Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 01/30/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Jan 30, 2026 14:55 EST

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn exchanging words one night before the Royal Rumble, and a huge 8-man tag team match.

It’s a 12 p.m. ET edition of SmackDown for me since it’s in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, just one night before the Royal Rumble takes place in Riyadh. I’m watching on Netflix, and it airs in the US on USA Network later in the evening. The Royal Rumble on Saturday has a 2 p.m. ET start time, probably because there’s a two-hour pre-show before the PLE takes place. My Royal Rumble preview is here, so make sure to check that out before the show.

Last week at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sami Zayn won a big 4-way match to earn a WWE Title shot against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble. It was a great match. That’s the only SmackDown match at the Royal Rumble PLE, but there should be plenty of promos with wrestlers talking about how they are going to win the Rumble match.

From the KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this is SmackDown for episode #1380. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There were shots of WWE superstars before the show. A video package aired about Saturday Night’s Main Event last week, with Sami Zayn winning to set up his WWE Title match against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes made his entrance in dress clothes without a suit jacket because it’s probably a hot night. The fans sang along with “Kingdom” as usual and were fired up to see Cody as usual.

Cody asked Riyadh, what do they wanna talk about? Cody said he expected to trade punches with Jacob Fatu, and certainly, he found out that Cody was not who he thought he was. Cody said that the “fun” was prematurely ended by the WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre. The fans were singing for Drew. Cody said it sounded like they were ready for the Royal Rumble. Cody said that Drew won the title, but not the important thing that comes with it, and if he doesn’t know what that is, then he never will. Cody talked about how he could win the Royal Rumble for a third time, and it would make sense if he challenged Drew McIntyre. The fans actually booed Cody when he mentioned winning the Rumble. Cody said it may not be Drew because he faces Cody’s friend Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble. The fans cheered for Zayn. Cody said that in his career, he’s taken the road less traveled more than once, and he mentioned that CM Punk is the World Heavyweight Champion. Cody said that they had to do this eventually. Fans chanted for Punk. Cody said that he’s going into the Royal Rumble with something that nobody else in the field has – he has won it not once, but twice.

Analysis: It was interesting to hear the fans booing Cody Rhodes when he said he was going to win the Royal Rumble. These fans don’t want that, even though Cody was cheered by them a lot.

Randy Orton made his entrance wearing a RKO Everybody shirt, and the fans sang along with his “Voices” theme song. Orton did a slow walk down to the ring while the fans kept on singing his song. It really was loud by the fans, and that’s cool to hear.

The fans were so loud, so Orton told Saudi Arabia that he freakin’ loves them. They certainly showed Orton a lot of love. There were “RKO” chants. Orton said that everybody knows how he feels about Cody. Orton said that they are more than friends because they are like brothers, and Orton respects him. Orton said nobody was prouder than he was when Rhodes won the World Title, and Orton understood what it felt like to win the World Title. Orton said he knows that a desperate Cody is dangerous. Orton said that there is nothing more dangerous than a Viper chasing #15. Orton said they will not be friends or brothers and Orton will not respect anybody in that ring. Orton said if the opportunity presents itself, then he’ll throw Cody’s ass over the top rope without hesitation. Orton told Cody he’s not the only one who won the Royal Rumble twice because Orton did it too. Cody’s two years were 2023 and 2024, while Orton’s two years were 2009 and 2017.

Jey Uso made his entrance as one-half of the World Tag Team Champions. Jey ran down to the ring and did some Yeeting with the fans. Jey won the Rumble last year. The fans wanted more, so Jey did the “run it back” thing, and the song played some more, and the Yeeting continued.

Jey said that he knows Randy and Cody were talking about number three. Jey said he’s going to run in it back-to-back and walk out of WrestleMania as the World Heavyweight Champion again. Jey did a “Yeet” to end it.

Sami Zayn was the next babyface to join this promo party, and the fans loved him as usual. They sang along with Zayn’s song on his way to the ring. Zayn spoke in Arabic a bit, but then said as much as he’d like to speak in Arabic, he knows he’s in the ring with three of the absolute best. Zayn said that at the Royal Rumble, he faces Drew McIntyre for the WWE Title. Zayn said it’s the culmination of three stories that has been building for years now. Zayn said that he has never won the WWE Title, he’s lost to Drew McIntyre 11 times and Zayn has won 0 times, but Zayn added that he has never lost a match here in Saudi Arabia. Zayn said his plan was to walk out as the WWE Champion. Zayn said if one of you wins the Royal Rumble, it’s not going to be Drew McIntyre, it’s going to be Zayn.

The Vision’s Paul Heyman appeared with Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory. Heyman said that this is The Vision standing with him. Heyman said he sees four huge WWE superstars in the ring, but he sees no vision of all. Heyman said that Zayn won’t be WWE Champion. Heyman said that Jey, Cody and Randy Orton will not win the Royal Rumble. The fans chanted, “Shut the f**k up,” so the swear word was muted. Heyman said that at the Royal Rumble, you will learn that tomorrow night will be Bron Breakker’s night.

Randy Orton told Heyman to shut the hell up once and for all. Orton said he dared the four of them to pull their heads out of Heyman’s ass and come down to this ring for a Saudi Arabian ass kicking. The fans loved that, so they cheered a lot.

Nick Aldis, the SmackDown GM, showed up for the predictable announcement that we could all see coming. Aldis said we can all see where this is going. Aldis booked an 8-man tag team match with The Vision facing Orton, Rhodes, Zayn, and Jey tonight. The fans cheered. This opening segment without a commercial went about 28 minutes.

Analysis: There’s a massive tag team main event for later in the show. It was pretty obvious it was coming when The Vision and Heyman walked out there. I like it because seven of the guys are in the Royal Rumble match while Sami Zayn is in the WWE Title match, so it’s a way to tease what could happen at the Rumble when they all share the ring for a big tag team match. I actually think Triple H should book more tag team matches like this as TV main events on Raw and SmackDown because they don’t do them that often, but I think they work very well in terms of featuring big names.

A Carmelo Hayes US Title Open Challenge match was up next.

There was a commercial for the Royal Rumble this Saturday.

(Commercial)

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the US Champion. The Miz cost Ilja Dragunov his match against Melo last week. Rey Fenix is this week’s challenger for Melo. Two great athletes are in this match.

United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes vs. Rey Fenix

Rey hit an impressive arm drag off the top to take control. Rey hit a running kick to the chest. After Melo was knocked out of the ring, Rey hit a corkscrew plancha onto Melo on the floor. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.

It was Rey in control with kicks to the body. Rey missed a back elbow, and Melo hit a springboard clothesline. Melo hit Rey with some chops, Melo kicked Rey to knock him back, and Melo jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a DDT for two. That looked nasty. Melo and Rey each got two counts. Rey hit a spinning kick to the jaw. Rey teased a move off the shoulders, but Melo countered with a rollup for two. Rey came back with a kick to the face, Melo with a kick, Rey did a kip up and they each kicked eachother at the same time so they were both down in the ring. The fans were cheering and singing. Melo and Rey each hit double clotheslines. They went on a break for some fans again as the action continued. Melo and Rey each did kip-ups to show they were ready to continue. Melo and Rey exchanged forearm strikes. The strikes turned into punches and even slaps. Melo hit an elbow drop for a two count. Rey worked over Melo with punches to the ribs as they battled on the turnbuckle.

Rey went onto the ring post that has a flat surface on the top and Rey hit a double foot stomp to Melo’s back while Melo was on the turnbuckle. Rey hit an impressive springboard moonsault onto a standing Melo for a two count. Fenix hit a kick to the back, and Melo came back with La Mistica, spinning around the body and slamming Fenix into the mat. Melo hit a kick to the ribs, followed by another springboard DDT for two. Melo jumped off the top, Rey avoided it, and Rey hit a DDT for a two count. Rey charged, but Melo connected with the First 48 knee attack. Melo went up top and hit Nothing But Net leg drop to the back for the pinfall win after about 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very entertaining match between two talented workers. I thought they had good chemistry considering it was their first match together. There were some great DDTs by both guys. Fenix sold everything so well, and Melo was able to find a way to win, while continuing his title reign. I wonder if they have Melo’s old friend/enemy, Trick Williams, answer the open challenge one of these weeks, and Trick is the guy who could take the title. It might happen.

Ilja Dragunov was shown watching on a TV backstage when The Miz approached him. The Miz claimed that he, Melo, came to him last week, and he didn’t even know Ilja. Ilja said they could have had a chat to get to know eachother, but Miz cost Ilja his match. Ilja told Miz that tonight, his pain will entertain.

(Commercial)

A clip was shown from the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday when Brock Lesnar called in to say he’s going to be in the Royal Rumble match. Lesnar said he’s going to win.

Analysis: I don’t see Brock Lesnar winning, but I hope Oba Femi throws him out.

There was a backstage segment with R-Truth talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about balls for the Royal Rumble number draws. Damian Priest walked in with Aldis, saying Priest is in the Rumble. Priest picked his number and didn’t like it, but he said it’s okay because it gives him more time to throw people out.

Drew McIntyre was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Drew said that Sami Zayn was stupid for having a tag team match one night before their WWE Title match. Drew said he’ll do whatever it takes to keep his title, and he wondered if Zayn would do anything it takes to take the title from him.

(Commercial)

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Ripley said that they have overcome a lot and still remain friends. Sky said they are friends. Giulia and Kiana James showed up for some trash talk. Giulia and Sky spoke in Japanese to each other. James said their friendship isn’t in any danger. James said that it might be a different story when they take the Tag Team Titles and they become triple champions. Nia Jax and Lash Legend walked in to say that they are in the Rumble, so none of them stand a chance. Lash said that they got the winners of whoever wins the Women’s Tag Team Title match.

Analysis: It was the usual trash talk between women’s tag teams in WWE. I wish the men’s tag team division got more TV time because they are barely featured on this show.

Let’s Hear from Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

The women were dressed in attire that covered their bodies as usual in Saudi Arabia. Their heads and hands aren’t covered, but everything else is. Charlotte Flair said that they are one day away from the Women’s Royal Rumble. Flair said she’s winning the Rumble, going to WrestleMania and there’s nobody that she would rather have watch her back than her best friend, Lexie. Bliss said that she had the same plan. Bliss said she was planning on winning the Royal Rumble. Flair said she’s won twice, so the odds are in her favor. Bliss said she had the first women’s match in the Middle East, and she’s going to win the first Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Bliss said that Flair didn’t need her help to win. Bliss held Flair’s hand, saying that not everything is about her. Flair wondered if she turned her back to Bliss, then Bliss would toss her over the top rope. Bliss asked if Flair was going to toss her? Here’s the interruption.

The Judgment Day trio of Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez made their interruption. Liv mocked the two besties fighting. Liv said that while they are backstabbing, one of them is going to win the Royal Rumble. Bliss said that didn’t seem like much of a plan, and Flair told them to come to the ring to find out if they are friends. Liv teased going to the ring, but then Liv said that they had better things to do because they had the Rumble tomorrow.

Nick Aldis showed up to make another tag team match. Aldis said he knows The Judgment Day aren’t officially on SmackDown, but if you are on the stage, you can be put into a match. Aldis said any two of them will face Flair in a match right now.

Analysis: That’s the second tag team match booked based on a promo on the show. There wasn’t much advertised going into this show, and now you see why, because they are doing the impromptu tag team thing twice.

(Commercial)

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Judgment Day – Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez)

The heel side took control early as they used a distraction and Liv hit Flair with a forearm to the back. Flair countered her two opponents with a double suplex. Bliss hit a baseball slide kick to knock both opponents down. Perez was able to take control of Bliss after a distraction from Liv. There was a running knee by Liv. Bliss hit a low dropkick on Liv. Raquel tripped up Bliss without the referee seeing it and Liv hit an enziguri kick for two. Perez went for a sunset flip, but Bliss came back with a low dropkick. Perez kept Bliss from tagging out. Perez hit an uppercut against the ropes and Perez hit a forearm to the back. Liv was back in control as the show went to break, and I’ll take a break too.

Liv was in control of Bliss, who was the face in peril for several minutes. Bliss tried to break free with punches, but Liv hit a knee and they rolled around the ring for multiple pin attempts. Bliss slapped Liv to knock her down. Flair got the hot tag with a boot and a cross body block on both opponents. Flair went on a chop fest on both opponents. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline on Liv. Flair gave Perez a fallaway slam. Flair went up top and hit a moonsault on both opponents. It wasn’t that pretty, but it was effective as Flair got a two count on Liv for two. Liv came back with an enziguri kick on Flair, then Flair came back with a kick and Bliss hit a neckbreaker. Perez was back in to hold Bliss and the heels hit Codebreaker into a Russian legsweep. Flair made the save and hit a Natural Selection. Raquel got involved, so Stephanie Vaquer appeared and grabbed her and hit a superkick. Perez was distracted by that. Bliss hit Sister Abigail on Perez for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes. Perez was bleeding from the face, so they had a towel for her to cover it up.

Winners by pinfall: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

Analysis: *** A solid match with a chaotic ending since Raquel went on the apron, Vaquer neutralized her, and it was enough to help Flair and Bliss get the win. Most of the match was about the heels controlling the faces until the faces made their comebacks. All four women are very good in the ring, so it was no surprise that it was an entertaining TV match.

Jordynne Grace was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Grace said that the Royal Rumble can change your life, and she’s going to bet on her life. Grace said she’s going to win the Royal Rumble, so then Jade Cargill showed up to attack her. Grace fought back. They were separated by referees and officials.

Analysis: There will probably be a Jade Cargill-Jordynne Grace match soon, but nothing has been announced.

Axiom made his entrance for singles action with his buddy Nathan Frazer joining him.

A commercial aired for WWE Unreal on Netflix.

(Commercial)

Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae were walking backstage. Nick Aldis informed them that LeRae was banned from ringside. Aldis said if Axiom wins, then he gets to have his mask back. Gargano complained.

During the entrance of Axiom, a graphic appeared on screen saying that Bron Breakker was the #1 entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble. That can obviously be changed by WWE, but it was shown, and fans are wound up about it, I’m sure.

WWE accidentally spoils Bron Breakker being the #1 entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/toXvgXtICR

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 30, 2026

Axiom (w/Nathan Frazer) vs. Johnny Gargano

The fans were singing Gargano’s name early on. Axiom hit a jumping kick. They locked hands, Axiom went to the ropes, and Gargano crotched Axiom on the floor. Gargano hit a suicide dive onto Axiom, who bumped into the barricade. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Back in the ring, Gargano hit a slingshot Spear. Gargano hit a dragon screw leg whip. Gargano grabbed a chinlock. Axiom got an inside cradle for two, and then Axiom hit a dropkick.

Axiom and Gargano exchanged strikes. Gargano hit an enziguri kick. Axiom hit a Spanish Fly for two. Axiom hit a hurricanrana out of the ring. Axiom went up top and hit a moonsault onto Gargano on the floor. Axiom went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Gargano came back with a Michinoku Driver for a two count. They went up top, and Axiom hit a Spanish Fly off the top. Axiom charged, but Gargano countered with a superkick. Gargano got a rollup with tights. Gargano ripped the mask off Axiom’s face and Gargano celebrated that. Frazer pointed behind Gargano. Axiom put the blue mask on that Gargano stole from him and Axiom hit a Golden Ratio kick on Gargano for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Axiom

Analysis: ***1/4 That’s likely the end of the “stolen mask” story, which isn’t the greatest story in wrestling history. I like the guys involved in this, and I’m happy they are getting TV time, but it was a weak story to begin with. The fans didn’t seem to care about Axiom much until he got revenge on Gargano at the end. I think Gargano is a lot better as a babyface compared to a heel, so now that Ciampa is gone, maybe they should turn Gargano into a face again.

Carmelo Hayes approached Ilja Dragunov to deny what Miz was saying earlier. Ilja said he’s going to take care of The Miz, and then he’s expecting Melo to give him a shot at the US Title.

AJ Styles is up next.

(Commercial)

It was announced earlier today that CM Punk is the cover athlete on the WWE 2K26 video game. Congrats to Punk for that.

Trick Williams was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Trick bragged about his shoes. Trick talked about how people love him everywhere he goes, and he’s going to be on his way to win the Royal Rumble and be on his way to WrestleMania.

Let’s Hear from AJ Styles…and Gunther

The “Phenomenal” AJ Styles made his entrance to a big ovation. At the Royal Rumble, Styles puts his career on the line against Gunther. The fans chanted his name.

Styles welcomed Riyadh to SmackDown, which is the house that AJ Styles built. Styles said he has kind of a big match tomorrow at the Royal Rumble. Styles said that some of you are worried about tomorrow. Styles said don’t worry about it because he’s going to knock Gunther’s teeth down his throat. Styles said that when he beats Gunther, he’s going to start his Phenomenal Farewell Tour. Styles said one more time against Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and the fans chanted “CM Punk” at him. Style said one more time against CM Punk.

Gunther showed up at ringside in dress clothes,s and he stood on the commentary table while Styles was in the ring. Gunther said none of AJ’s future plans are going to happen. Gunther said that at the Royal Rumble, he’ll end AJ’s career, and he did to his buddy John Cena. Gunther said he’s going to make Styles tap out. Styles said that “Professor” Gunther, because last time he checked, Gunther was the one who tapped out like a little bitch. Gunther took his jacket off and teased fighting with Styles, but Gunther stopped on the apron rather than go into the ring. Gunther left.

Analysis: A simple promo exchange by AJ Styles and Gunther. Styles doesn’t want us to worry because he claims he’s going to win, but it’s easier said than done. I’m picking Styles to win, but it’s far from a sure thing.

Tama Tonga approached Shinsuke Nakamura backstage while Tama had the WWE Tag Team Title on his shoulders. Tama wondered what happened to Nakamura. Tama said that the Nakamura he knew would have beaten AJ Styles. Tama suggested that Nakamura have the Shinsuke Sayonara Tour. Nakamura laughed at how confident Tama is now. Nakamura challenged Tama to a match next week.

The Miz made his entrance for singles action.

The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Roman Reigns returning for the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Reigns is a popular pick to win.

Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz

I missed a couple of minutes early on in this match. The Miz cleared the ring with a boot to the face to knock Ilja out of the ring. They went on a break for some fans, so Miz continued his attack with a kick. They battled on the floor and Miz sent Ilja into the barricade.

The Miz was on offense with a back body drop, followed by a backbreaker/neckbreaker combo. Ilja came back with punches, Miz hit a chop, and Ilja came back with a step up enziguri kick. Ilja worked over Miz with chops. Miz hit a boot to the face, Ilja bounced off the ropes and hit a Constantine Special lariat for a two count. Ilja hit a German Suplex on Miz two times in a row. Miz hit some elbows to the head, so Ilja picked up Miz and hit a spinebuster-like slam. Ilja charged, but Miz countered with a kick to the leg and a DDT for two. The Miz worked over Ilja with kicks to the chest. Ilja went for a jumping kick, Miz avoided it and Miz hit a running clothesline. Miz climbed to the top, where Ilja stopped him with a chop to the body. Miz did an eye gouge and shoved Ilja off the turnbuckle. Miz jumped off the top with nothing, so Ilja hit a Torpedo Moscow uppercut. Ilja hit the H-Bomb forearm smash for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ilja Dragunov

Analysis: ***1/4 A solid win for Dragunov over Miz, who never wins. Miz controlled most of the match while Dragunov did a great job of selling as usual. Dragunov got the win as payback for Miz costing Dragunov the US Title match last week.

Solo Sikoa and MFTs were featured backstage. Solo said they took the lantern and the WWE Tag Team Titles. Solo said he promised to take everything away. Solo said that these Tag Team Titles are not for him. Solo said that these Tag Team Titles are for his family. The titles were placed on Talla’s shoulders. Solo claimed he’ll win the Royal Rumble and bring the WWE Title back to his family.

Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy and The Wyatt Sicks appeared in a video with poor quality. Bo said that Solo is wrong if he thinks this is over. Bo said that their lantern and the Tag Team Championships will come back to them. Bo said that when they do, the millions of fireflies around the world will illuminate your insecurities. Bo said that Solo’s greed will be their demise.

Analysis: I wasn’t a huge fan of the MFTs/Wyatt Sicks feud, and I was hoping that it would be done last week, but it sounds like there’s more coming in the future. It also sounds like Solo Sikoa isn’t going to defend the Tag Team Titles, which makes sense.

The announcers did a rundown of the Royal Rumble card:

* Men’s Royal Rumble Match

* AJ Styles vs. Gunther – If Styles loses, then he must retire

* Women’s Royal Rumble Match

* Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn

The Royal Rumble streams live on Saturday, January 31, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, exclusively on ESPN in the United States and Netflix internationally.

The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory made their entrance with Paul Heyman. That main event tag team match is next.

(Commercial)

The video aired promoting Oba Femi in the Royal Rumble match. I think he’s going to be a big factor in the Rumble match.

Jey Uso was up first for his team as we got to see the end of his entrance. Randy Orton was up next, with the fans singing along with his “Voices” song again. These fans did a great job of singing it and you could tell how much Orton loved it. I guess when you have a 3-hour show, there is plenty of time to do five-minute entrances for people sometimes. I certainly don’t mind it because I think it’s cool. Sami Zayn was next and when he got into the ring, The Vision attacked the babyfaces.

Cody Rhodes ran down to the ring, so there was no long entrance for him since he got the long entrance earlier. The eight guys were brawling around the ring. The fans sang Cody’s song even after it stopped playing. The babyfaces cleared the ring. Jey and Zayn each hit somersault dives over the top onto the heels on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the match began.

Analysis: It was a good way to show how much they wanted to fight before going to a break for some fans, and then settling things down before starting the match.

The Vision – Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul & Austin Theory vs. Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

Zayn started with Theory and hit a clothesline. Theory drove Zayn into the turnbuckle, which led to Reed hitting some strikes. Zayn was able to break free from the heels as Jey worked over Bron with punches. Jey punched Bron to knock him down. Cody tagged in for a shot on Bron, and Zayn was back in with an elbow smash on the arm. Cody wrenched on Bron’s left arm. Cody lost focus a bit, so then Bron ran the ropes and hit a clothesline. The Vision made some quick tags as they isolated Cody as the face in peril. Reed worked over Cody with punches. Logan tagged in with knee lifts to the ribs. Logan hit a gutwrench suplex on Cody. Bron tagged in to choke Cody across the middle rope. Theory pulled Cody out of the ring and sent Cody into the barricade. They went on a break for some fans again as the action continued. Theory suplexed Cody for a two count. Logan was back in with kicks to the ribs and a splash. Logan took down Cody with a waistlock. Cole said he’ll never be in the Rumble again and Wade said Thank God for that. I agree. Reed hit an elbow drop on Cody.

The Vision remained in control as they worked over Cody. Logan missed a corner splash, Cody broke free and Cody suplexed Bron. Theory tagged in, missed an elbow drop and Reed tagged in to knock two guys off the apron. Cody avoided a senton splash by Reed, so Orton got the hot tag. Orton was on fire with clotheslines and a powerslam on Theory. Orton hit a draping DDT on Theory. Logan was back in with a forearm to knock Orton down. Zayn was back in as he sent Logan out of the ring. Bron sent Zayn out of the ring, Jey sent Bron out of the ring, Reed sent Jey out of the ring and Cody ducked to send Reed out of the ring. Theory dumped Cody out of the ring. Those were several Rumble elimination previews back to back. Orton hit an RKO on Theory for two because Logan made the save. There was a parade of big moves by wrestlers going into the ring and then going to the floor. Zayn hit a Tornado DDT on Reed. Zayn set up for the Helluva Kick, but Drew McIntyre pulled Zayn out of the ring and beat him up with punches. There’s the DQ. Drew sent Zayn into the ring post. It went about 13 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

Analysis: ***1/4 It was fun while it lasted, with Cody Rhodes as the face in peril for most of it, then there was the parade of finishers, and that led to Drew McIntyre ruining it. I think it’s a case of WWE not wanting any of these eight guys to take a pin on the day before the Royal Rumble, so I’m not surprised by the DQ ending. I enjoyed some of the interactions in the match, like Cody-Bron, and the fans loved Orton when he got in there after the hot tag.

Post match, Jacob Fatu’s music hit and he punched Drew out of the ring. Fatu hit a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Cody hit a suicide dive on Fatu at ringside. Cody sent Fatu into the ring post. Drew sent Cody into the ring post. Drew set up a Claymore Kick, but Zayn got back into it with a Helluva Kick on Drew to knock him out of the ring. Zayn looked at the WWE Title on the mat and Zayn picked it up, but Cody grabbed it at the same time. Cody and Zayn turned around to see Bron Breakker get back into the ring with a double Spear. Bron posed to end the show.

Analysis: Good post match angle with different people getting some moments to shine. I thought maybe Roman Reigns might appear, but obviously that is being saved for the Royal Rumble itself. It made sense for Jacob Fatu to want to go after McIntyre and for Rhodes to go after Fatu. Zayn got the advantage on McIntyre with the Helluva Kick, but I doubt Zayn wins at the Royal Rumble. Breakker standing tall to end it could be a preview of the Royal Rumble since he’s my pick to win. We’ll find out soon.

===

Three Stars of the Show

Carmelo Hayes
Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso
Ilja Dragunov

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 6.5

2026 Average: 7.35

===

Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

They did a pretty good job of promoting the Royal Rumble PLE throughout the show. While I have complained a fair bit about past WWE shows not promoting the Rumble enough, they did a much better job here.

Once again, Carmelo Hayes had the best match on the show with Rey Fenix. Melo gets to have those longer matches with the US Title on the line, and usually delivers the goods. I enjoyed.

The main event had a lot of star power and also a predictable ending with the DQ. I didn’t expect a clean finish. I like how Bron Breakker got the final blow to preview what could be a Royal Rumble win.

The WWE Royal Rumble takes place this Saturday, January 31st, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s the lineup.