SmackDown Sees Faction Turn Heel

On a newsworthy SmackDown, one of the blue brand’s groups showed their villainous side as they turned heel following a defeat.

Ricochet had poked fun at Top Dolla following the Hit Row member fluffing his attempt at a dive to the outside in recent weeks. This led to the two men meeting on SmackDown in Memphis, TN in a Royal Rumble qualifying match.

The high-flying Ricochet made quick work of his opponent, pinning Top Dolla in a little over two minutes following a shooting star press. After the match, an incensed Top Dolla, along with his teammates Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis and B-Fab attacked Ricochet, seemingly turning heel in the process.

The attack didn’t last for long as Braun Strowman was on hand to come to Ricochet’s aid and chase the newly minted heels away from the ring.

Also on SmackDown, it was a busy night for The Bloodline as Roman Reigns’ relationship with Sami Zayn became uneasy following the pair’s loss to John Cena and Kevin Owens on the prior week’s SmackDown. Kevin Owens interrupted the men to challenge Reigns for a bout at the Royal Rumble with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line.

In the night’s main event, The Usos had Solo Sikoa to thank for retaining their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus.