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Last night's episode of WWE SmackDown was the first full capacity show in over 16 months. It was pretty fun for live and television viewers alike, but quite a few things happened that were not part of the broadcast.
Edge and Roman Reigns clashed in tag team action on SmackDown, while Finn Balor made his WWE main roster return. Aside from them, the live crowd witnessed some memorable moments that were exclusive to them. They came before SmackDown, after the show, or during commercial breaks.
WWE did post a few of these untelevised moments on social media, with Liv Morgan's emotional promo being the standout of the bunch. However, they will not be included on this list. We will look at those moments that were purely for the live crowd, whether through WWE or specific Superstars.
From fun dark matches to passionate promos, here are five moments from last night only the live crowd at SmackDown saw. Did you enjoy WWE's first show to feature a full capacity crowd in 16 months? Let us know in the comments below.
#5 Harry Smith teams with Austin Theory in a dark match before WWE SmackDown
Before SmackDown went on the air, WWE presented two dark matches for the live crowd. The more notable one saw Harry Smith make his return to the company. The son of The British Bulldog teamed with Austin Theory against Odyssey Jones and Xyron Quinn.
This was Smith's first WWE match in over a decade, having worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling and MLW among others since then. He was known as David Hart Smith during his previous run and won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Tyson Kidd in 2010.
Harry Smith had reportedly signed with WWE a few months ago and may make his on-screen return on next week's episode of SmackDown. The other dark match before last night's show saw NXT Superstar Xia Li take on Aliyah, who has seemingly been traded to RAW in place of Mandy Rose.
#4 Roman Reigns makes a non-PG gesture to the fans
SmackDown saw Roman Reigns team with The Usos against Edge, Rey, and Dominik Mysterio in a six-man Tag Team Match. The Bloodline picked up the victory, but Reigns was left laying by The Rated-R Superstar on SmackDown. The Universal Champion even tapped out prior to their match at Money in the Bank.
As he was heading backstage, some fans chanted "You suck" at him. This led to an incensed Roman Reigns flipping the bird to the crowd. The above video, from a fan in attendance, captured the moment.
While Vince McMahon's reaction to this is not yet known, it did add to The Tribal Chief's evil persona. The hate that has been showered on Reigns has been lovely to see, as he further grows as the greatest villain in recent WWE history.
#3 WWE SmackDown commentator Pat McAfee cuts a passionate promo
Pat McAfee was ridiculously over in Houston, with the loud reactions for him being showcased during a charismatic promo from SmackDown's color commentator. He has been an energetic presence on the blue brand for the past few months and his actions last night proved it.
The former American football player cut a promo during a commercial break before Shotzi and Tegan Nox's tag team match against Natalya and Tamina, as can be seen in the above video. McAfee hyped the crowd up pretty well and caused them to boo fellow SmackDown commentator Michael Cole.
#2 A dark Battle Royal after WWE SmackDown ends
WWE SmackDown ended with Seth Rollins defeating Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Kevin Owens in a Fatal 4-way. He proceeded to climb the ladder and retrieve the Money in the Bank briefcase as the show went off the air, but that was not it for the live crowd.
The 'Savior of SmackDown' refused a handshake from Owens and cut a promo. He was accompanied by Apollo Crews and a few fellow heels before a slew of babyfaces stormed the ring. Adam Pearce came out and booked a Battle Royal, with the winner facing Rollins. Big E won by last eliminating Crews.
#1 Big E defeats Seth Rollins sends a message to the returning crowd
Big E followed up his Battle Royal win by defeating Seth Rollins. He then celebrated in the ring with his fellow babyfaces. Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rick Boogs, Finn Balor, Cesaro, and Shane Thorne were all present.
The New Day member cut a quick promo and thanked the Houston crowd for bringing their energy to SmackDown. He was pretty over, while the fans went home happy. Is this a clue towards a possible Money in the Bank victory for Big E? We will find out on Sunday.
