The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/16/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring Drew McIntyre as WWE Champion, plus four huge qualifying matches for a shot at the new champion.
SmackDown is in London, England this week, which means a 3 p.m. ET start time for me on Netflix, which I like.
Last week’s SmackDown featured a WWE Title change as Drew McIntyre beat Cody Rhodes in a 3 Stages of Hell Match thanks to an accidental assist from Jacob Fatu. I thought it was a great match, and the finish was cleverly booked to get the title on a new heel champion like McIntyre. There are reports that WWE may go with McIntyre vs. Rhodes again at WrestleMania 42, but they could also add Jacob Fatu to make it a triple threat match, so then it’s McIntyre vs. Rhodes vs. Fatu at WrestleMania 42. I think the triple threat works, and I would love to see Fatu in that kind of position.
From the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England, this is SmackDown for episode #1378. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was pre-show walking shown of Randy Orton, The Miz, Damian Priest, Solo Sikoa with MFTs, Matt Cardona, Trick Williams, Ilja Dragunov, and Sami Zayn. All eight of those guys are in qualifying matches.
Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves were the commentary team this week. It’s usually Joe and Wade Barrett on SmackDown, but no Wade this week. It was Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on Raw this past Monday. I think it’s a case of WWE wanting to limit the travel of some of these guys. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
A video package aired showing highlights of last week’s SmackDown when Drew McIntyre beat Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title due to the accidental assist from Jacob Fatu. Drew McIntyre is now a 4-time WWE World Champion. It’s his third time holding the WWE Title, and the first time in five years.
Analysis: It has since come out that Drew and Cody both thought it was the right time for Drew to win the WWE Title again since he had talked about it so much in the past. It also means Cody is back in title-chaser mode after being the champion last year. I agree with the thinking that it was the right time for a title change.
Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship Celebration
The bagpipers were by the entrance for the UK’s own Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, who is from Scotland. The fans cheered Drew, who is definitely one of the greatest wrestlers ever from the UK and he still has many years left. Drew took his time and posed in the ring with the WWE Title while the fans were cheering and singing for him.
Drew kept on celebrating with the WWE Title and even posed in front of some fans at ringside. When the music stopped, the fans serenaded the champ with, “Oh, Drew McIntyre” singing. For some reason, Netflix was muting part of the chanting. I don’t know if they thought it was swearing, but it was not.
Drew: “I prayed for this and it happened.” The fans chanted, “You deserve it” for Drew. Drew said that he knows it’s been a rough few years in the UK, but if there’s somebody who can bring us together as the Undisputed WWE Champion, it’s the first and only British WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre. Drew said that the love he’s been given in the last week has been amazing, and he talked about being on tour over the last week. Drew said, “Screw you” to everybody jumping on the bandwagon right now. Drew said that when he got fired, you were not there for him. When Roman Reigns and The Bloodline were screwing him over, there was no uprising. Drew talked about how the fans did nothing when he got screwed over against Roman, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes. Drew said he only wanted to thank himself because he knew he could be the WWE Champion. Drew told the fans to chant, “Thank You Drew” for him.
Drew addressed the former WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, and then he said “former” repeatedly for Rhodes. Drew said that he knows Cody’s team is trying to get him a rematch. Drew claimed there was a clause in the contract saying that there would be no rematch. Drew said that Cody’s Vanilla QB1 era is over and the new Drew McIntyre era begins tonight. It was interruption time.
Randy Orton made his entrance wearing his “RKO Everybody” as the fans sang his “Voices” song. Orton loved it and was soaking it in as he slowly made his way down to the ring.
Drew said he assumed that Orton came out there to congratulate him. Orton said that everybody knows they don’t like eachother. Orton said that Drew declined to kick Orton’s head through the announce table, so when Orton has a chance to return the favor, he won’t decline. Orton said he’s beaten Drew for the WWE Title and he’ll do it again courtesy of the RKO.
Jacob Fatu made his entrance, went right after Drew with punches and they left the ring. Drew sent Fatu into the ring post. Fatu no sold that and went after Drew. They went fighting to the back.
Back in the ring, The Miz showed up behind Randy Orton and hit him with a Skull Crushing Finale. That match is next.
Analysis: There were no words from Jacob Fatu. It was all business. Fatu was attacked backstage by McIntyre (we think), so that’s why he went after him. I’m a bit surprised that there was no interruption from Cody Rhodes complaining about Fatu costing him the WWE Title, but there is plenty of time for that later. Miz’s cheap attack on Orton gives him a bit of an advantage going into their match.
A commercial aired for the Royal Rumble on January 31st.
(Commercial)
Regarding the #1 Contender’s Qualifying Matches, the winners of the four matches will face off at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th. Whoever wins that gets a WWE Title match against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble.
WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz
The Miz hit a DDT. Orton bailed to the floor to have a break, so Miz went after him. Orton went for a slam onto the commentary table, but Miz avoided it and Miz gave Orton a belly-to-back slam on the commentary table. Back in the ring, Orton got some offense going with two clotheslines and a scoop powerslam. Miz bailed to the floor, so Orton hit a belly-to-back slam onto the commentary table. Orton did it a second time. The fans chanted, “one more time” so Orton slammed Miz onto the commentary table hood a third time. Orton followed up with the draping DDT off the ropes. Orton charged for an RKO, Miz slipped out of it and Miz hit a Skull Crushing Finale for a two count. Miz got a rollup for two. Miz charged for something else, but Orton hit an RKO for the pinfall win after about 5 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton
Analysis: **1/4 A decisive win for Randy Orton as you would expect here. Miz didn’t win a singles match last year, and I don’t know when he’ll win a singles match this year. They just don’t push Miz at all anymore, while Orton is still a main eventer. Anyway, it was fine for the time given, with Orton winning clean with the RKO.
Drew McIntyre was shown outside the arena with the WWE Title in his hands. Ilja Dragunov spoke to Drew, saying he’s going to win his match with Sami Zayn and then he’s coming for the WWE Title. Drew claimed he didn’t knock out Jacob Fatu’s teeth, but he’ll do that to Dragunov at the Royal Rumble. Drew left.
Analysis: I think Drew and Ilja could have a great match together, but I doubt Ilja is the one getting the title shot at the Royal Rumble.
(Commercial)
A video aired about the MFTs beating the Wyatt Sicks in an 8-man tag team match last week. Solo Sikoa also stone the Wyatt Sicks’ lantern.
The Wyatt Sicks did a promo with Bo Dallas, saying that the lantern wasn’t a weapon. Dallas said they carried it in the dark so that the dark doesn’t carry them. Dallas said it doesn’t belong in the hands of somebody who thinks that taking it makes it more powerful than its true purpose. Dallas said it will come back to them, and they will not rest until it’s home.
Analysis: I don’t think the feud is working that well, but it’s a way to get both stables on the show by having them feud with eachother.
There was a replay of last week when Nia Jax and Lash Legend beat up Alexa Bliss because Charlotte Flair wasn’t there last week.
Alexa Bliss was backstage with Charlotte Flair. Bliss said that last week sucked when she lost a title match and was attacked after the match. Flair said, but Bliss did get a title shot, and Flair claimed she turned down title shots for the good of the team. Bliss wondered what title shots and Flair had nothing. Bliss wondered if Flair was really sick. Flair said that she was very sick and was throwing up. Flair said that she had her back and Lex is her person. Bliss left. Nia Jax and Lash Legend walked up to Flair to talk trash about Bliss. Flair said she knows why Bliss isn’t friends with Jax and Flair told Lash that she has changed.
The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, and Kiana James entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Giulia & Kiana James
If you follow these women on social media, Flair is close friends with James. They both have big knee braces on because they rehabbed Torn ACL injuries around the same time. James slapped Bliss, so Bliss came back with strikes. James hit a suplex. Flair tagged in, sent James into the turnbuckle and James hit a superkick. Flair came back with her own kick. Flair picked up Bliss and kicked James. Giulia tagged in with a dropkick on Bliss. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. The heel team of Giulia and James were in control of Bliss as the face in peril for about three minutes.
Giulia was still in control after a missile dropkick on Bliss. James was back in, Bliss avoided her and James bumped to the floor. Bliss kicked James to break free and Flair tagged in. Flair ran over James with shoulder tackles and Flair chopped both opponents several times. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline. Flair kicked Giulia on the apron and Flair kicked James in the ring. Flair jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Giulia distracted Flair by the turnbuckle, and James benefited from it. Flair did an awkward neckbreaker on Flair and James hit a spinebuster. Giulia tagged in with a knee smash for two because Bliss made the save. Bliss sent James out of the ring, so James pulled Bliss out of the ring. Giulia worked over Flair with kicks. Flair hit an elbow, Giulia came back with an elbow and Flair hit a boot to the face to knock Giulia out of the ring. James tagged in with a knee lift on Flair. Bliss tagged herself in and hit a Sister Abigail DDT on James for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Analysis: *** A good match to get Flair and Bliss on the winning track again, and it should lead to them getting a title shot soon. Flair and Giulia had some interesting interactions in the match. That could be a big singles feud down the road. I like James as a heel who knows how to cheat, when to cheat, and has no problem being mean when it’s needed. The finish was done in a way where Bliss and Flair won because Bliss tagged in at the perfect time when James wasn’t ready for it, so Bliss outsmarted James to win.
After the match, Nia Jax and Lash legend showed up for the cheap attack again. Jax sent Giulia into the ring post. Lash attacked Bliss and Flair from behind. Bliss bumped to the floor. Jax sent Flair into the turnbuckle. Giulia got in Jax’s face, so James held Giulia back.
Cody Rhodes is up next.
(Commercial)
Solo Sikoa was with the MFTs and Solo had the lantern with him. Solo said that if Bo Dallas wants the lantern back, then he wants the Wyatt Sicks to give MFTs a Tag Team Title match. Solo claimed he was going to beat Damian Priest, and then he (referring to Bray Wyatt) will be with him as Solo brings the WWE Title back to the family. Solo blew out the lantern.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes made his entrance in dress clothes as usual. It’s weird seeing him without the WWE Title, but there he is without the gold.
Cody was booed by some fans as he stood in the ring. Cody said that’s okay because he guesses things had gotten episodic since he would say the same thing every time when he’d ask the fans, “What do you wanna talk about?” The fans sang, “Oh, Drew McIntyre,” just like they did an hour earlier. Cody said he wasn’t just the company’s champion, he was your champion, and some fans booed that. Cody said he didn’t want the fans to be spectators because he wanted the fans to be teammates. Cody said he became predictable. Cody said he didn’t see all the ways that he could lose. Or is Drew McIntyre just that good? The fans cheered, and more Drew McIntyre signing.
Cody said what does Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin have in common with the American Nightmare – they all won back to back Royal Rumbles. Cody said only one of them won a third time (that’s Austin). Cody talked about how they are a city that Cody used to wrestle in to make himself better, and it’s a city that absolutely deserves a WrestleMania. Cody said that he is officially declaring himself as the first entrant in the Royal Rumble. The fans cheered.
Cody said let’s talk about Jacob Fatu. Cody said he saw Fatu early in his career, and he knew he was going to be a big deal. Cody said that Fatu has the biggest receipt coming to him. Cody said that Fatu can come down to this ring to collect the receipt, or Cody can come and find it and beat the brakes off his ass. Cody dropped the microphone. The fans cheered as Cody’s music played.
Analysis: The fans were booing Cody Rhodes when he got into the ring, but then they cheered him by the end of it. Cody did a great job with that promo, talking about how he’s going to win the Royal Rumble and wanted to give Jacob Fatu a receipt because of what he did in the WWE Title match last week. Cody always delivers when he does fired up promos like that. Oh, and finally somebody has spoken about winning the Royal Rumble, and it’s only 15 days away. What took so long? Let’s get more promos about winning the Royal Rumble.
Matt Cardona was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Matt said it’s a shame the way Cody lost the WWE Title last week. Matt said he goes way back with Drew, and Drew’s first match in WWE was against him. Matt said, like Cody and Drew, he had to reinvent himself. Matt said he’s back for a spot at the top. Matt said he’s back to be the Undisputed WWE Champion, and he left.
The SmackDown newcomer Trick Williams made his entrance with the whole arena chanting “Whoop That Trick” for his theme song. Trick’s against Cardona up next.
Analysis: The Trick Williams theme song has been a winner for four years since he was in NXT, but it’s even better when you have a full arena of people chanting “Whoop That Trick” for the song.
The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired. Tickets on sale now.
(Commercial)
WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
It was Trick in control early on as he hit a shoulder tackle. Matt hit a dropkick and a flatliner into the mat. Matt clotheslined Trick out of the ring. Matt kicked Trick to knock him down on the floor. Matt hit a dropkick off the apron onto Trick on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Trick tripped up Matt by the apron and Trick sent Matt into the barricade. Trick slammed Matt into the ring apron. Trick hit a flapjack into the mat. Trick used his boot to choke Matt by the turnbuckle.
Trick was in control with some elbow smashes, leading to a chinlock. Matt broke free with a jawbreaker. Trick hit a lefty kick to the head. Matt blocked a move and hit a belly-to-back suplex. The fans were chanting for both guys. Matt worked over Trick with punches. Matt hit the Broski Boot, or at least that’s what it used to be called. Matt hit the Zig Zag that his buddy Dolph Ziggler used as a finisher in WWE. Matt got a sunset flip for two. Trick charged, Matt moved and Trick was against the turnbuckle again. Trick bailed to the floor, so Matt kicked him down to the floor. Matt sent Trick back into the ring. Trick brought Matt into the ring. Trick hitting a spinning kick to the head for two. Trick tried a Book End, but Matt countered with a slam. Matt went for Rough Ryder, Trick avoided it and Matt jumped off the turnbuckle, but Trick avoided it. Trick hit a Pounce to knock Matt down and Trick hit a Trick Shot knee for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Trick Williams
Analysis: *** A solid match with the heel Trick getting the clean and decisive win. I know the fans cheer for Trick a bit, but the guy is a heel, so let’s see some more heelish actions in a match like that. I don’t mind Trick winning clean, but please be more of a jerk during the match. Cardona had a few moments where it looked like he might win, but I didn’t expect it.
Trick Williams joins Randy Orton in the Fatal 4-Way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th for a shot at the WWE Title.
Kit Wilson made his entrance with his cheesy theme song. The fans actually reacted to him a bit since he’s from England. Kit looked like he was going to go into the ring, but then he hit Cardona in the back. Kit sent Cardona into the steel steps. The music kept on going and Kit posed some more.
Analysis: That was funny with Kit Wilson attacking Matt Cardona, and then dancing some more as his song played.
Damian Priest was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Priest said that he became Mr. Money in the Bank in London in the past, so he can do it all again tonight against Solo Sikoa and the MFTs. Priest said he’ll do whatever it takes.
(Commercial)
Kit Wilson did a promo in the ring, saying you all need him. Wilson said he’s the tonic to toxic masculinity. Jacob Fatu appeared behind Trick and hit Trick with a superkick. The fans booed that. Fatu hit a senton splash on Kit. Fatu hit a double jump Mighty Moonsault.
Jacob Fatu Calls Out Cody Rhodes
Jacob Fatu did a promo saying if Cody Rhodes has something to say to him, then he should bring his punk ass out here right now.
Cody Rhodes was in his tracksuit and ready to fight this time. Cody went down to the ring and they got into a brawl as they exchanged punches. Cody and Fatu exchanged punches repeatedly. Security went down to the ring. The British SmackDown GM Nick Aldis went into the ring as well and Rhodes went after Fatu again. They cut away from the fight there, even for us on Netflix.
Analysis: I don’t like the cut away from the fight because the fans wanted to see that. Fatu kept it short and simple with the promo. It worked. The fans want to see Fatu and Rhodes fight.
(Commercial)
A new match was announced for Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th: Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu.
Analysis: Awesome match for SNME. I like it. The start time remains 8 p.m. ET from Montreal. I saw a report that they might move it up to 7 p.m. ET because there’s a UFC PPV starting at 9 p.m. ET, but for now it’s still at 8 p.m. ET start time.
WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Solo Sikoa (w/JC Mateo, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Talla Tonga) vs. Damian Priest
Solo Sikoa had the Wyatt lantern with him. They exchanged strikes early on. Priest was sent out of the ring. The MFTs did some cheap shots on Priest, including Tama hitting a forearm smash on Priest on the floor. They went on a break aa Solo remained in control for a few minutes.
The heel Solo was in control with a running hip attack. Solo hit another running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Solo took a long time to go for it again, but Priest hit a spinning heel kick. Priest and Solo exchanged punches. Priest did the dreaded bell clap around the head. Priest with strikes, Solo with a headbutt, Priest hit kicks to the head and Priest hit a charging shoulder tackle. Priest hit a jumping back elbow smash. Priest hit a flatliner for a two count. Priest went up top, Talla tripped him up and the referee figured it out, so Talla was ejected from ringside. Solo went after Priest on the turnbuckle, but Priest was able to hit a Razor’s Edge. Priest was distracted by Solo’s buddies and Solo hit a Spinning Solo slam. Solo went up top and hit a Superfly Splash for a two count. The Wyatt Family logo appeared on the screen and the lights went out in the arena. When the lights came back on, the Wyatt Sicks fought with Talla, Loa and Mateo at ringside. After Dallas looked at the lantern, Solo left the ring and sent Dallas into the commentary table. Solo brought the lantern into the ring, he turned around and Priest hit South of Heaven (sitout Chokeslam) for the pinfall win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest
Analysis: **3/4 The match was fine, although it was tainted due to the MFTs and Wyatt Sicks getting involved in the match. At least Priest had some backup to help him get the win. It was a slow-paced match, but I think the right guy won because Priest should beat Solo based on where they are at in their careers.
Damian Priest joins Trick Williams and Randy Orton in the Fatal 4-Way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th for a shot at the WWE Title.
After the match, Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy went into the ring and got the lantern. When Dallas turned around, Talla Tanga was in the ring and he hit Howdy with a boot to the face. Talla helped Solo get out of there and they had the lantern with them.
Sami Zayn was walking backstage when the WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, approached him. Drew said he heard what Zayn had to say last week about the WWE Title match. Zayn said he’s about to go out there and go to war with Ilja Dragunov and he’s going to win. Zayn said that he’s going to win the 4-Way match in his hometown in Montreal. Zayn said he’s going to the Royal Rumble and take the WWE Title from him. Drew said he’s beaten Zayn 11 times and Zayn has beaten him 0 times. Drew said if they meet at the Royal Rumble, nothing will change. Zayn said we’ll see.
The US Champion, Carmelo Hayes, made his entrance for an open challenge.
This Monday on Raw in Belfast: Becky Lynch defends the Women’s Intercontinental Title against Maxxine Dupri and CM Punk defends the World Heavyweight Title against Finn Balor.
(Commercial)
A clip aired from WWE Unreal Season 2 showing Seth Rollins and his wife Becky Lynch. The new season starts on Tuesday, January 20th.
The TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater made his entrance as the challenger and he’s from England, so it’s a home country wrestler.
United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Leon Slater
Slater is just 21 years old and is an incredible performer. These guys are both very athletic. Melo and Slater each got nearfalls early on. Melo hit a springboard clothesline. Slater came back with a couple of hard chops. Melo flipped over Slater, and then Melo was favoring a left leg injury. Slater hit a spinning kick to the head. Slater bounced off the ropes and hit a back elbow. Slater jumped over the top with a cross body block on the floor. Back in the ring, Slater jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Slater used his legs to trip up Melo for a two count. Melo hit a suplex into a pin attempt for two. Melo worked over Slater with punches. Slater hit another chop to knock Melo down. Melo did a leapfrog, followed by a dropkick. Slater sent Melo into the turnbuckle and hit a running dropkick. There was an outstanding springboard Spanish Fly by Slater, and both guys were down.
The match continued with Slater hitting a kick to the head. Melo spun around Slater’s body and slammed him into the mat. Melo hit a suplex into a Cutter for a two count. The fans were singing and chanting for their fellow Brit Slater a lot. Melo got an inside cradle for two. Slater hit a jumping side kick for two. They battled on the apron as Melo was sent into the ring and Slater hit a leg drop to the back of the head. Melo got a sunset flip for two and that led to the two guys each getting one and two counts. Slater hit a hurricanrana for a two count. Melo superkicked Slater. Melo went to the apron, then he sold the leg injury and went to the floor. Slater jumped over the ring post with a somersault dive onto Melo on the floor. That was amazing. Slater went for the 450 Swanton, but Melo avoided it and Melo hit The First 48 double knee attack for two. Melo went up top, Slater went after him, and Melo was able to jump off the top with a massive Cutter for the pinfall win after 13 minutes. Graves mentioned that Melo used that Cutter off the top against Ilja Dragunov in the past as well.
Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes
Analysis: **** It was an excellent match by two talented young guys who are so fun to watch. A 4-star open challenge match is pretty awesome to see. Slater got plenty of offense to show what he can do, while Melo was able to get in there with somebody who could match him athletically. I liked the finisher with Melo hitting a Cutter off the top because it’s a move that Melo can use sometimes to win big matches. Slater absolutely belongs in WWE and I’m sure it’ll happen contractually whenever his TNA deal is done. I’d love to see these guys have a rematch down the road. That was a lot of fun to watch, and the fans loved it.
Shinsuke Nakamura was shown watching on a TV. Tama Tonga said that Nakamura is looking at the US Title like it belongs to him. Tama said once the US Title comes to the MFTS, Tama is going to take the US Title. Tama warned Nakamura to stay out of his way. Nakamura spoke in Japanese, so I had no idea what he said. Nakamura laughed and left.
Johnny Gargano and his wife, Candice LeRae, were backstage. Axiom walked up to Gargano, saying he wanted his mask. As Gargano looked away, another person with an Axiom mask showed up. It was Nathan Frazer and he punched Gargano. Frazer said he talked to Nick Aldis, so he’s against Gargano next week, and they can take Axiom’s mask back.
Analysis: The stolen mask storyline has gone on for a long time, and it’s not exactly riveting television, even though I like the wrestlers involved.
Chelsea Green made her entrance with Alba Fyre, and Corey Graves was pledging his allegiance to Green. Good move.
(Commercial)
A video aired about former 2-time NXT Champion Oba Femi destroying people, similar to what has been shown in the past.
The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill was seated at ringside watching this match. I will point out again that Jade has zero televised defenses since winning the title on November 1st. That’s a long time.
Jordynne Grace vs. Chelsea Green (w/Alba Fyre)
Green slapped Grace a few times, so Grace slapped her back. Grace hit a spinebuster. Grace hit a delayed vertical suplex for two. Green sent Grace face first into the turnbuckle and Green shoved Grace into the turnbuckle. Green slammed Grace’s head into the mat for a one count. Grace hooked the arms of Green and sent her into the turnbuckle. Grace elbowed Green to knock her back into the turnbuckle. Grace caught the leg and hit a suplex. Grace hit a cartwheel driver that Joe called the Direct Effect for the pinfall win after about 3 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jordynne Grace
Analysis: * Easy win for Jordynne Grace. It was essentially a squash match, even though Green is a former Women’s US Champion.
Jordynne Grace did a promo to Jade Cargill said that it was nice of her to be there to see what is coming for her. Grace challenged Jade to step into the ring with her right here and right now. Jade was on the apron. Green charged at Grace, who moved, so Green knocked Jade off the apron to the floor. Grace held up the WWE Women’s Title, and then Grace tossed it at Jade on the floor.
Analysis: The Women’s Title situation on SmackDown has been weak for a few months now. At least Jade finally has a likely challenger in Jordynne Grace, who I don’t expect to take the title, but at least it’s building a rivalry for Cargill.
Trick Williams was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Trick said he looks like money, and he feels like money because he is money. Trick congratulated Randy Orton and Damian Priest for having a match with the future of this business. Trick said he’ll see them next Saturday. Priest interrupted, so he suggested facing Trick in a match next Friday on SmackDown, and Priest said he’s free to Whoop That Trick. Priest left.
Ilja Dragunov made his entrance for the main event.
A commercial aired for the Royal Rumble on January 31st.
(Commercial)
Next Friday on SmackDown in Montreal.
* Giulia & Kiana James vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend – #1 Contender’s Triple Threat
* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks – Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis vs. MFT
* Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams
Analysis: The team of Giulia & James lost their match earlier in the show, so why are they one match away from a title shot? I realize they are probably there to lose this match. I’m just saying that logically, this match is a bit flawed to me.
Sami Zayn made his entrance for the main event. The fans were singing along with his catchy theme song.
WWE Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
Ilja beat Zayn for the US Title back in October in what was a fantastic match. They exchanged strikes early, with Ilja hitting chops. Zayn came back with a clothesline. Zayn jumped over Ilja, but Ilja connected with a boot to the face. Ilja chopped Zayn, followed by a knee to the ribs and a running kick to the head. Ilja jumped off the middle turnbuckle and hit a knee drop. Ilja went up top, jumped off, Zayn avoided it and Zayn hit a brainbuster for a two count. After Zayn hit some strikes, Ilja hit a knee lift and a German Suplex. Zayn came back with a German Suplex of his own. They fought over a grip again and Ilja hit another German Suplex. Ilja went up top, so Zayn went after him and Zayn hit a superplex. Both guys were down on the mat as the show went on a break for some fans. Ilja powered up Zayn into a belly-to-back suplex for two. Ilja hit Zayn with elbow smashes to the back. Ilja and Zayn exchanged palm strikes. Zayn hit a DDT for two. Ilja leaned against the ropes and shouted, “Let’s go” as if he was telling Zayn to bring it. I could hear the referee, Daphanie LaShaunn, tell them “30 seconds” because that’s how much time was left going into the break. She even counted down from 10. Zayn punched Ilja a few times in the head and Ilja was bleeding above his eyebrow.
They battled by the turnbuckle as Zayn hit a sunset flip Powerbomb that he likes to do in most matches. Ilja spun around the ropes and hit a lariat. Ilja went up top and hit a missile dropkick for a two count. Ilja went for the H-Bomb, but Zayn got a boot up to block it. Zayn tried a suplex and Ilja countered with a running kick. Ilja hit two running clotheslines on Zayn against the turnbuckle. Ilja ran the ropes, Zayn charged with a kick and Ilja avoided it, so Zayn hit the turnbuckle. They were on the apron as Ilja hit a Torpedo Moscow (running uppercut) to knock them off the apron to the floor. Zayn got back in before the ten count. Ilja hit a Powerbomb. Ilja went up top and jumped off with a senton splash, but Zayn got the knee up to the back of the head. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn hit the Helluva Kick for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: ***3/4 Great match by two awesome wrestlers who are among the best workers in WWE. It was very physical, with Ilja getting busted open during the match, while Zayn took a beating because of how hard Ilja can strike during a match like that. There were some crafty counters by Zayn during the match since he blocked the H-Bomb and the senton splash off the top, and Zayn was able to capitalize on that for the win. Zayn winning was the right call here. I think a lot of wrestlers in the business today (and coming up in the future) need to study Zayn and Dragunov because they are among the best sellers in the business. Sell moves, make it look believable and that’s the key to great pro wrestling. These guys know it, and do it so well.
Sami Zayn joins Damian Priest, Trick Williams and Randy Orton in the Fatal 4-Way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th for a shot at the WWE Title.
Analysis: That match is in Montreal, so the fans will be behind Zayn in his hometown. I think Zayn should win.
After the match, Sami Zayn celebrated the win, but Trick Williams was standing in the ring. Trick hit Zayn with a forearm to the back. Trick hit a Trick Shot knee to knock Zayn down. Trick stood tall over a fallen Zayn. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: Trick and Zayn had that promo face off in the past, so it was Trick’s way of sending a message ahead of the 4-way match next week.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Carmelo Hayes/Leon Slater
- Sami Zayn
- Ilja Dragunov
===
The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 8
===
Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
I enjoyed the last hour the most because of how good the Melo/Slater and Zayn/Dragunov matches were. When you can put on two matches that are that good within an hour then it’s going to stand out a lot.
The promo from Drew McIntyre to start the show was really well done. I also thought Cody Rhodes showed a lot of intensity when he addressed Jacob Fatu as well. That led to the Cody/Jacob fight, which was brief, but it was used to set up their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
In terms of the women’s division, I think SmackDown is behind Raw when it comes to that, but hopefully things get better on the blue brand.
===
Thanks for reading. Go, Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport