Live WWE SmackDown in Brooklyn Notes: Missing Segment, Cody Rhodes Delivers Heartfelt Speech, More

WWE brought the house down on October 25, 2024, with a sold-out Friday Night SmackDown taping at the Barclays Center. The venue was jam-packed, with all suites in use and an impressive crowd of over 11,000 fans filling every seat. The atmosphere and stacked card made for a night to remember in the heart of Brooklyn.

Cody Rhodes Thanks NYC Fans After Double Taping

Following the taping, Cody Rhodes stepped into the spotlight, delivering an emotional speech to the Brooklyn crowd. Rhodes expressed his gratitude to New York City for their energy throughout the double taping and went the extra mile by gifting a young fan with a signed Cody weight belt, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

Exclusive Merchandise for Brooklyn Event

WWE celebrated the occasion with event-exclusive merch, including:

• Cody Rhodes “Brooklyn Nightmare” shirt
• SmackDown Brooklyn 2024 shirt
• “I Love You Brooklyn” shirt

These limited-edition items were flying off the shelves.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes a Ringside Appearance

The crowd was also treated to a celebrity sighting, as Broadway icon Lin-Manuel Miranda sat ringside. Miranda, a known WWE enthusiast, was seen enjoying the show. His appearance comes just after the release of his musical adaptation of the classic film The Warriors.

Ben Brown’s SmackDown Throwback Tribute

Before the live broadcast, WWE archivist Ben Brown presented a video showcasing SmackDown memorabilia from past years. Fans in attendance appreciated the nostalgic tribute, adding a unique touch to the night’s festivities.

Baseball Takes Over the Arena’s Atmosphere

With the New York Yankees facing the LA Dodgers in the World Series, many attendees were keeping up with the game during the taping. Random bursts of “Let’s go Yankees!” chants and groans filled the arena, reflecting the passionate baseball fans among the WWE faithful.

Ella the Elephant Backstage with Bianca Belair

In a fun backstage moment, New York Liberty’s mascot, Ella the Elephant, made a visit and shared a playful reunion with her “cousin,” Bianca Belair. The segment brought smiles to the locker room and fans lucky enough to catch glimpses online.

Chelsea Green Films a Viral Video in Brooklyn

Always one to capitalize on a good opportunity, Chelsea Green took to the streets of Brooklyn and filmed a hilarious video that is already making waves on social media, further cementing her knack for viral content.

Notable Segment Missing from the Live Taping

One interesting note: the LA Knight vs. Nick Aldis segment did not air live inside the building, leaving fans puzzled about whether it was part of the TV broadcast or a post-show exclusive.

What’s Your Take on WWE SmackDown’s Brooklyn Experience?

What was your favorite moment from last night’s SmackDown? How do you feel about WWE’s nod to Brooklyn culture with their exclusive merch and celebrity appearances? Share your thoughts below – we’d love to hear from you!