Friday's "SmackDown" felt like a "reset" episode, where big moments and plot points occurred with different WWE superstars -- a launch pad for new things coming. We saw a new champion crowned, a returning talent, and the world title picture turned at least half a page (or progress further than just Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre). The U.S. Championship open challenge continues to be a lot of fun and we have new challengers for the Women's Tag Team Championship.
The amount of high-profile matches on this episode of "SmackDown" certainly made the card feel more like "Crown Jewel Night 1," and the Perth, Australia, crowd appreciated it. The fans got surprising returns, twists and turns, including Shinsuke Nakamura back in the ring for the first time since mid-June and Tama Tonga rejoining The MFT for the first time since Wrestlemania 41.