The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/03/25 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring Nia Jax facing Naomi, plus The Bloodline in a six-man tag against Sami Zayn and The Usos.
The year 2025 is here and it’s an exciting time for WWE. Monday’s Raw from Los Angeles is a big night for the company since it’s the highly anticipated Netflix debut for Raw. For SmackDown, it’s a new year because it’s now a three-hour show after being a two-hour show for the last 25 years. I don’t mind the three-hour format in the Triple H era because it means more good matches and more talent featured on the show. I don’t love writing even more, but that’s the job and here to do as well as I can.
For this episode, I’m watching on WWE’s YouTube channel. It’s a unique way to watch, but it’s because the Netflix deal doesn’t start until Monday’s Raw, so that left this episode all alone in terms of how to broadcast it here in Canada, the UK, and other places.
Last week’s Smackdown ended with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens setting up a WWE Title Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble. Owens ended up shoving Smackdown GM Nick Aldis into Cody and Owens stomped on Cody’s neck, so Cody sold that while Owens left to boos. I have enjoyed that rivalry.
From the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, this is Smackdown for episode #1324. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.
There was a video package showing highlights of the angle between the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, who had the Winged Eagle version of the WWE Title. As I mentioned above, they set up a Ladder Match for the Royal Rumble and Owens did a cheap attack to end the show.
Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion in a suit. The fans popped loudly for the champion as usual.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary.
Analysis: We know Cole is going to be on Raw with Pat McAfee so I don’t know if that means Cole is going to do both shows full time or if it’s just for this week. I liked Joe Tessitore on Raw, so maybe he’ll be on Smackdown in the future. I also want Wade Barrett to be on commentary also because he’s awesome.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes…and Drew McIntyre
Cody said normally he would ask what do you wanna talk about, but he thinks they want to talk about the same thing. Cody said that they are on the cusp of changing everything and it starts tonight with Smackdown going three hours in Phoenix. Then, of course, Monday Night Raw goes to Netflix and his excitement is tempered. Cody said that technically he is not cleared to wrestle. Cody said he is not cleared to wrestle because of Kevin Owens. Cody said that at the Royal Rumble, he’ll compete with Owens in a Ladder Match.
Drew McIntyre made his entrance and Cody had a surprised look on his face. Drew got into the ring with Cody and Drew gave Cody a hug. That drew a shocked reaction from the crowd while Cody had a stunned look on his fac
Drew said that he was not there to hurt Cody because he was there to help him. Drew told Cody he was about to screw up his entire life’s work. Drew said that this is the greatest generation in the history of wrestlers in the history of the company, they are doing the best numbers ever and Cody is the quarterback of it all. Drew said that there’s a guy running around with a replica pretending he’s a World Champion and they’re promoting him as a World Champion on live events. Drew said that he can see that Cody needs somebody to watch his back.
Cody said that Drew was here for the transfer window and he was there because he wanted to help him, not hurt him. Drew said he always tells the truth. Cody said he watched Drew from afar and they are kindred spirits who had to leave here, scrape themselves off the mat, and come back to finish their story. Cody also mentioned Drew was a beast on the microphone and in the ring. Cody said he didn’t believe Drew and he could feel this tension. Cody wondered if Drew wanted to throw hands and if he wanted a shot at this championship, then come and get it.
Drew said that Cody would see the truth one day. Drew said he was not there to hurt him, he was there to help Cody. Drew left the ring and told Cody he needed to watch his back. That led to Kevin Owens attacking Cody from behind with a forearm to the back of the neck. Drew left while Cody got back up and he was fighting Owens. The WWE Officials, referees and security went into the ring to try to break up the Cody/Owens fight. Cody broke free and went after Owens. That led to Owens being removed from the ring.
Analysis: That was an interesting opening promo exchange with Drew McIntyre interrupting Cody Rhodes. We haven’t seen much Cody and Drew interaction, but they do have a long history together going back to when they were pushed heavily in their early 20s. Now they are in their late 30s, almost at 40, and at the top of their games as two of the best performers in WWE. I would love to see a Cody-Drew feud this year and I think it will happen at some point. Drew warning Cody that he needs to watch his back could mean Drew was working with Owens, but I’m not sure if that’s the direction they will go. Anyway, I liked the promo exchange.
They showed some backstage walking from earlier in the day including The Bloodline, the team of Bianca Belair & Naomi, and also Nia Jax.
Andrade was shown walking backstage for a match up next.
(Commercial)
Lilian Garcia is the Smackdown ring announcer now after switching shows with Alicia Taylor, who will be on Raw.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade
There is a dark blue mat in the ring for this new era of Smackdown. This match was not for Nakamura’s US Title. Andrade was aggressive with a hurricanrana followed by a dropkick to send Nakamura off the apron to the floor. Andrade hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Nakamura on the floor. They went to break one-minute into the match.
During the commercials on this YouTube international feed, they don’t show commercials. It’s just a graphic saying “commercial break in progress” and Smackdown will be available on Netflix in your territory on January 10th.
(Commercial)
Andrade was in control with a leg whip. Andrade went for a charging attack against the turnbuckle, but Nakamura fought back with a kick and a spin kick. Nakamura set up Andrade against the ropes followed by a sliding German Suplex that Shin loves to do. Nakamura jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a knee smash for two. Nakamura pulled the turnbuckle pad off, so Andrade dropkicked Nakamura into the turnbuckle. Andrade hit the running double knee attack for two. Andrade jumped off the top with his double jump moonsault for two. The fans thought that was it even though it’s just a nearfall spot. Nakamura hit a back elbow to the head. Andrade went for a kick and then hit his own version of a spinning back elbow for two. The crowd thought that was it too even though that’s another two count spot that Andrade likes to do. They battled on the top turnbuckle where Nakamura sent Andrade face first on top of the ring post. Nakamura hit a Kinshasa running knee to the back of the head for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shinsuke Nakamura
Analysis: *** It was a pretty good match with Andrade getting a lot of offense before Nakamura hit two moves to win the match. That spot where Nakamura sent Andrade into the top of the ring post was a cool spot because of how well Andrade sold it. After that, it was a Kinshasa for Nakamura for the win. The fans were into the match since they popped big for the nearfall spots that Andrade does.
After the match, LA Knight made his entrance and went after Nakamura with punches. Knight went for the BFT, but Nakamura slipped out of it and left the ringside area.
LA Knight did a promo saying that one way or another, he’s coming to collect what belongs to him. Knight said he’s going to continue stomping his ass until he gets the US Title back.
Analysis: It makes sense to do a title rematch on TV in the coming weeks.
Apollo Crews was backstage and Pretty Deadly approached him for being a snitch. Crews said that PD lied last week by claiming Legado attacked the Street Profits even though it was #DIY who did it. Legado’s Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Angel & Garza approached Pretty Deadly, they argued about and it was broken up before it could be a big fight. The GM Aldis told Pretty Deadly to stay so he could talk to them.
(Commercial)
Nick Aldis was backstage talking to Pretty Deadly saying Apollo Crews said it was #DIY who did the attack on The Street Profits. #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, the WWE Tag Team Champions, approached wondering why Aldis was believing Crews, not Pretty Deadly. Aldis told Pretty Deadly they’re on thin ice. #DIY sucked up to Pretty Deadly saying they’re pretty and deadly. #DIY said that they are the ones who could set up PD for a title shot in the future and they mentioned it was important that they left as the champions tonight in their match against Motor City Machine Guns. #DIY ended it with a “yes boy” to make Pretty Deadly happy.
Analysis: The idea behind that is that #DIY wants Pretty Deadly to help #DIY retain the Tag Team Titles during their match later in the show.
Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) vs. Michin
Niven used her power to drive Michin into the turnbuckle followed by punches to the body. Michin did two hurricanranas in a row. They left the ring where Michin did a hurricanrana on the floor. Niven caught Michin on the floor leading to a sidewalk slam on the floor.
(Commercial)
Michin was in control with a bulldog counter for two. Niven splashed Michin against the turnbuckle. Niven went for a cannonball, but Michin moved and Michin hit her own cannonball. Michin did some twerking to taunt Green and Michin hit a jumping kick for a two count. Michin jumped off the top, Niven avoided it and Niven hit a Piper Driver for two. It’s a Michinoku Driver, but Cole said it was a Piper Driver, which is fine. Niven went to the middle turnbuckle, jumped off and Michin got her boots up to block. Michin hit Eat Defeat for the pinfall win after about seven minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Michin
Analysis: **1/4 The match was okay with only about four minutes of action shown. The fans weren’t into it that much. They are clearly building Michin up for a shot at Green’s US Title. It’s the classic booking scenario where the champion’s ally did the job to put over the future opponent of the champion. Niven will probably get a decent babyface push when her alliance with Green ends.
The “Wise Man” Paul Heyman was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
A quick video reminded us John Cena’s farewell tour begins this Monday on Raw on Netflix. Word life.
(Commercial)
There was a video about Naomi talking about the glow is a reminder that there is a light and we can change the world. Naomi said she does the impossible and she changes the environment around her because she’s the glow. She is Naomi.
Let’s Hear from Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman was in the ring doing a promo. Heyman said that this Monday on Raw, we’ll find out who is the real Tribal Chief. Heyman said that Reigns and Heyman trained Solo to become the next Tribal Chief. Heyman said they prepped Solo for the moment in the future when Reigns was going to step down and then Solo would reign as the Tribal Chief. Heyman said that after ten years after lusting for revenge on Seth Rollins, Reigns got his revenge and Cody Rhodes took advantage, to his credit, to get the win over Reigns. Heyman said that’s when Solo Sikoa stole the Ula Fala from Roman Reigns. Heyman said that Twisted Son of a Bitch stole the Ula Fala and did not earn it. Heyman said that Solo took out Jimmy Uso and Heyman because he knew they wouldn’t acknowledge Solo. Heyman said that Solo brought in this band of animals who don’t belong here. Heyman took shots at Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu.
Heyman said that on Monday in Tribal Combat there are no rules except there must be a winner and there must be a loser. Heyman promised us the winner would be the only Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
Analysis: That was Paul Heyman doing a promo for the Tribal Combat match since Roman Reigns wasn’t there to do it. Heyman is great at that.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance without his Bloodline buddies Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Solo had the red Ula Fala around his neck and he joined Heyman in the ring. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns.
Heyman said that he was about ten seconds away from pissing in his pants. Heyman said that the last time they did this, Solo had Heyman put through a table in front of his children in Madison Square Garden and he knows the same thing will happen to him tonight in Phoenix. The fans chanted “Yeet” for Jey Uso.
Solo extended his hand for Heyman to put the microphone in it, so Heyman reluctantly did it. Solo told Phoenix to acknowledge him, which led to boos from the crowd. Solo mentioned Heyman owes CM Punk a favor and Solo wanted a favor. Solo said he needed somebody to hold the Ula Fala, somebody who loves his family and somebody who will never disrespect the family or disrespect the family. Solo said that if Roman beats him in the Tribal Combat Match then Heyman will put the Ula Fala around his neck and Solo will acknowledge Roman as the Tribal Chief. Solo said when he beats Roman, Heyman will put the Ula Fala around his neck and everyone will know that Solo owns the Ula Fala and that he owns Heyman. Solo told Heyman he’ll be Solo’s Wise Man forever. Solo said that Roman will have no choice, but to finally acknowledge Solo. Solo handed Heyman the microphone back. Heyman left the ring.
Analysis: Solo Sikoa has a lot of confidence that he’s going to beat Roman Reigns, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. Heyman is so good at facial reactions because he was reacting to Solo’s words seriously.
The Motor City Machine Guns were featured in a pre-tape promo with Chris Sabin talking about how they’ve known Johnny Gargano for years and he blasted Gargano for his actions. Alex Shelley reminded them that they won the WWE Tag Team Titles in just three matches and it will take just one match to win them back.
The #DIY boys Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano entered as the WWE Tag Team Champions for their title match.
A video aired about Saturday Night’s Main Event coming back to San Antonio on January 25th. Hulk Hogan was featured in the commercial so it could mean Hogan will be a part of it.
(Commercial)
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY – Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin
Sabin took down Ciampa with an arm drag. Ciampa did a jawbreaker to break free. Shelley tagged in with a double team elbow and Shelley kicked Gargano out of the ring. Shelley and Sabin did a double team elbow and Sabin was legal Sabin clotheslined Ciampa out of the ring. Sabin threw Gargano out of the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive on #DIY on the floor.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Sabin breaking free and bringing in Shelley against Gargano. Shelley hit a neckbreaker on Gargano for a two count. Ciampa held Shelley, who broke free and sent Gargano out of the ring. Sabin tagged in for a double team kick on the floor. Sabin and Shelley each hit slingshot dives over the top onto both opponents on the floor. Shelley was selling a left knee injury. Shelley made the tag, he hit a jumping knee, then there was an enziguri kick, a sweep kick and double superkick for two on Gargano because Ciampa made the save. Sabin exchanged punches with Ciampa. There were superkicks by all four guys and Gargano nailed Sabin with a superkick to put him down. Ciampa worked over Shelley with chops to the chest. Sabin got the tag, Shelley hit an atomic drop, then he held Ciampa and Sabin hit a dropkick. The Guns hit a double team kick on Ciampa. Pretty Deadly went down to ringside, so Ciampa sent Sabin into Shelley. Ciampa hit a running knee on Shelley. Ciampa picked up Shelley for a Fairytale Ending, so Gargano hit a superkick and that got a two count. Los Garza showed up to fight with Pretty Deadly around ringside. Shelley applied a Border City Stretch on Gargano and Sabin applied an STF on Ciampa, but Angel talked Kit Wilson onto the wrestlers in the match, so the referee called for a DQ finish. It went about 10 minutes with #DIY keeping their titles.
Match Result: Disqualification/No Contest
Analysis: *** I would love to see a competitive 20-minute match between #DIY and MCMG, but it didn’t happen here. It was earlier in the show when #DIY told Pretty Deadly to interfere and they did blatantly do it until the finish happened when it was a fluky thing with Angel and Kit breaking up the submissions. I think it was cleverly booked in terms of getting heat on the heels for escaping with the titles. Hopefully, there’s a #DIY-MCMG rematch soon because they are fun to watch.
Nia Jax was backstage getting ready talking to Candice LeRae. Jax wondered where Tiffany Stratton was. LeRae mentioned how Stratton tends to overcomplicate things like when they went after the Tag Team Titles. Jax said maybe after she wins tonight they can go after the Tag Team Titles again. Jax told LeRae to make sure Bianca stayed out of her way. LeRae left.
(Commercial)
Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage where he saw Carmelo Hayes. Zayn and Melo argued about what happened last week while Hayes insulted Braun Strowman. Melo talked trash to Zayn when The Usos showed up. Melo left rather than talk shit. Zayn left walking on his own. The Usos walked away, Jey bumped into Kevin Owens with the Winged Eagle WWE Title. Jey told Owens to watch where he was going and Owens warned Jey to watch his back.
Analysis: Owens warning Jey to watch his back is similar to Drew saying that to Cody earlier in the show, so perhaps Drew and Owens are working together.
Cody Rhodes was walking backstage when Smackdown GM Nick Aldis walked up to him asking if he was okay. Cody said he was okay. Nick said Cody is hellbent on making it to the Royal Rumble. Nick said that Cody needs to put aside his hatred for Owens while saying he needs to think about himself and the company’s future. Cody told Nick he’s a good boss. Cody said that he was the champion. Cody said that Nick has the right to tell Cody what to do by putting him on the shelf and do media obligations, but Cody has a right to call his shot. Cody said if Drew McIntyre wants to join Smackdown then Cody welcomes that and Drew has his attention. Cody said if he sees Kevin Owens or somebody who looks like Owens then he’ll drop them on sight. Cody left.
Analysis: A lot of confidence was shown by Cody the champion. That’s always good to see from the champ.
Naomi made her entrance as one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions with her tag team partner Bianca Belair joining her.
(Commercial)
WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (w/Candice LeRae) vs. Naomi (w/Bianca Belair)
Naomi hit a dropkick and a corner splash. Naomi kicked Jax in the legs. Jax headbutted Naomi to knock her down. Jax hit a running clothesline. Naomi did a drop toe hold to send Jax into the turnbuckle. Jax blocked a kick attempt and sent Naomi into the mat. Naomi kicked Jax while on the apron, but Jax came back with a headbutt to take control going into the break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Naomi hitting a running knee. Jax caught Naomi leading to a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count. Jax continued the attack with a body slam and an elbow drop for two. Naomi applied a chinlock, Naomi got back up and Jax sent Naomi shoulder-first into the ring post. Jax hit a running hip attack on Naomi against the ring post for two. Jax lifted up Naomi, who countered a move into a victory roll for a two. Jax was back up with a clothesline. Jax went to the turnbuckle, but Naomi kicked the champ in the leg followed by a stomp to the stomach. Naomi hit a leg drop off the middle turnbuckle for two. Naomi sent Jax into the ring post along with a necksnap across the top rope. Naomi hit a suicide dive onto Jax on the floor. Naomi hit a springboard kick to the head and Jax charged into a Samoan Drop by Naomi for two. Great spot by Naomi that led to an “ooohhh” reaction from the crowd. Naomi went to the turnbuckle, but Naomi stopped that with a forearm strike. Jax hit a running hip attack on Naomi against the turnbuckle. Naomi hit a leg drop off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Good nearfall. The fans were chanting for Naomi. Jax went to the turnbuckle, but Naomi pulled her down. Naomi went to the turnbuckle and hit a Tornado DDT for a two count. Jax went to the apron where Naomi used her knees to spike Jax into the mat for a two count. That’s like the Heatseeker that MJF does. Good move.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Naomi jumping off the turnbuckle with a Blockbuster for a two count. Naomi Jumped onto Jax’s back leading to a Crucifix Bomb for a two count. Naomi went for a head/arm submission, LeRae was on the apron and Belair took care of her by sending LeRae into the barricade. Jax left the ring and threw a Women’s Tag Team title at Belair. Jax sent Belair into the steel steps. Naomi and Jax battled on the turnbuckle where Jax tried a powerslam off the middle turnbuckle, but Naomi countered it with a spinning slam.
It’s Tiffy Time because Tiffany Stratton showed up with a referee. Stratton said she wanted to cash in, but then she shoved the referee Brian Tran over the barricade. LeRae had the referee distracted, so Stratton hit Naomi with the Money in the Bank briefcase. The referee never saw it. Jax hit the Annihilator splash on Naomi for the pinfall win after 20 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Nia Jax
Analysis: ***1/2 It turned into a very good match. Some Nia Jax matches just aren’t that interesting, but she was selling a lot for Naomi, who hit a lot of impressive moves. They did a nice job of doing big moves for nearfalls. It was cool seeing Naomi hit a Samoan Drop because you don’t see many women doing that to Jax, who sold it perfectly. I know Jax has her haters and I get it, but she deserves her props for putting on a very entertaining match with Naomi. The ending was a nice twist because it looked like Stratton had a plan with Jax and it worked perfectly, but that wasn’t it.
After the match, Bianca Belair checked on Naomi, so Jax went after Belair to try to beat her up. Stratton hit Jax with the Money in the Bank briefcase! LeRae went after Stratton, so Stratton sent LeRae into the ring post and out of the ring. Belair hit KOD on Jax. Stratton told the referee Brian Tran that she wanted to cash in Money in the Bank.
WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton
Tiffany Stratton jumped to the top rope and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Jax for the one…two…and three! The fans popped huge for it. It was about 10 seconds.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW WWE Women’s Champion: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: That was such a cool moment. I have had people predicting a Stratton cash-in to me for weeks and months, but I kept saying I thought it would be on the first Raw on Netflix. Instead, they did it on this first Smackdown of the year and that’s perfectly fine with me. I have covered Stratton’s entire run in WWE since she started in NXT about three years ago and she’s come a long way since then. I’m genuinely happy for Tiffany as a talented woman with a very bright future. Stratton was booked perfectly because she completely outsmarted her friend Jax and left with the gold.
Tiffany Stratton celebrated with the WWE Women’s Championship. The fans popped for her celebration on the commentary table. Stratton went into the aisle and held up the title as well. It’s Tiffy Time officially.
SHE CASHED IN!!! 🤯@tiffstrattonwwe is your NEW WWE Women's Champion!!! 👏#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/LHIPSJqHuf
— WWE (@WWE) January 4, 2025
(Commercial)
There were replays shown of Tiffany Stratton winning the WWE Women’s Title. Cole mentioned it was six years since the last Money in the Bank cash-in on Smackdown. Cole said she was the fifth woman to win her first main roster singles title by Money in the Bank cash-in. Graves mentioned he was married to one in reference to his wife Carmella. Well played.
A video package aired about the Roman Reigns-Solo Sikoa showdown on Raw in a Tribal Combat Match. It was a great video.
The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa were shown walking backstage for their match. Jacob yelled about how he loved Solo a few times and how we would acknowledge Solo after he beats Roman Reigns.
Analysis: The Jacob Fatu “I love you Solo” yelling is so over with the crowd that even the fans say it while Jacob says it.
The Bloodline entered for the main event six-man tag team match.
(Commercial)
After Monday Night Raw, the trio of Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett and Big E will host a Raw post-show on YouTube and other places. There will be a press conference also.
LA Knight was interviewed by Byron Saxton after Knight was talking to Nick Aldis. Knight said Aldis wanted to know why Knight attacked Nakamura earlier in the night. Knight said next week, he’ll get a shot at Nakamura and the US Title. Knight said from there it’s onto the Royal Rumble with Knight showing a lot of confidence.
A graphic confirmed that next week on Smackdown it’s Shinsuke Nakamura defending the US Title vs. LA Knight.
Analysis: There were three title matches this week (thanks to Tiffany Stratton) and next week there’s another one. That’s a good move because there are so many title matches in WWE, so you might as well put some title matches on TV.
They showed Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn in the concourse with the fans. They made their entrance in the back part of the arena and the fans were going wild for Jey’s entrance. Lots of arm swinging and “Yeet” chanting going on as usual. That entrance took about five minutes. That’s a lot of energy.
Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso vs. The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga
The bell rang at 10:36 p.m. ET so there was a lot of time left in the show. The six guys started the match by exchanging punches. The babyfaces cleared the ring easily, which led to a break.
(Commercial)
Tama worked over Jey with punches and kicks. Jey sent Tama hard into the turnbuckle. Zayn tagged in with an elbow drop. Zayn hit a double axhandle off the turnbuckle. Solo did a cheap shot necksnap on his brother Jimmy as the heels took control. Solo tagged in with punches and headbutts for Jimmy. Solo applied a vice grip on Jimmy’s trapezius. Jimmy hit a jawbreaker to break free and Zayn tagged in with punches. Zayn ran the ropes leading to a clothesline on Solo, who came back with a punch. Zayn did a leapfrog followed by a clothesline on Solo. Zayn worked over Solo with punches along with an elbow. Solo caught a leaping Zayn leading to a Spinning Solo slam. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Solo in control of Zayn with a Samoan Drop. Solo nailed Zayn with an uppercut punch. Tama tagged in with a barrage of punches to Zayn. Fatu tagged in and hit a running hip attack. Solo was back in with a headbutt along with another headbutt into his own hands. Zayn kicked Solo followed by Zayn hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb. Jey tagged in to work over Tama with some punches and kicks. Jimmy tagged in, Jey was back in legally and the Usos hit corner splashes along with a double team elbow. Jimmy clotheslined Fatu over the top to the floor. Tama rolled up Jey for two. Jey lifted up Tama for a neckbreaker for a two count. Fatu went after Jimmy on the floor, so Zayn jumped on Fatu with punches. Solo sent Zayn into the ring post. Tama sent Jey into the ring post and then Tama hit a jumping DDT for two. Fatu yelled at Jey telling him he should acknowledge Solo. Jey superkicked Fatu. Zayn tagged in and then Jimmy tagged in, so Jey, Jimmy and Zayn all hit running hip attacks on Fatu. Zayn and Jey hit suicide dives onto two guys on the floor. Jimmy went up top and hit an Uso Splash on Fatu for two. Fatu was back up with a superkick. Fatu jumped off the top with a Superfly Splash. Fatu did a double jump moonsault off the top for two because Zayn broke up the pin. Fatu sent Zayn out of the ring. Jey tagged back in and The Usos hit a double superkick on Fatu for two. Drew McIntyre slowly walked down the aisle looking angry. Drew faces Jey on Monday on Raw. Jey ran the ropes leading to a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Jey went up top, but Fatu left and Fatu hit a popup Samoan Drop for two. Fatu yelled “I love you Solo” and missed a corner attack because Jey moved. Jey hit a Spear on Fatu, but Solo made the tag. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash on Fatu. Jey tried to cover Fatu, so Solo went back in and hit a Samoan Spike on Jey for the pinfall win after 22 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga
Analysis: ***1/2 I liked the match that was given plenty of time and all six guys got to spend time in the ring. That’s the benefit of a three-hour show where you have the time to go over 20 minutes for a main event match like that. Fatu was the star of his team while the babyface side all looked great. Solo barely did anything, but he got the glory at the end by hitting brother Jey with the Samoan Spike for the win. It was obvious that Solo was going to win since he is in the big match with Roman Reigns on Raw. I thought Drew McIntyre might do more to cause Jey to lose, but at least Drew will be happy that Jey’s team lost.
Solo Sikoa celebrated with The Bloodline while the announcers plugged the big matches on Monday’s Raw for the Netflix debut. Solo and the boys held their fingers in the air. That was the end of Smackdown.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Tiffany Stratton
- Naomi/Nia Jax
- Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso and The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
I thought it was a very good show for the most part. Tiffany Stratton cashing in Money in the Bank to become WWE Women’s Champion was a cool moment. That’s a great idea to book something like that on the first show of the year. I thought that maybe it would be saved for Raw, but I don’t mind it being on Smackdown since they are Smackdown wrestlers. The fans loved it and Stratton certainly deserves it.
There also may be the start of a new alliance since Drew McIntyre told Cody Rhodes to watch his back, which led to a Kevin Owens attack. Later in the show, Owens warned Jey and that led to a Drew attack. It shows that perhaps Owens and Drew will be allies.
Overall, I was entertained by the show. I don’t mind the three hour format with Triple H booking. It usually leads to longer matches, which this show had, and often times that leads to better matches too.
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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @johnreport