WWE SmackDown Lyon 2024: Full Recap, Results, and Analysis of First Broadcast from France

On May 3, 2024, WWE SmackDown was hosted in Lyon, France, marking a significant event as it was the first broadcast of SmackDown from France. This episode served as a precursor to the WWE Backlash, which was part of WWE’s expansion into international markets like France, highlighting the global appeal of WWE events.

• Women’s Tag Team Match: The event featured a high-stakes women’s tag team match where Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill faced off against Tiffany Stratton, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Dakota Kai. The team of Bayley, Naomi, Belair, and Cargill emerged victorious in a dynamic and action-packed bout.

• Men’s Singles and Tag Team Actions: Carmelo Hayes made a dramatic entry into the King of the Ring tournament and had a notable altercation with Bobby Lashley, setting up potential future confrontations. Another significant match saw the Authors of Pain secure a victory, continuing their path of dominance in the tag team landscape.

• WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The tag team champions, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, successfully defended their titles against the Street Profits, maintaining their hold on the championship belts in a closely contested match.

• The RKO Show: Randy Orton and Kevin Owens hosted a special segment of the RKO Show, which was interrupted by Paul Heyman. Heyman’s involvement led to a surprise attack on Orton and Owens by Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, hinting at deeper storylines and rivalries within the WWE universe.

This episode of SmackDown not only set the stage for the upcoming WWE Backlash but also laid the groundwork for future storylines and rivalries, particularly with the developments in the King of the Ring tournament and the ongoing narratives involving key WWE personalities like Paul Heyman and the competitors in the tag team division. The results from this night are likely to influence the dynamics at the WWE Backlash and beyond, with potential matchups and feuds already starting to take shape.

The WWE SmackDown event in Lyon was a landmark episode, signaling WWE’s ongoing strategy to broaden its international reach and engage with its global fanbase. As WWE continues to explore new markets and host events in iconic international venues, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and compelling storytelling from around the world.

This SmackDown event not only provided high-octane entertainment but also strategically set up intriguing storylines for WWE Backlash, ensuring that fans have plenty to anticipate in the upcoming events.