WWE SmackDown Results: Can Randy Orton Get Closer To King (5/17/24)

Tama Tonga, with some help from his friends, moves on to the next round after taking out LA Knight.

Nia Jax shows her veteran skills off as she gets Jade Cargill disqualified in order to advance.

DIY defeat Angel and Humberto, looking to take out. A-Town Down Under for the gold.

Randy Orton continues his quest to be King, defeating a game Carmelo Hayes.

Best Match of the night:

Several contenders, but for me, I will take Orton and Hayes. Carmelo has not missed since debuting, unless you consider two losses to be misses. However, he lost to the current champion and someone who’s held the big belt 14 times. There are worse ways to debut that by losing to Superstars with those resumes, and looking good while doing it.

Worst match of the night:

Did not love the Jade DQ, but I get it.

Upset of the Night:

Jade’s daughter might get this.

Holy S--- Moment of the Night:

Color me shocked that Logan Paul brought a lawyer with him and did a bait and switch. Paul said he never put the United States Championship on the line, and that Cody Rhodes has not earned that shot yet. Cody was strong too. All in all happy with this segment.

Botch of the night:

Not of the night, but surely of the week. This one goes to Tiffany Stratton.

Noteworthy Moment:

It was at least probable from a few weeks back when the brackets got announced. The SmackDown side of the King of the Ring semifinals will pit Randy Orton against Tama Tonga. He has not been here long, but Tonga already has a history with Orton. My guess is Tama Tonga advances, probably with help.

Overall lowlights:

I have no complaints tonight.

Overall highlights:

The King and Queen of the Ring matches have been really good so far. I do wish we could do the old format, all on the same night, but I get it. Having some of these with time limits could spice it up. Imagine a 15 minute TV time limit, some coming down to the wire. Sounds fun to me!

After the final bell:

It may give us a predictable men’s semifinal, but it is also a really good one-or should be. Loved the show, and next week’s should be even better. And while all eyes are on Orton and the Bloodline? Don’t sleep on Bianca Belair squaring off against Nia Jax.