WWE SmackDown! Season 18 Episode 103 Newark, NJ

On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown!, the superstars of the blue brand descended upon the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for an action-packed night of sports entertainment. With just a few weeks remaining until WrestleMania, tensions were running high as the competitors looked to make their mark and earn a spot on the biggest show of the year.

The show kicked off with a bang as Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring to address his recent actions. The Tribal Chief had been embroiled in a heated feud with Daniel Bryan for weeks, and their rivalry reached a fever pitch on last week's episode of SmackDown! when Reigns attacked Bryan following his victory over Jey Uso. Tonight, Reigns explained his actions, insisting that he was just doing what was best for his family and that Bryan had no right to challenge him for the title. As he spoke, Bryan's music hit, and the former WWE Champion stormed to the ring to confront Reigns. The two men engaged in a heated verbal exchange, with Bryan insisting that he was willing to do whatever it takes to earn another shot at the title.

The opening segment set the tone for the rest of the show, as several other superstars looked to make a statement. Women's Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defended their titles against the formidable duo of Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks in a hard-hitting match that saw both teams leave it all in the ring. Belair and Banks had been at odds for weeks, with each woman vying for a shot at the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania, but they put aside their differences to challenge the dominant champions. Despite their best efforts, however, Jax and Baszler proved too much for the challengers, successfully defending their titles in a thrilling encounter.

Elsewhere on the show, Intercontinental Champion Big E faced off against Apollo Crews in a non-title match that quickly turned personal. Crews had been frustrated with his lack of opportunities on SmackDown! in recent weeks, and he took out his anger on the charismatic champion. The match was an intense back-and-forth affair, with both men showcasing their impressive athleticism and strength. In the end, it was Big E who emerged victorious, hitting Crews with the Big Ending for the win.

In a surprising twist, the mysterious Aleister Black made his return to SmackDown! after several months away from the ring. Black had been sidelined with an injury, but he made a shocking statement upon his return, declaring that he was tired of being overlooked and underestimated. He called out anyone on the SmackDown! roster who was willing to face him, promising to make an example out of them. His challenge was answered by none other than Rey Mysterio, who was looking for a measure of revenge after Black attacked him last year. The match was a high-flying spectacle, with both men pulling out all the stops to secure the win. In the end, it was Black who emerged victorious, hitting Mysterio with the Black Mass for the pinfall.

As the show drew to a close, tensions continued to run high as several competitors looked to make a last-minute impression before WrestleMania. The Street Profits defended their SmackDown! Tag Team Championships against the up-and-coming duo of Chad Gable and Otis, while Cesaro faced off against Murphy in a hard-hitting singles match. The main event saw Daniel Bryan team up with Edge to take on the team of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso in a tag team match that had huge WrestleMania implications. The two teams battled back and forth, with Bryan and Edge showcasing their impressive teamwork and Reigns and Uso doing whatever it takes to win. In the end, it was Bryan who secured the victory for his team, hitting Uso with the Running Knee for the pinfall.

Overall, the latest episode of WWE SmackDown! was a thrilling night of sports entertainment that showcased the best and brightest from the blue brand. As WrestleMania approaches, the tensions continue to rise, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable night of action.