WWE SmackDown! Season 23 Episode 17 Fri, Apr 23, 2021

WWE SmackDown is a weekly professional wrestling television show that airs on Fridays on the Fox network. In season 23 episode 17, which aired on April 23, 2021, the WWE Universe was in for an action-packed night of wrestling entertainment.

The episode opened with a video package highlighting the ongoing feud between Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan. The Tribal Chief, Reigns, had defeated Bryan at WrestleMania 37 to retain his Universal Championship, but Bryan was determined to regain the title and had challenged Reigns to a rematch on SmackDown.

The first match of the night featured Cesaro and Jey Uso. Cesaro, a Swiss professional wrestler with impressive technical ability, took on Uso, a member of Reigns' Samoan Dynasty. The match was hard-fought, with both wrestlers delivering punishing blows to each other. In the end, Cesaro emerged victorious, earning him a shot at Reigns' Universal Championship at the upcoming WWE pay-per-view, WrestleMania Backlash.

In a backstage segment, Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce announced that Bianca Belair would be defending her SmackDown Women's Championship against Bayley at WrestleMania Backlash. Bayley, a former Women's Champion herself, confronted Belair and taunted her, promising to take the title from her at the pay-per-view.

The Street Profits, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford, took on the team of Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler in a tag team match. The Street Profits, known for their high-flying antics and energetic entrances, put on a show for the WWE Universe. Despite Roode and Ziggler's best efforts, the Street Profits emerged victorious, solidifying their position as one of the top tag teams on SmackDown.

In another backstage segment, Reigns and his cousin, Jimmy Uso, discussed their upcoming match against Cesaro at WrestleMania Backlash. Reigns reminded Jimmy that their family always comes first and instructed him to take care of Cesaro. The conversation ended with Reigns warning Jimmy not to disappoint him.

The main event of the evening was the highly anticipated rematch between Reigns and Bryan. The two wrestlers had clashed at WrestleMania 37 in a hard-hitting bout, and fans were eager to see who would come out on top in their second encounter. The match was intense, with Reigns displaying his signature power moves and Bryan using his technical skill to outmaneuver the champion. In the end, Reigns emerged victorious, defeating Bryan with a devastating spear. As Reigns celebrated his victory, Cesaro emerged from backstage, staring down the champion. Reigns held up his title, warning Cesaro that he would suffer the same fate as Bryan if he dared to challenge him.

Overall, season 23 episode 17 of WWE SmackDown delivered an exciting night of wrestling action, featuring impressive performances by Cesaro, the Street Profits, and the main event stars Reigns and Bryan. With WrestleMania Backlash just weeks away, tensions were high as the wrestlers battled to prove themselves as the top competitors on SmackDown.