigns, emergence of LA Knight and the bubbling feuds in the women segment guarantees the WWE Universe will be waiting for the next episode. As more pay-per-views approach, SmackDown stays at the highest level of entertainment and gives the public their money’s worth.