Blake Monroe Makes SmackDown Debut at O2 Arena, Debuts New Finisher in Attack on Giulia

After weeks of hype packages building anticipation, Blake Monroe has finally arrived on SmackDown — and she wasted no time making an impact.

Monroe made her SmackDown debut during the June 26 episode, which was taped on June 23 at the O2 Arena in London. Rather than a traditional in-ring introduction, Monroe announced her presence in emphatic fashion by going straight after Giulia in an unprovoked attack. The confrontation also served as the unveiling of what appears to be Monroe’s new finishing move, debuted during the assault.

The choice to have Monroe immediately go after Giulia is a telling one. Giulia is one of SmackDown’s most high-profile acquisitions from STARDOM in recent years and has quickly established herself as a marquee name on the brand. Targeting her right out of the gate positions Monroe as a serious threat from day one, skipping the typical slow-burn introduction in favor of instant heat and a clear direction.

The extended pre-debut video package treatment Monroe received signals that WWE sees real potential in her, and the London crowd at the O2 Arena provided a massive stage for her first impression. With a new finisher in her arsenal and a feud with Giulia seemingly already in motion, Monroe’s SmackDown run is off to a hot start. How Giulia responds on the road ahead should be one of the more intriguing storylines on Friday nights going forward.