SmackDown's Post-Crown Jewel Fallout: What's Next for The Bloodline and Damage CTRL?

Fresh off the heels of the electrifying Crown Jewel event, the November 10 edition of Friday Night SmackDown held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, left fans questioning the future of the blue brand and The Bloodline. In this recap, we delve into the key highlights, surprises, and the aftermath that unfolded inside the squared circle.

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**LA Knight's Quest, Damage CTRL's Evolution:**

LA Knight, having failed to dethrone Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel, shifted his focus to Grayson Waller in a verbal showdown. Despite a somewhat slow-paced match, Bobby Lashley emerged victorious against Carlito, leading to a surprising turn of events within the Latino World Order (LWO). Santos Escobar embraced his dark side, potentially setting the stage for a captivating feud with Carlito.

*Result:* Lashley def. Carlito by pinfall.

*Grade:* B-

**Notable Moments:**

- Kevin Owens on commentary, injecting humor and insight.

- Escobar's heel turn and the evolution of Latino World Order.

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**Damage CTRL's Shake-Up:**

Bayley addressed the return of Kairi Sane to Damage CTRL, questioning Iyo Sky's decision. The segment lacked strong promos, but the addition of Sane to the group brought credibility. The dynamic between the younger stars and the veteran members hinted at potential future conflicts.

*Grade:* C+

**Notable Moments:**

- Asuka's impactful presence without speaking.

- Crowd engagement increased with the arrival of Charlotte and Asuka.

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**Dragon Lee vs. Cedric Alexander:**

Dragon Lee and Cedric Alexander engaged in a spot-fest, showcasing athleticism and high-impact moves. While the match was enjoyable, it left fans wanting more from these talented performers.

*Result:* Dragon def. Alexander by pinfall.

*Grade:* B

**Notable Moments:**

- Kevin Owens expressing jealousy over Dragon Lee's entrance.

- Alexander's impressive near-falls, demonstrating untapped potential.

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**LA Knight vs. Grayson Waller:**

LA Knight continued his pursuit of Roman Reigns, engaging in a war of words with Grayson Waller. The match, although possibly lengthy, showcased Knight's dominance. Kevin Owens added humor to the commentary, escalating his growing rivalry with Waller.

*Result:* Knight def. Waller by pinfall.

*Grade:* B

**Notable Moments:**

- LA Knight's witty remarks and crowd support.

- Owens' entertaining commentary, enhancing the match's intensity.

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**Damage CTRL vs. Belair, Flair, and Asuka:**

After an energetic start, Asuka betrayed her partners, aiding Damage CTRL in a beatdown. The ending angle, while somewhat predictable, elevated Damage CTRL's credibility. The group now stands as a formidable force, potentially dominating the women's division.

*Result:* Belair, Flair, and Asuka def. Damage CTRL by disqualification.

*Grade:* B+

**Notable Moments:**

- Asuka's betrayal, making Damage CTRL a legitimate threat.

- Kairi Sane's impactful Insane Elbow on Belair.

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**Overall Show Analysis:**

Following a star-studded month, this week's SmackDown seemed to scale back, possibly to allow talent some rest after overseas travel. The episode, while solid, didn't provide enough follow-up from Crown Jewel. Damage CTRL's intriguing storyline could have been better handled over multiple weeks, and The Bloodline's absence left a void. Despite individual segments being strong, the overall impact fell short of the moment, earning the show a grade of C+.

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In conclusion, while SmackDown delivered on several fronts, the aftermath of Crown Jewel raises questions about the future direction of The Bloodline and the evolving landscape of Damage CTRL. As Survivor Series looms, the blue brand seems to be on a promising trajectory, setting the stage for potential feuds and surprises in the weeks to come.

As the dust settles on this post-Crown Jewel SmackDown, the future of The Bloodline and Damage CTRL hangs in the balance, promising a rollercoaster ride in the world of professional wrestling. The twists, turns, and evolving storylines have left fans eager for what's to come on the blue brand.

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