John Cena didn’t hold back in name-dropping an AEW star during a segment taped for an upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown!
Following last night’s live edition of SmackDown, a second episode of the show was taped for next week as both crew and talent will be traveling to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Jewel. Spoilers for the taping are ahead, you have been warned!
During the taping, John Cena had a face-to-face confrontation with Solo Sikoa before their singles clash in Riyadh. In a video of the segment posted on social media, Cena can be heard laying into Sikoa verbally as Paul Heyman watched on.
At one point, Cena claims that the only reason his soon-to-be opponent is with WWE is because of his familial ties to Roman Reigns and even goes as far as to name-drop an AEW star, calling Sikoa a ripoff of now-AEW commentator Taz!
“We all know that the only reason you got a job here is because of your cousin. We all see you walking around thinking you’re some big bada** enforcer when you’re nothing but a bargain basement Taz ripoff!”
You're nothing more then a bargain basement @OfficialTAZ ripoff- John Cena #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/Sjp17ThFDM
— Steven Radmer (@Steven_R) October 28, 2023
What Else Happened During The WWE SmackDown Taping?
Aside from Cena’s confrontation with Sikoa, the taping for the November 3rd 2023 edition of SmackDown also set up a major title match for Crown Jewel!
After Bianca Belair defeated Bayley in the show’s main event, it was made official that Belair will challenge WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY in Saudi Arabia next week. This marks the third Crown Jewel in a row that Belair has been involved in a Women’s title match.
The full spoilers for next week’s WWE SmackDown, courtesy of Wrestling Observer, can be read below:
- Kevin Owens defeated Austin Theory. Grayson Waller was on commentary.
- Shotzi & Charlotte Flair defeated Piper Niven & Chelsea Green in a non-title match.
- Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman cut a promo on John Cena. Cena came out and exchanged words with Sikoa before laying him out.
- Pretty Deadly defeated The Brawling Brutes in a Donnybrook match.
- LA Knight cut a promo on Roman Reigns. Reigns came out and the two exchanged words before having to be separated by referees before things got physical.
- Bianca Belair defeated Bayley. Belair put Bayley through the announce table after the match.
If you use any of the quotes featured in this article, please credit Inside The Ropes for the transcription.