WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Cody Rhodes, LA Knight turn back The Bloodline together

Knight finds a significant ally in his battle with The Bloodline

LA Knight appears to have a much-needed friend in his continued feud with The Bloodline. John Cena is out of the picture after Crown Jewel but Knight found a willing ally on WWE SmackDown in Cody Rhodes.

Knight's revenge tour is underway as he works his way to a second title shot against undisputed WWE universal champion Roman Reigns. Knight is out to eliminate each member of The Bloodline. Fortunately, Knight found a willing participant in his latest conquest.

Two other stories were prominently featured on Friday's show. Santos Escobar's descent from the LWO took an even more serious turn after last week's assault on Rey Mysterio. A second WarGames match was announced with Damage CTRL fighting the combined might of Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair and Shotzi.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

Knight and the cavalry take on The Bloodline

Paul Heyman distastefully celebrated how Solo Sikoa crushed Cena's throat and sent him packing at Crown Jewel. Eventually, Knight interrupted The Bloodline. Knight reminded everyone that he would be the undisputed WWE universal champion if not for The Bloodline's interference. Knight promised to eliminate each member of the group one by one until only Reigns remained. Knight elected Uso as the first in line.

Knight def. Uso via pinfall after hitting BFT. Heyman and Sikoa were immediately ejected from ringside, a rule that is irregularly enforced in WWE. Knight got off to a hot start and controlled a generous portion of the action. The match ended after Knight reversed Uso's offense into a slick BFT counter.

Sikoa hit Knight with Samoan Spike post-match as The Bloodline prepared to put Knight through the announcers' table. Rhodes made an unexpected appearance to save Knight and send The Bloodline running.

Backstage, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis informed Rhodes he would need to leave the arena.

SmackDown featured simple but effective follow-ups to Crown Jewel. Knight is understandably mad and plans to pick off members of The Bloodline en route to earning a rematch against Reigns. It's a good sign that Knight continues to be featured prominently despite his big setback. It's also great how well his finishing move has been protected. Heyman also did a great job of putting over Sikoa's significant win against Cena. Rhodes' surprise save is interesting assuming the creative team builds on it. Grade: B

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Damage CTRL officially welcomed Asuka to the fold and loosely teased Bayley's potential exit. They brawled with Belair, Flair and Shotzi ahead of a WarGames match between the two sides.
  

• Street Profits def. Brawling Brutes and Pretty Deadly via pinfall to earn an undisputed tag team title shot against Judgement Day next week.
  

• Dragon Lee def. Axiom via pinfall after hitting Operation Dragon.
• Santos Escobar defended his assault on Rey Mysterio, got slapped by Zelina Vega, attacked Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro and was run off by Carlito.
• Grayson Waller def. Cameron Grimes via pinfall with help from Austin Theory.
• Belair, Flair and Shotzi tried to recruit various superstars for their battle with Damage CTRL at WarGames, but Damage CTRL assaulted each candidate.
• Lynch arrived to even the odds against Damage CTRL ahead of WarGames.