WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, which aired on February 14, 2024, was an explosive night of surprises, thrilling matchups, and pivotal moments leading into the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. The episode saw legendary superstar The Rock return to WWE, forming an intriguing alliance with Roman Reigns and the Bloodline while targeting Cody Rhodes. The action-packed night also featured several qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber, with the likes of Kevin Owens, Tiffany Stratton, Naomi, and Logan Paul booking their spots for the highly anticipated event. Additionally, we witnessed the shocking announcement that Bron Breakker had signed with SmackDown, signaling a massive shift in the brand’s landscape. Let’s dive deeper into all the action that made WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 unforgettable.

The Rock Returns and Joins the Bloodline: A Power Shift in WW

The return of The Rock shook the WWE Universe to its core. Fans were eagerly awaiting his arrival, but no one expected what came next: the formation of a seemingly unbeatable alliance between The Great One and his cousin, Roman Reigns. With The Rock backing Reigns, the already formidable Bloodline now feels almost invincible.

The Confrontation with Cody Rhodes

The Rock didn’t waste time making his presence felt, interrupting Cody Rhodes during an in-ring segment. Cody, one of the top contenders for Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, found himself face-to-face with not only Reigns but also The Rock. This moment marked a significant escalation in the storyline leading up to WrestleMania season. The confrontation was electric, with The Rock asserting his dominance and sending a clear message: the Bloodline is now stronger than ever.

With The Rock’s backing, Reigns’ championship reign seems more untouchable than ever, but it also adds a new layer of complexity for Cody, who is now facing two of the most iconic names in WWE history. The Rock’s involvement in the Bloodline storyline raises questions about where the faction goes from here and how Cody Rhodes will navigate this seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

Kevin Owens Defeats Dominik Mysterio to Qualify for the Elimination Chamber

The first match of the WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 night saw Kevin Owens take on the rising star “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio in a high-stakes contest for a spot in the Elimination Chamber match. The matchup was intense from the opening bell, with Owens looking to secure his place in the chamber and Mysterio determined to prove his worth.

R-Truth’s Bizarre Interference

As the match progressed, the always unpredictable R-Truth made his way to ringside, seemingly confusing Kevin Owens for The Miz. This distraction left Owens bewildered, and Dominik attempted to take advantage by hitting a near-perfect 619. However, Owens managed to survive the onslaught, showing his resilience.

Dominik’s desperation grew, leading him to try and manipulate R-Truth into aiding him. He attempted to gaslight Truth into thinking he was part of The Judgment Day and asked him to hand over a steel chair. In a comedic twist, R-Truth sat on the chair instead, completely oblivious to Dominik’s plea. This gave Owens the opening he needed to hit the Pop-up Powerbomb, sealing his victory and securing his place in the Elimination Chamber.

This was a pivotal win for Owens, who continues to establish himself as a top contender heading into the Elimination Chamber. As for Dominik, his defeat was another setback, but his antics and association with Judgment Day keep him in the spotlight.

Tiffany Stratton Defeats Zelina Vega to Qualify for the Elimination Chamber

Next up was a first-time-ever matchup between Tiffany Stratton and Zelina Vega, with both women vying for a coveted spot in the women’s Elimination Chamber match. This clash of styles and strategies had the crowd on the edge of their seats, as both competitors showcased their athleticism and determination.

Chaos at Ringside: LWO vs. Legado del Fantasma

The match took a dramatic turn when members of Legado del Fantasma, including Santos Escobar, appeared at ringside to distract Vega. Not to be outdone, Carlito and the rest of the LWO arrived shortly after, leading to a chaotic scene at ringside. Vega managed to hit a 619 on Stratton, but her focus was soon diverted by Elektra Lopez, who began taunting her from ringside.

Vega, unable to resist the provocation, attacked Lopez, pulling her over the top rope and initiating a brawl. This distraction proved costly for Vega, as Stratton took advantage and executed the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, securing her spot in the Elimination Chamber.

Stratton’s victory marks a significant moment in her SmackDown career, as she now joins the elite group of women heading into the Chamber, while Vega’s future seems uncertain amidst the ongoing tensions with Legado del Fantasma.

AOP Dominate Javier Bernal & Beau Morris

In a tag team match, Akam and Rezar of AOP (Authors of Pain) made a thunderous return to the SmackDown ring, taking on the duo of Javier Bernal and Beau Morris. This was a classic case of a dominant team facing off against lesser-known competitors, and AOP wasted no time in showing their dominance.

Super Collider and Quick Finish

Akam and Rezar quickly dispatched their opponents, using their signature Super Collider maneuver followed by a devastating double-team finisher to secure the win in under three minutes. Their victory sent a clear message to the rest of the SmackDown tag team division: AOP is back, and they are hungry for championship gold.

The resurgence of AOP brings a fresh dynamic to the tag team division, and with their eyes likely set on the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, their future on SmackDown looks brighter than ever.

Logan Paul Defeats The Miz to Secure the Final Spot in the Elimination Chamber

In a stunning turn of events, Logan Paul, a social media sensation turned WWE superstar, secured the final spot in the Elimination Chamber by defeating The Miz in an intense and highly anticipated match. This victory not only solidifies Paul’s growing presence in the world of professional wrestling but also sets the stage for one of the most exciting Elimination Chamber matches in recent memory.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this match unfolded and what it means for Logan Paul’s WWE career moving forward.

The Build-Up to the Match

The storyline between Logan Paul and The Miz has been simmering for quite some time. Since Paul first stepped into the WWE ring, he and The Miz have had a tumultuous relationship. Initially, they teamed up for a tag team match at WrestleMania, where they defeated Rey and Dominik Mysterio. However, after the victory, The Miz shockingly attacked Paul, turning on him and starting a bitter rivalry that has only intensified over the months.

The WWE Universe was initially skeptical of Paul’s involvement in the company, given his background as a YouTuber and social media influencer. However, he quickly earned respect through his athleticism, dedication, and impressive in-ring performances. This rivalry with The Miz gave Paul the perfect opportunity to prove that he wasn’t just a celebrity guest, but a legitimate WWE superstar.

As the 2024 Elimination Chamber approached, it was announced that the final spot in the match would be determined by a showdown between Logan Paul and The Miz. The stakes were high, and the match was set to be a defining moment for both competitors.

The Match Itself: A High-Stakes Battle

The match between Logan Paul and The Miz did not disappoint. From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that both superstars were fully committed to securing the final spot in the Elimination Chamber. The Miz, a seasoned veteran with years of experience in WWE, was determined to remind everyone why he has been a mainstay in the company for over a decade. Paul, on the other hand, was out to prove that he belonged in the ring with the best of the best.

The Miz dominated the early part of the match, using his experience and ring awareness to outmaneuver Paul. He targeted Paul’s legs, trying to neutralize his speed and agility. Several near-falls had the audience on the edge of their seats, with The Miz coming dangerously close to victory on multiple occasions.

However, Logan Paul showed incredible resilience, refusing to stay down. He absorbed punishment from The Miz but kept coming back, showcasing his grit and determination. As the match progressed, Paul began to find his footing, countering The Miz’s offense with some impressive moves of his own.

One of the match’s most memorable moments came when Paul executed a flawless springboard clothesline, sending The Miz crashing to the mat. The crowd erupted in cheers as Paul signaled that he was ready to finish the match. Despite a valiant effort from The Miz to mount a comeback, Logan Paul delivered a devastating finisher, securing the three-count and the final spot in the Elimination Chamber.

What This Victory Means for Logan Paul

Logan Paul’s victory over The Miz is a significant milestone in his WWE career. Securing a spot in the Elimination Chamber, one of WWE’s most brutal and prestigious matches, cements Paul’s status as a rising star in the company. The Elimination Chamber is known for pushing superstars to their limits, both physically and mentally, and Paul’s inclusion in the match signals that WWE sees him as a legitimate contender in the main event scene.

This win also marks a major turning point in Paul’s ongoing feud with The Miz. By defeating his former mentor and tag team partner, Paul has finally closed a chapter in their rivalry, allowing him to focus on the challenges ahead. However, given The Miz’s penchant for revenge and his cunning nature, it’s unlikely that this will be the last time these two clash in the ring.

The Elimination Chamber: A New Challenge for Logan Paul

Now that Logan Paul has secured his place in the Elimination Chamber, the real challenge begins. The Elimination Chamber is one of WWE’s most grueling match types, featuring six superstars locked inside a massive steel structure, with two starting the match and the others entering at timed intervals. The only way to win is to be the last man standing, having eliminated all of your opponents either by pinfall or submission.

The Chamber is notorious for shortening careers, and the fact that Paul is entering this environment so early in his WWE tenure is a testament to his ambition and willingness to take risks. His competitors in the Chamber will undoubtedly be some of WWE’s top stars, and Paul will need to bring his A-game if he hopes to survive the match, let alone win it.

What’s Next for The Miz?

For The Miz, this loss is a major setback. As a former WWE Champion and one of the most decorated superstars in the company’s history, The Miz is no stranger to high-pressure situations. However, losing to Logan Paul, someone relatively new to the wrestling world, will likely fuel The Miz’s desire for revenge.

It’s possible that The Miz could interfere in the Elimination Chamber match itself, seeking to sabotage Paul’s chances of winning. Alternatively, The Miz could refocus his efforts on climbing the WWE ranks once again, perhaps targeting a different championship or reigniting old rivalries.

Naomi Defeats Alba Fyre to Qualify for the Elimination Chamber

After making her return at the Royal Rumble, Naomi continued her comeback journey by taking on Alba Fyre in a singles match for a spot in the women’s Elimination Chamber.

Overcoming the Dark Arts

Naomi had to contend not only with Fyre but also with her tag team partner, Isla Dawn, who attempted to use her mystical tricks to interfere in the match. Despite the distractions and interference, Naomi’s resilience shone through. In a spectacular moment, Naomi managed to overcome the odds and forced Fyre to submit, securing her spot in the Elimination Chamber.

Naomi’s victory marks her return to the upper echelon of the women’s division, and she is now poised to make a serious run at becoming the next WWE Women’s Champion.

Bron Breakker Signs with SmackDown

In a groundbreaking announcement, Nick Aldis confirmed that rising NXT superstar Bron Breakker had officially signed with SmackDown. This move marks the beginning of a new era for the blue brand, as Breakker is widely regarded as one of WWE’s most promising young talents. His signing is sure to shake up the roster and inject fresh energy into SmackDown.

With Breakker’s arrival, the landscape of SmackDown is set to change, and fans can expect him to make an immediate impact in the main event scene.

Conclusion on WWE SmackDown Episode 1491

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered a thrilling mix of high-stakes matches, surprising alliances, and monumental announcements. The return of The Rock and his partnership with Roman Reigns adds a new dimension to the Bloodline storyline, while the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches set the stage for one of WWE’s most grueling events. With Kevin Owens, Tiffany Stratton, Logan Paul, and Naomi all earning spots in the Chamber, and Bron Breakker joining the SmackDown roster, the road to WrestleMania 2024 is heating up, and the stakes have never been higher.

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, which aired on February 14, 2024. This episode featured key storylines and matches, including The Rock’s return, Elimination Chamber qualifiers, and Bron Breakker’s debut on SmackDown.

1. What was the main highlight of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?

The main highlight of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was the unexpected return of The Rock and his alliance with Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. This new partnership creates a nearly unstoppable faction in WWE and sets the stage for significant future rivalries, especially with Cody Rhodes, who was confronted by The Rock during the episode.

2. Who qualified for the Elimination Chamber matches on this episode?

Several WWE Superstars secured their spots for the upcoming Elimination Chamber event during SmackDown Episode 1491:

• Kevin Owens defeated Dominik Mysterio to qualify for the men’s Elimination Chamber.
• Tiffany Stratton earned her spot by defeating Zelina Vega in a first-time matchup.
• Logan Paul, the United States Champion, defeated The Miz to become the final entrant in the men’s Elimination Chamber.
• Naomi made her triumphant return, defeating Alba Fyre to secure her place in the women’s Elimination Chamber.

3. What role did The Rock play on this episode of SmackDown?

The Rock returned to WWE in dramatic fashion, aligning himself with Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. He also confronted Cody Rhodes, indicating a potential future feud. His return adds significant star power to the ongoing Bloodline storyline and positions the faction as a dominant force moving forward.

4. How did Kevin Owens defeat Dominik Mysterio?

Kevin Owens won his match against Dominik Mysterio after a highly competitive contest. The match saw comedic interference from R-Truth, who mistakenly confused Owens with The Miz. Despite the chaos, Owens capitalized on Dominik’s distractions and finished the match with a Pop-up Powerbomb, securing his place in the Elimination Chamber.

5. Did Logan Paul cheat in his match against The Miz?

Logan Paul did use underhanded tactics during his match against The Miz. At one point, Paul tried to use brass knuckles to gain the advantage, but The Miz intercepted them. However, with the referee distracted, Paul still managed to land an STO to pin The Miz and qualify for the Elimination Chamber.

6. How did Tiffany Stratton defeat Zelina Vega?

Tiffany Stratton defeated Zelina Vega in their Elimination Chamber qualifier match after a chaotic brawl outside the ring. Legado del Fantasma and the LWO appeared at ringside, causing a distraction. Stratton capitalized on the confusion and hit Vega with her signature Prettiest Moonsault Ever to win the match and secure her spot in the Elimination Chamber.