SmackDown gives us the match that was meant to be!

Drew McIntyre is back in action on SmackDown, ready to fight alongside Sheamus against The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships! Will the Celtic Connection be the ones to end the reign?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Santos Escobar w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Escobar wins.
• Mixed Tag: Karrion Kross & Scarlet Bordeaux VS Madcap Moss & Emma; Kross & Bordeaux win.
• SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Sonya Deville; Charlotte wins and retains the title.
• Men’s Royal Rumble Qualifier: Ricochet VS Top Dolla w/ Hit Row; Ricochet wins and enters the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
• Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Drew McIntyre & Sheamus; The Usos win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Bloodline is wreaking havoc to open SmackDown!

It’s a lot like this past Monday Night Raw, with the Usos & Solo Sikoa throwing stuff around and Sami Zayn ranting and raving on the announce desk! But here comes THE TRIBAL CHIEF! Roman Reigns and the Wise Man, Paul Heyman, are here in Memphis, and of course Roman raises the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline holds up the fingers and the introductions are made as Roman and Heyman continue to the ring to join the others. They raise the fingers and the belts for the second round of pyro. Heyman holds onto the belts for Roman and hands over the mic. Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” and Roman says, “Memphis, Tennessee! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!”

Fans cheer, and Roman tells The Wise Man, “We’re gonna start things off a little differently tonight. I’ma give y’all what you want. Cuz I’d like to hear from the Honorary Uce, Sami Zayn, now.” Fans cheer and Sami is honored. Sami takes the mic to tell his Tribal Chief and the fans, “You all saw how we kicked off the show. Just like we kicked off Raw, the same we are kicking off all of 2023, we are putting everybody on notice that this year belongs to The Bloodline!

“And we are starting 2023 right. Monday Night Raw, we showed up to send a message. And that’s exactly what we did. Solo went out there, won his match. The Usos & Sami Zayn went out there, won our match. We are sending a message this year!” Fans cheer that, and Roman says, “Yeah! But I don’t really care to talk about this year. I wanna talk about what happened last year. I don’t know if you tuned in last week, but me and Sami, we had the biggest SmackDown match of the year against John Cena & Kevin Owens. And what do you think happened?” Fans point out that they lost. Roman says some say they lost, and then he laughs at that.

“And that’s just something I don’t understand, because the Tribal Chief don’t lose. It’s not in my make-up, it’s not in my DNA, so I had to think about that, I had to sit on that, I had to chew on that.” And Roman realized he didn’t lose, Sami lost! Sami’s shoulders were on the mat. Roman didn’t lose, so he doesn’t really care. Let’s move forward from that. But what’s confusing for Roman, the thing he can’t figure out… is why did Sami call his shot? Why did he guarantee the win? Why’d he do that? Roman does that, Roman calls his shots, and the Tribal Chief always delivers and there’s never a problem.

It’s embarrassing when you call your shot like Babe Ruth, and then you fail to deliver. That’s why Roman had to keep asking himself. Does Sami wanna be Tribal Chief? Why is Sami doing things like Roman? Is he trying to be Roman? Does he want to do what Roman does? Does he think he can do this better than Roman? Think about it, from Roman’s position at the very top. You always have to be concerned, with eyes in the back of your head. Why does Sami think he can do that? Does Sami want to be Roman? Sami shakes his head and says no.

Roman suddenly gets mad at Sami! “Do you wanna be me? Do you wanna be the Tribal Chief? Do you wanna run the Bloodline? Do you think you’re fit to take on the burden?!” But wait! Here comes Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter followed them over from Raw, and he looks at the Bloodline as he says, “Before things go too far here, Roman, I think you need to calm down, take a deep breath or two.” What’s happening is some misdirected anger. Roman is always so calm, cool and collected, Kevin can’t remember the last time he saw Roman like this. Actually, no, the last time we saw Roman like this, Kevin was the cause.

And here tonight, Kevin is also the cause of it. Roman’s problem isn’t with Sami. The problem is with Kevin. Roman’s been saying for weeks that he has a KO problem and it’s starting to drive him crazy. So Roman needs to show everyone what The Tribal Chief does, and he needs to take care of that problem! Kevin doesn’t wanna tell Roman what to do, but a good way to take care of the problem is in a match at the Royal Rumble, for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship! Fans like the sound of that! Roman says, “Yeah, sure, whatever, I don’t care! I don’t care about you! All I want from you is to disappear, to go away, leave, FOREVER!”

Kevin says, “Y’know what, Roman, after what we did to you last Friday, after I beat you, I’m in a great mood. So I’ll give it to you. I’ll leave, but not forever. Roman, I’ll see you at the Royal Rumble. And Sami, I’ll see you whenever you manage to dig your balls out of Roman’s pocket.” The Prizefighter has his prizefight! Will he also get his revenge on the Tribal Chief once and for all?

Charlotte Flair arrives backstage.

The FOURTEEN-TIME WWE Women’s Champion is in Memphis, what will The Queen have to say about her newest reign?

Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Santos Escobar w/ Legado Del Fantasma!

The NXT Tag Team Champions return to SmackDown, and replay footage shows us that a New Day interview was interrupted by Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar pointed out that year after year, we’ve gotten highlight after highlight of Kofi in the Royal Rumble. He is nothing short of legendary. But as entertaining it is to see Kofi in the Rumble, Escobar says he’s gonna have even more fun eliminating Kofi from it. Kofi took that as a challenge, will he prove to Escobar that the sun has NOT set on the New Day?

The bell rings and the two rush in. Escobar and Kofi tie up, go around, and Escobar puts Kofi in a corner. The ref counts, Escobar lets off cleanly, but then he kicks low! Fans rally for Kofi but Escobar scowls. Escobar throws hands, whips Kofi to ropes, but Kofi ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Escobar ends up in a corner, Kofi runs in but Escobar puts him on the apron. Escobar DECKS Kofi, then he baseball dropkicks him! But Kofi shows that Rumble survivability by hitting a handstand! But Escobar pushes the feet! Kofi gets those feet on the steel steps! Just like the Rumble! Kofi then hurries back in, and he GAMANGIRIS Escobar!

Kofi climbs and CROSSBODIES, then he whips Escobar up and out to “eliminate” him! Escobar is furious but the New Day and Memphis are all fired up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Escobar runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE Kofi in the corner! Cover, TWO! Kofi hangs tough, but Escobar grins as he stalks Kofi to ropes. Escobar talks trash, then KICKS Kofi in the side! Kofi throws a haymaker, Escobar gives it back! Escobar fires off, CHOPS Kofi, and Kofi staggers away. Escobar whips Kofi into the corner, but Kofi goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up for Kofi while both men are down! Fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” but Escobar throws forearms and haymakers. Escobar whips corner to corner, runs in but is put on the apron! Kofi ROCKS Escobar, but he hops to the steps!

Fans boo, but Woods spooks Escobar with a trombone toot! Escobar hops off the steps and he’s “eliminated” again! Kofi drags Escobar up to the apron but Escobar HOTSHOTS him away! Escobar runs in to DROPKICK Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Escobar kicks Kofi around, Vega wants this to finish, but Escobar talks trash. “I will win the Royal Rumble, not you!” Escobar whips, Kofi wheelbarrows to victory roll! TWO!! Escobar escapes, both men go to corners. Escobar runs in at Kofi, but is sent into buckles! Escobar swings on Kofi, Kofi dodges to DOUBLE CHOP! And DOUBLE CHOP! And DROPKICK! Fans fire up but LDF panics!

Kofi runs, Escobar dodges and body shots! Escobar fireman’s carries but Kofi slips off to shove. Kofi catches Escobar for SOS!! Cover, TWO!! Escobar escapes again and Woods says that was so good! Vega is freaking out as Kofi drags Escobar up. Escobar shoves Kofi away, runs in but into a SWING KICK! Kofi climbs up, but Escobar springs up after him! Escobar ROCKS Kofi with fists, then whistles as he stands Kofi up. But Kofi fights back with body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Escobar falls, Kofi stands up! AX HAND- KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while LDF is furious! Kofi and Escobar crawl to opposite corners again.

Fans clap, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi runs in, but Escobar catches his double stomps! Escobar tosses Kofi up, but Kofi comes down with a DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives and Woods can’t believe it! Kofi staggers up, he PENALTY KICKS Escobar, and then he fires up! Fans fire up for the NEW~ DAY~ BOOM DROP! Kofi goes to a corner and he claps it up with the fans! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” But Cruz Del Toro distracts! The ref reprimands him but Joaquin Wilde anchors Kofi’s feet! Woods rushes over but Vega stands in the way! Kofi kicks Wilde, but Escobar CALF KICKS Kofi! Fireman’s carry, PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Escobar wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall

LDF steals one from KofiMania! But if he needed his whole team to win this, will Escobar stand a chance in the 30 man free-for-all that is the Rumble?

Sami Zayn knocks on the Bloodline’s door.

Heyman answers it and Sami says he has to talk to Roman! Sami has to explain that he doesn’t wanna be the Tribal Chief! He has to! Heyman tells Sami that now is not the time. But can’t Heyman- The Usos walk over, they shake Heyman’s hand but feel bad for Sami. The Usos go into the room, and Heyman reminds Sami that life on the Island of Relevancy is about staying three steps ahead at all times. Even three steps down the road is bad timing. But think about this: Heyman still loves Sami. Heyman walks into the room, leaving Sami out in the cold. What can the Honorary Uce do to get back in the Tribal Chief’s good graces?

Liv Morgan speaks.

“The Royal Rumble. I mean, 30 women fighting for the same spot sounds like complete chaos. But luckily for me, I live for chaos. Entering the Royal Rumble last, that would be the easy thing to do, right? But if I had it my way, I’d enter the ring first and beat the crap out of every single superstar that came down there after me. So if anyone else in the locker room still thinks they can come out on top and move on to WrestleMania, haha! Watch me.” Liv is ready to push herself to the limit, will she get her wish?

Backstage interview with LA Knight.

Kayla Braxton asks The Megastar, “After last week’s bizarre encounter with Uncle Howdy, how’re you feeling about your Pitch Black Match with Bray Wyatt at the Royal Rumble?” Knight says, “Lemme talk to ya! I found myself earlier today walking through Memphis, and I thought to myself, ‘Do I really feel the way I feel?’ YEAH! I feel damn good!” But not because he’s in Memphis, no one feels good here. But he feels good cuz Bray’s plans blew up in his face last week cuz he couldn’t keep his thugs in line! He got a Sister Abigail for his troubles, and now all Knight has to do is walk into the Royal Rumble, kick what’s left, and ain’t nobody talking about Bray’s return after that, NAH NAH!

Everyone will be talking about one thing: L A KNIGHT, YEAH! Cuz when the lights go down, Bray’s lights go out, and that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life! YEAH! But will Knight fail to see what’s about to happen to him in three weeks in San Antonio?

Mixed Tag: Karrion Kross & Scarlet Bordeaux VS Madcap Moss & Emma!

For the first time ever, Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday team together in order to bring about the apocalypse! Will Riddick and the Aussie with Attitude be able to survive? Or will they have no choice but to #FallAndPray?

SmackDown returns and the match is already underway. Kross has Moss in a chinlock but Moss fights up. Moss throws body shots but Kross knees low. Moss kicks back to DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up. Kross and Moss crawl, hot tags to Scarlett and Emma! Emma hits a THESZ PRESS and rains down fists! Emma drags Scarlett up to bump her off buckles! And then off more buckles! Emma then whips Scarlett to ropes but Scarlett reverses, only for Emma to CLOBBER her! Fans fire up with Emma and she run sin to forearm smash! Emma runs and hits the EMMAMITE SANDWICH! Cover, TWO!

Emma drags Scarlett and underhooks, but Scarlett wrenches out to ROCK Emma! Emma ROCKS Scarlett back, runs, but the boot is deflected! Scarlett clinches for a T-BONE SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Emma escapes but Scarlett snarls. She drags Emma up, scoops but Emma slips off! Emma shoves and then spins Scarlett around to a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Emma runs to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover but Kross drags Emma off it! Fans boo and the ref reprimands, men aren’t to touch the women and vice-versa! Emma SLAPS Kross, though! Fans fire up but Kross grins. Kross storms up on Emma, but Moss tags in! Moss ROCKS Kross!

Moss runs in to CLOBBER Kross! Moss whips, Kross reverses and Scarlett trips Moss up! Kross CLOBBERS Moss! But then Emma rushes Scarlett! Scarlett POSTS Emma! Scarlett grins, and she TOSSES Emma over the announce desk! Kross scoops,  Moss slips out, and Moss runs in but Kross send shim into buckles! KROSSHAMMER!! KROSSJACKET!! Moss is OUT, Kross & Scarlett win!

Winners: Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux, by submission

Kross says that’s three times he’s defeated Moss! And then, Scarlett puts a Rey Mysterio styled mask on Moss! Kross ends one chapter while sending a message about the next! Will Kross get his hands on the legend of lucha libre and change the timeline?

Sheamus & Drew McIntyre visited Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar.

The Celtic Warrior told the Scottish Warrior, “Standing in the same right with ya these last couple of months… has made me want to smash your face in just a little bit less, yeah?” McIntyre says talk like that got them in that mess in the first place. That, and Sheamus kept kicking McIntyre in the head. Sheamus says that’s a good point. But all that aside, Sheamus is proud to call McIntyre an honorary brute. Well, Fella, McIntyre appreciates that. Sheamus thinks back to their feud, when they beat the crap outta each other in the ThunderDome, and tore the place down at Fastlane. Does McIntyre remember that? Okay, the “friendly” smacks on the shoulder are getting a bit hard…

McIntyre says he does remember! And who could forget their Donnybrook match? They used every weapon in the building, beat each other to pieces with them, and McIntyre’s surprised they’re still standing! The smacks are almost chops now… Sheamus and McIntyre laugh, and they say if they can do that to each other, just imagine what they’ll do to the Usos tonight on SmackDown? Yeah, they’re the ones to take down the ones, tear them apart, and then tear it up in Memphis! They’re gonna have the party of a lifetime! And why’s that? Because when the lads are in town, it’s banger, after banger, after banger! The bar gets in on that one! AFTER BANGER!!

Will the Celtic Connection take this fire and use it to burn down the reign of Jimmy & Jey Uso? Or will the Bloodline still have gold running through their veins?

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

The Queen wears her robe and the SmackDown Women’s Championship as she struts down the ramp and has her pyro go off. Charlotte enters the ring, gets the mic, and fans “WOO~!” Charlotte shouts out Memphis, and asks them, “Did you miss your queen? That’s what I thought. I missed you guys, too. And I’d been thinking, what’s that catchphrase? Payback’s a…?” Fans say, “B*tch!” but Charlotte says nevermind, you can just ask Ronda. She knows. Fans chant, “Thank You, Charlotte!” Charlotte says she never thought she’d hear that, so she thanks them.

Charlotte notes that she was away for eight months. And love her or hate her, she genuinely was overwhelmed by the fans’ reaction when she won the title last week in Tampa, Florida. And whether you like to cheer her or boo her, or maybe, “WOO~” her, she has always been about three things: passion; consistency; and dedication for what she does in the ring. Now Charlotte might be a lot of things to a lot of people, but what she isn’t is complacent. She will always do more, ask for more, and demand more. She will not rest, will not coast, and will knock down any obstacle or any person who stands in her way! That is what a champion does!

“A champion expects the unexpected and rises to every occasion! And ladies and gentlemen, that is what I have done fourteen times!” But wait, here comes Sonya Deville! Definitely unexpected. Sonya wants everyone to hold on. She gives Charlotte her due, but says the hillbillies in the building might not be bright enough to see through the lies, but Sonya is and does. Charlotte is here bragging about being a champion, but the thing is… There should be an asterisk next to this fourteenth. Charlotte beat up a half-dead Ronda Rousey? CoNgRaTs~! Fans chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” and Charlotte double checks if they mean Sonya.

Sonya shouts that she has a question for Charlotte! How will Charlotte fare against a fresh fighter? Oh, Sonya’s a fighter! Okay! Sonya says damn right! She is THE fighter! And if Charlotte wants to prove she’s a real champ, she’ll put the title on the line right now! What does Memphis think? Should Charlotte do that? Fans chant, “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” Charlotte says challenge accepted, “trick.” A ref hurries out, the belt is raised, and we have a match!

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Sonya Deville!

The bell rings, Charlotte puts her robe aside, and Sonya attacks Charlotte from behind! Sonya mocks the fans, and fires off forearms on Charlotte as she shouts, “Whoop that trick!” Sonya runs, but Charlotte BOOTS her down! Fans fire up and Sonya flops out of the ring while SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Sonya drags Charlotte up to bring her to the corner, but Charlotte turns things around to bump Sonya off the buckles! Charlotte ROCKS Sonya, puts her leg on the ropes, then drops a knee on the- NO, Sonya dodges to CHOP BLOCK Charlotte’s leg! Sonya runs to KNEE Charlotte down! Cover, TWO! Sonya is frustrated, but she drags Charlotte up and CLUBS her with crossface forearms! Sonya clamps on a chinlock and she grinds Charlotte into the mat. Charlotte endures, fans rally up, and Charlotte fights up. Sonya thrashes Charlotte, grinds her down again, but Charlotte fights up to her feet.

Fans continue to chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” and Charlotte RAMS Sonya into the corner! Charlotte arm-drags free, but Sonya runs back in. Sonya is sent into buckles, and Charlotte GAMANGIRIS Sonya down! Sonya flounders, and Charlotte rallies on her with big clotheslines! Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fans “WOO~” with each one! Sonya swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up! Sonya is in a corner, Charlotte runs in but into a BOOT! Sonya goes up the corner, leaps, but Charlotte dodges the knee! Charlotte handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Charlotte smirks as Sonya survives and flops to the ring.

Charlotte storms over and brings Sonya up. Sonya HOTSHOTS Charlotte back! Sonya slides in, but Charlotte SPEARS! Charlotte then gets the legs, for the FIGURE FOUR, into the FIGURE EIGHT! Sonya taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)

The first defense wasn’t planned but it is in the books as Charlotte’s win! Will the Queen’s fourteenth reign be her best yet?

WWE looks at Cody Rhodes’ journey back.

It was April 2, 2022, when the American Nightmare returned home to the WWE at WrestleMania. Cody never thought he would, but you can never say never. And coming out of WrestleMania, Cody felt everyone understood that he has another shot at living the dream. Cody wants to make his father proud. He can’t bestow the WWE Universal Championship to his father, but he can certainly hold onto it for his father. But just as Cody was finally ready, a pectoral injury has slowed him down. The story continues.

Lacey Evans continues her training.

The narrator says, “Your Marine Corps. martial arts training has led you here, ready for all, but yielding to none.” Lacey is at the WEW Performance Center, sparring against four prospects at once! Close quarters, counter attacks, and identifying weaknesses to strike with precision, Lacey is the weapon, and her new method of destruction: the Cobra Clutch! Lacey makes all the trainees tap out. What will be Lacey’s next mission?

Men’s Royal Rumble Qualifier: Ricochet VS Top Dolla w/ Hit Row!

It seems that as everyone was teasing Top Dolla’s Botchamania worthy flop, The One and Only was apparently one joker too many. But will Ricochet prove why he’s the King of Flight? Or will the Dolla be king by winning his way to the Royal Rumble?

SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The bell rings and Dolla rushes in! Ricochet slips out to the apron, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then GAMANGIRIS Dolla away! Ricochet springboards but Dolla catches him! To then TOSS him across the way! Dolla dares Ricochet to make jokes now! Ricochet stands up, into a BOOT! Dolla covers, TWO! Dolla scowls as he drags Ricochet to the ropes. Dolla CHOKES Ricochet, the ref counts, and Dolla lets off at 4. Fans rally for Ricochet but all of Hit Row is talking trash on Ricochet. Ricochet staggers up, Dolla puts him on the ropes again and CHOKES him more!

The ref counts, reprimands, and Dolla lets off to YANK Ricochet back. Fans boo but Dolla says, “Who hotta than Top Dolla?” Dolla runs, does his shimmy, but Ricochet KICKS him! Then gets a cradle! TWO!! Dolla escapes, Ricochet dodges and comes back, tilt-o-whirl SLICED BREAD! Ricochet then goes up top and fans fire up! SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to the Royal Rumble match)

The One and Only just made Dolla drop! But Dolla cools off and shows respect by offering a handshake. Fans aren’t so sure, but Ricochet accepts it. They hug it out, it’s water under the bridge now. But then Adonis hits the LONG KISS GOOD NIGHT! Dolla says this is what Ricochet wanted! Ricochet thinks he’s better? Thinks he can joke?! B-Fab SLAPS Ricochet down! Adonis then rains down fists on Ricochet! Fans boo, but Dolla wants Ricochet to get up. Adonis drags Ricochet up, hands him off to Dolla, and they hit an assisted FACEBUSTER! Hit Row says they’re the ones worth that money money money, but they ain’t done!

Wait! Here comes BRAUN!! The Monster of All Monsters runs in and runs Hit Row off! Braun returns the favor for Ricochet saving him from Imperium, but will all these enemies they’re taking on get the better of them?

The Usos fire up backstage.

Jey says they know what time it is, and Jimmy says it’s time to defend them again. The Usos say they’ll get this done, and they bring Solo along. Roman then tells the Wise Man to bring in Sami. Heyman makes the call, but what does Roman want to talk to Sami about?

Gunther speaks.

“Braun Strowman is the strongest competitor in this company. But there is a means to exposing him for what he really is: an overgrown meat with no skills to justify to square off with Der Ring General! No matter who I face, man or monster, I will remain the Intercontinental Champion!” Imperium’s leader has spoken, but will he still be the champion after facing down the Monster of All Monsters?

Sami enters Roman’s locker room.

Roman has Sami sit, and Sami says he acknowledges Roman as the Tribal Chief. Everyone does! Roman is the Tribal Chief, there is no question there, and no one is questioning it. Sami is not trying to be the Tribal Chief or take power, none of that. But if there is anything Sami did that gave Roman that impression, then he is sorry. Roman sits up to say, “I don’t accept your apology. As your Tribal Chief, I hold myself to a very high standard. And at the end of the day, I’ve got to control my anger. Nobody deserves to be spoken to like that. Nobody deserves that in front of the whole world. So no, I don’t accept your apology, because… I should be the one apologizing.”

Roman apologizes to Sami. Sami is stunned but relieved. Sami says it’s fine, though, Roman is under a lot of pressure. Sami gets that. Roman appreciates that, but there is no excuse. Roman is embarrassed, but Kevin was right. Roman isn’t mad at Sami, he’s mad at Kevin and taking it out on Sami. And that’s not right. But they will fix that. Right, Wise Man? Heyman steps in to sit with Sami and brush him off. The Tribal Chief is giving you the opportunity to redeem yourself. Because next week, live on SmackDown, one on one, Sami! Zayn! The Honorary Uce! Versus Kevin! Owens!” Sami nods, and accepts that.

Sami says we- NO! HE will take care of Kevin, for the Tribal Chief. The Usos’ music hits so Sami wants to go out there. But Roman says he should stay to watch this with him. Sami accepts and sits back down. Will the Honorary Uce be able to finish off his former friend once and for all? Or will he end up a sacrificial pawn to the Prizefighter?

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos w/ Solo Sikoa VS Drew McIntyre & Sheamus!

While things are stressful for the Head of the Table, Jimmy & Jey have one simple mission: retain these titles! Will they accomplish that to keep Roman’s stress levels down? Or will the first Fight Night of the New Year end with NEW champions?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if blood brothers can survive brothers in arms, after the break!

SmackDown returns and the teams sort out. Sheamus starts against Jimmy and the bell rings. Fans rally up as the two tie up and Sheamus hits a headlock takeover! Jimmy headscissors, Sheamus kips free and headlocks again. Jimmy powers out, drops down, but Sheamus blocks the hip toss to CLOBBER Jimmy! Sheamus drags Jimmy up, tags McIntyre in, and the “Banger Bros” mug Jimmy with a CHOP! McIntyre stands Jimmy up but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! But McIntyre clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Jimmy ends up in the corner, and McIntyre tells him to tag Jey! Jimmy does tag Jey, and McIntyre dodges Jey to kick and ROCK him!

McIntyre waits for Jey to stand back up, and he ROCKS him again. McIntyre whips, Jey kicks him back, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Jey! Fans fire up as McIntyre stalks Jey to ropes. McIntyre whips, Jey reverses but McIntyre holds ropes. McIntyre ELBOWS Jey, DECKS Jimmy, but Jey SAMOAN DROPS McIntyre! Cover, ONE!! Jey snarls as he storms up on McIntyre at the ropes. McIntyre goes to the apron, Jey ROCKS him with a haymaker! And another! But McIntyre punches back! Jey ROCKS McIntyre again, then brings him up, to suplex McIntyre into the ring! Tag to Jimmy, Roman & Sami like what they see with the wishbone split!

McIntyre crawls to ropes, Jimmy CHOKES him! The ref counts, Jimmy lets of, and Jey gets a sucker punch in! Sheamus protests but Jimmy just clamps on a chinlock to grind McIntyre down. Fans rally, McIntyre fights up, and he throws body shots on Jimmy! McIntyre CHOPS but Jimmy throws McIntyre down by his hair! McIntyre goes to the apron, Jimmy tags Jey. The Usos bring McIntyre up to DOUBLE HEADBUTT! McIntyre holds onto ropes but Jey talks some trash. Jey stands McIntyre up but McIntyre ROCKS Jey! And Jimmy! McIntyre fights both Usos but Jey ROCKS McIntyre! But McIntyre CLOBBERS Jimmy!

Jey builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and McIntyre almost knocks the barriers over! Memphis is all fired up as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Sheamus clotheslines Jey up and out! Jey lands on the apron, and fans fire up for Sheamus’ plan! Sheamus stands Jey up, rips off the #WeTheOnes shirt, and he CLUBS away for the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes past ten, all the way to TWENTY! Sami has popcorn and offers some to Roman as Sheamus scoops to POWERSLAM Jey! Cover, TWO! Heyman has some popcorn and Sheamus stalks Jey to ropes. Jey elbows Sheamus away, Jimmy tags in and GAMANGIRIS! Jey SUPERKICKS! Jimmy is up top, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Jimmy is shocked!

Fans rally up as Jimmy calls to Jey. Jimmy drags Sheamus to center, he tags Jey, and the Usos take opposite corners! But McIntyre rushes in to ROCK Jimmy! Sheamus ROCKS Jey! The Celtic Connection throws hands, then they both climb up after the Usos! Fireman’s carries for DOUBLE SUPER WHITE NOISE!!! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives and fans are thunderous! Solo is still stoic, but Sheamus grins. Sheamus drags Jey up, “This is Awesome!” but Jey kicks! Sheamus blocks and spins Jey, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! McIntyre tags in as Sheamus flops out! McIntyre dodges Jey to NECKBREAKER! Jimmy runs in, into a NECKBREAKER!

McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! The Usos are both outside, so McIntyre FLIES!! Direct hit and Memphis is losing their minds! McIntyre puts Jey in and he goes to a corner! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE!!! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT! McIntyre is beside himself as Jimmy saves his brother and this match! Heyman and Roman now have their own buckets of popcorn so you know this is getting good! McIntyre aims from the corner again, Jey stands up, and McIntyre runs in, but Jey POSTS him! But Sheamus tags in! Sheamus reels Jey in, lifts him up, but Jimmy tags in off the crucifix! And then he saves Jey!

The Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK! And then ONE AND DONE!!!! Cover, MCINTYRE BREAKS IT!!! So it’s NOT done!! Memphis is electric as this is truly a banger! Jey staggers over, he shoves McIntyre out, but McIntyre HEADBUTTS back! But then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES, and URENAGES McIntyre down!!! The ref misses it all!! But PETE DUNEN runs out to CLOBBER Solo! Ridge Holland adds on, too! The Brutes take out the Enforcer and DUMP him over the barriers! Sheamus KNEES Jimmy, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Sheamus BROGUES Jimmy!! Cover, but Jey drags Jimmy outta the ring!

Fans are losing their minds as Sheamus goes up top! Sheamus aims at the Usos, for a FLYING DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!!! Sheamus shoves Jimmy back in, reels him in, but Jey is on the apron! Sheamus BOOTS Jey, but Jimmy rolls Sheamus up! Jey helps out, THE USOS WIN!!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

Sami dances and spills popcorn everywhere! Solo, wherever he is right now, was once again the insurance policy! The Usos continue their historic reign, will they always be the ones?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to kick off 2023 while continuing everything from 2022, and especially with the ongoing saga of Sami and the Bloodline. Great opening promo with Roman losing his cool on Sami. That was a great way to hearken back to the more paranoid and emotional Tribal Chief at the start of this story years ago, which Kevin Owens is familiar with. And that was what made Kevin challenging Roman now also pretty clever. Roman also had a good promo with Sami where Roman “realized” his mistake and apologized to Sami, so as to set up a great match for next week. Kevin VS Sami really could go either way, depending on exactly how they wanna play this.

Great opening match out of Kofi VS Escobar, with great Royal Rumble related antics. But of course the Heel faction helped their leader win. I don’t think Escobar wins the Rumble, but this could be a good feud of New Day VS Legado on SmackDown while New Day wraps things up with Pretty Deadly on NXT. Good promo from Liv Morgan as she declares for the Women’s Rumble, and her being the ironwoman would be an awesome feat for her. Good promo from LA Knight, though he really just puts himself over and doesn’t really address how things went down with Howdy and Bray. Pretty sure Bray still beats Knight in their Mountain Dew sponsored match.

I like that we got the Mixed Tag I expected in Kross & Scarlett VS Moss & Emma, but the home audience sure missed a lot of that match. It was over so quick after we came back from break. Granted, Kross & Scarlett were of course winning, but still. And of course Kross & Scarlett call Rey out, surely setting up something big on the road to the Rumble. Good new vignette from Lacey Evans, it sounds like she’s almost done with her “retraining.” She now has the Cobra Clutch in her arsenal, a nice nod to Sergeant Slaughter there. I suppose this helps her have more ways to win, which can certainly help her rise up in the ranks.

Good promo from Charlotte to reestablish herself as a Face, and I should’ve figured she’d end up goaded into a title match. Sonya gives Charlotte her first defense, but surely Ronda shows up next week to challenge Charlotte to a rematch. And good stuff from Ricochet VS Dolla, but I figured Ricochet would win. Hit Row did pull of a good swerve in making Ricochet think they were all over this issue, only to beat him down. And good on Braun to return the favor by saving Ricochet. Braun gets his title match with Gunther next week, and Gunther had a good promo, but there’s half a chance that, as Gunther will retain, Braun and Ricochet feud with Hit Row towards the Rumble.

And of course, an awesome main event for the tag titles. McIntyre & Sheamus had a good promo in Jerry Lawler’s bar, but of course they lose because of interference. Solo is once again the reason the Bloodline holds onto titles, and that is annoying, but it was pretty funny seeing Sami celebrate. I still see this as Sami and Kevin teaming up to take those titles at WrestleMania, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

My Score: 8.4/10