Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown was important as it kicked off with the Trial of the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. The segment led to a brawl breaking out, only to close with Jey challenging Reigns to a match.
As previously reported, the opening segment ran longer than originally planned, leading to segments having time cut. Vince McMahon was backstage for the show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
According to WrestleTix, SmackDown, which featured United States Champion Austin Theory vs. Sheamus, AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross, Edge vs. Grayson Waller, and more, drew 13,528 fans in attendance.
Pwinsider.com reports, “There was a big sense of pride backstage among execs over the company hitting the biggest live gate for an event at Madison Square Garden ever.”
This will also likely be the final WWE show at MSG under the ownership of the McMahon family as the Endeavor Group’s acquisition of WWE gets closer, something expected later this year.
