We are 24 hours away from the Royal Rumble!

On the Friday Night SmackDown before the Royal Rumble, Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn will talk face to face. But will they save the fighting for Saturday?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Rey Fenix; Melo wins and retains the title.
• Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS The Judgment Day; Charlotte & Alexa win.
• Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae; Axiom wins.
• Ilja Dragunov VS The Miz; Ilja wins.
• 8 Man Tag: The Vision VS Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Jey Uso & Cody Rhodes; Sami, Orton, Jey & Cody win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

Riyadh cheers the American Nightmare and sings along with Kingdom as the epic castle tron lights up for him! Everyone joins in on, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get the pyro! Cody high-fives fans, goes to the ring, and we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody then steps into the ring, grabs the mic, and the fans sing, “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Cody fires the fans up more, then he asks Riyadh, Saudi Arabia… “Whaddya wanna talk about?” Cody half expected to come down here, trading punches with Jacob Fatu. “Certainly, he found out I was not who he thought I was, and the same goes for him.

“And all that fun, if you can call it fun, was prematurely ended by the WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre!” The fans are torn on that name, but Cody enjoys them being all fired up. They’ve got him pumped up for the Royal Rumble! And where is Drew on this momentous occasion? Drew’s discovered is that all he’s won is the title and not the most important thing that comes with it. And if Drew doesn’t get that by now, he never will. Now Drew’s Twitter fingers and tackiness disguised as wit doesn’t realize there are kids who watch the show, too. But hey, Drew can be out here now, be the role model he talks about being, but he isn’t, he dropped the ball.

The fans cheer Cody on more, and Cody says it would make all the sense in the world if Cody could win the Royal Rumble for a third time. The fans aren’t so sure about that one, but Cody says that’s a near impossible feat. It’d make so much sense that he’d challenge Drew McIntyre. But maybe it wouldn’t even be Drew McIntyre, because tomorrow night, Drew faces off Cody’s friend, Sami Zayn. The fans cheer that name! Cody says in his career, he has taken the road less traveled more than once. As much as he says it’d make sense to challenge for the title that meant the world to him… CM Punk is still World Heavyweight Champion, right? They gotta do this eventually.

The fans cheer Punk, too, and Cody nods. Cody says in addition to belief, and he needs all the self-belief in the world for the Royal Rumble, he’s going in with something no one else has: He has won it not just once, but twice. But wait! RANDY ORTON is here! The fans cheer as The Viper makes his way out, and they sing along with Voices! Orton goes down the ramp, high-fives the younger fans in the front row, then joins Cody in the ring. Cody even hands Orton a mic. The fans cheer and even bring out some fireflies for this. They cheer on “R K O! R K O!” and Orton says, “Before I say what I came out here to say, lemme just say, Saudi Arabia… I freakin’ love you guys!”

The fans cheer even louder for that! They chant back, “We Love You! We Love You!” “R K O! R K O!” Orton then pats Cody on the shoulder and says, “Listen, listen. Cody, everybody knows how I feel about you. We’re friends, but we’re more than friends. We’re brothers. I’ve got the utmost respect for you and everything that you’ve done in this industry. Nobody was more proud of you than me when you won that world title, and nobody understood more how it tore up your gut when you lost that world title. But tomorrow’s the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for themselves, and if anybody knows, I know that a desperate Cody Rhodes is dangerous.

“But Cody… There is nothing more dangerous than a Viper chasing number 15.” The fans cheer that! Tomorrow, they are not friends, they are not brothers, there will be zero respect for Cody or any other man in that ring. If Orton gets the chance, he WILL throw Cody’s ass over the top rope without hesitation! The fans cheer that, too! Orton wants Cody to remember this: Cody is not the only one that has won the Rumble twice. But then wait! JEY USO is here! The fans fire up as this is now YEETADH! Jey runs down that ramp, hops up on the corner, and everyone bounces along! Then they want to run it back, so Jey says run it back! MORE YEET!

Jey gets his encore, and then he gets his mic. Jey tells “Randy Uce” and “Cody Uce,” no disrespect. He knows they talking number three. But se, he wants to run it back. 2026 Rumble Winner, “YEET!” He’ll walk into WrestleMania 42, “YEET!” Then walk out WrestleMania once again World Heavyweight Champ! “YEET!” Four letters, one word, UH UH, YEET!! The fans cheer that! But wait! SAMI ZAYN makes his way out here! We knew he’d want his face-to-face with Drew later, but the fans are happy to see Sami now! They sing along with the ska as he goes down the ramp and to the ring to join everyone else in there.

The fans then sing “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~!” with the fireflies going wild. Sami has a mic to say hello in Arabic. The fans cheer, and Sami says in English that as much as he’d love to spend the evening with his people in Riyadh, he recognizes the fact he is in the ring with three of the absolute best. And if we’re all talking our plans for the Royal Rumble, Sami should share his. He faces Drew McIntyre for THE WWE Championship. The fans sing in Arabic for Sami and Sami says exactly. Tomorrow isn’t just a match, but a culmination of three stories that have been bubbling up inside of Sami for years now.

First: Sami wants the one title that has eluded him his entire career. But in order to do that, he must face story two: the fact that Drew McIntyre has beaten Sami 11 times and Sami has won ZERO times. Sami has never, ever beaten Drew in singles competition. But that brings us to story three: Sami has never, ever lost a match here in Saudi Arabia! The fans cheer that! Sami doesn’t plan on starting tomorrow night. Tomorrow, the plan is to become the NEW WWE Champion! So if one of these three wins the Royal Rumble, understand that it won’t be Drew, but it will be SAMI! “Ladies and gentlemen…” Oh, no…

The fans boo because yes, Paul Heyman is here, and with him comes The Vision: Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, andLOgan Paul. Heyman gives his introductions, and he says what he sees on stage here is The Vision. He looks down at the ring, he sees four huge WWE superstars, but no Vision at all. Heyman sees Sami, who will NOT be WWE Champion tomorrow night. There is no Vision in Sami winning. Heyman sees three men who will enter the Royal Rumble, but it will NOT be Jey Uso’s night, it will not be Cody Rhodes’ night, and it will not be Randy Orton’s night. Fans tell Heyman to STFU but he says callete. Oh, sorry, wrong foreign country.

But Heyman continues to say that by Bronson’s decree, by Theory’s decree, by Logan’s decree, and by Heyman’s decree, tomorrow night is BRON BREAKKER’S night! The fans boo, but Orton says okay, hold on. He begs and pleads with Heyman to SHUT HIS FAT MOUTH! Orton doesn’t have a spoiler, he doesn’t have a prediction, he has a dare! He DARES The Vision to pull all four heads outta Heyman’s ass and walk down to this ring for a good ol’ fashioned ass kicking! The fans like the sound of that, but Heyman wants The Vision to stand down. Nick Aldis walks out here to have everyone pump the brakes.

Heyman, so nice to see you derail a show. But let’s be honest, everyone here can see where this is going. So let’s just hurry up and get there. Riyadh will get a Rumble preview as we get The Vision VS Sami, Orton, Jey & Cody in an 8 MAN TAG! The fans cheer that! What a big way to kick off the Royal Rumble weekend! But will The Vision have all the momentum going into the Rumble? Or will this be just the thing Sami, Orton, Jey & Cody need to be ready for tomorrow night?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS ???

While last week was marred by controversy via The Miz, the Hollywood A-Lister will be handled later tonight. For now, it’s another golden opportunity for this workhorse title. Who is ready to step to H1M here tonight? It’s REY FENIX! Will the Immortal Firebird dry up the reign? Or will his jersey end up in the rafters?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who hits the game winner in Riyadh!

The bell rings and the two tie up. Melo arm-drags, but Fenix comes back to wrench, knuckle lock, and CHOP! Fenix goes up, up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans cheer and Fenix hurries after Melo to whip. Melo reverses, Fenix reverses back, and he puts Melo on the apron! Fenix ducks a shot, trips Melo up, then goes up! ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Melo falls off the apron, and Fenix builds speed! TORNILLO PLANCHA! Direct hit on Melo and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Fenix shakes out his arms after that impact, and he stalks Melo back into the ring. Fenix kicks Melo, CHOPS him, and the fans “WOO~!” Melo CHOPS, Fenix CHOPS, repeat! Fenix KNEES low, then bumps Melo off buckles. GAMANGIRI! Melo sputters, Fenix builds speed, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fenix brings Melo up, UPPERCUTS, but Melo hits back! And CHOPS! Fenix CHOPS and UPPERCUTS, then brings Melo in. Fenix suplexes, Melo slips free, O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Fenix UPPERCUTS Melo down! Cover, ONE!! Melo toughs it out but Fenix stands him up.

Fenix puts Melo in the corner, fires knees, then ROCKS him! Fenix brings Melo around, but Melo ROCKS Fenix! And CHOPS Fenix! Melo whips Fenix, ELBOWS him down, then hits the leg drop, brother! Cover, TWO! Fenix toughs it out but Melo nods. Melo shakes out his arms while the ref checks Fenix. Fenix is alright so Melo stands him up. Melo ROCKS Fenix and Fenix sits down. Fenix kicks from below but Melo blocks. Melo stomps the leg, then he stands Fenix up to bump off buckles. Melo digs his knee into Fenix, the ref counts, and Melo stops at 4. Melo storms back up but Fenix fires an elbow. Melo hits back, then whips corner to corner.

Fenix goes up, up, and FLYING HEADBUTTS! Down goes Melo and the fans rally again. SmackDown returns to single picture as fans already chant, “This is Awesome!” Fenix has Melo’s arm, steps through, LA MAGISTROL but with an extra roll! They roll and roll and roll, cover, TWO! Melo is up, Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Fenix fires back up! The fans rally with him, Melo fires hands, but Fenix BOOTS, SOBATS, and KICKS! Fenix whips, Melo reverses, but Melo avoids the handspring this time to springboard FADE AWAY JUMPER!

The fans fire up with Melo and he winds up, to ROCK Fenix! And CHOP Fenix! And repeat! Fenix is in the corner, Melo whips but Fenix reverses! Fenix runs up, blocks a boot, but not the second! Melo goes up, DEEP IMPACT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives again and the fans fire up again! Melo waits on Fenix to rise up, then he runs in, FIRST4- NO, Fenix stops it, jackknife, but Melo pops it to a cover, TWO! Fenix sits on the cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Fenix runs up, JUMP SOBAT! Melo sputters, Fenix catches his breath, and Fenix puts Melo up top. Fenix CHOPS Melo, then tucks him in! Fenix lifts Melo off the corner, but Melo spins it to a cradle, TWO!

Melo kicks, Fenix ducks, but the SUEPRKICK hits! Melo then whips Fenix but Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, tiger feint rewind and HEEL KICK! Melo BOOTS Fenix, Fenix kips up to KICK back! Then DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES bring both men down! The fans are thunderous and the fireflies come back out. The standing count begins, Melo rises first at 6 of 10. Melo brings Fenix up, but Fenix fires body shots. Melo CHOPS Fenix down, then stands him back up to whip to the ropes. Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges but DOUBLE LARIATS bring both men down again! The fans fire back up while SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

Fenix and Melo are still down and a standing count climbs. Melo reaches up at 6 to kip up! But Fenix kips up at 8! The fans fire up and Melo CHOPS! Fenix snarls, the fans cheer him on, so Fenix ROCKS Melo! Melo ROCKS Fenix back! Fenix wobbles, drops to a knee, but he pops up to DECK Melo! Both men sit back now, then rise back up! Melo CHOPS! Fenix CHOPS! Melo winds up, and he ROCKS Fenix! Fenix UPPERCUTS! Melo winds up again, and SMACKS Fenix! Fenix flops over, the fans applaud, and Melo runs for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives but Melo is right on him.

Melo puts Fenix in a corner, puts him up top, then climbs to the top. Fenix fires body shots again and again, then CLUBS away on Melo! Fenix turns Melo around to CLUB him more, but Melo fires elbows back! Fenix CLUBS away again! The fans duel as SmackDown returns to single picture. Melo ELBOWS Fenix again, Fenix CLUBS Melo again, and now Fenix stands on the corner! Fenix has to hop down then goes up to steady himself. From the post, Fenix JUMPING FIRE STOMP! Melo falls, the fans fire up, and Fenix QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives the onslaught and the fans duel once again!

Fenix whips, Melo reverses, but Fenix ducks the lariat! Fenix ripcords and ROUNDHOUSES Melo! Melo rebounds to LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives now and Melo is beside himself. The fans continue to rally as Melo brings Fenix back up. The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but it has to end somehow. Fenix slips out of the suplex to shove, but Melo BOOTS him! Then the NO LOOK DDT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives again but Melo decides to put this away. Melo goes up the corner, watches Fenix rise, NOTHING BUT- NO, Fenix dodges, somersaults, and SATELLITE DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Fenix can’t believe it!

The fans duel again as both men rise. Melo goes to a corner, Fenix runs in, somersault and- FIRST 48!! Melo gets Fenix that time, and he goes back up! Melo takes aim, NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Melo wins!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Fenix gave H1M a fight, but he learned that Melo Don’t Miss! With this one put away, who will step to Melo next?

Ilja Dragunov watches this backstage.

And then The Miz walks in. Ilja asks for one good reason why he shouldn’t just- Miz says hold on, whoa. Does Ilja really think Miz came up with throwing him off the top rope last week? Melo is so worried about protecting his title reign, he did the one thing no one thought he would, and he came to Miz for help. Miz has no beef with Ilja! He barely knows Ilja! Ilja sighs and says where are his manners. Miz, this is Ilja, nice to meet you, to finally talk to you. Also, great suit. It is Ilja’s pleasure. They shake hands and Ilja squeezes tight! Ilja says this is how they could’ve been. They could’ve had a nice chat, gotten to know each other, but Miz cost Ilja his match!

And Ilja doesn’t care if Miz really worked with Melo on this or not. All Ilja knows is that tonight, Miz’s pain shall entertain. Ilja lets Miz’s hand go, but will Miz be in for much worse?

R-Truth rolls the lottery drum.

Truth asks how Aldis likes his balls: Juggled, shuffled, or rolled. Aldis has to say, Truth handles his balls well. Truth says this ain’t his first time. Damian Priest then steps in and Truth says what up! Priest appreciates Aldis taking his call. Today is the day, what’s the news? Aldis says spots were filling up fast, but he managed to get Priest in the Rumble. Alright. Truth says Priest can touch his balls now! Get up in there! Just be gentle. Priest reaches in, pulls out a number, and Truth takes a peek. Oh, not that good… Truth says, “My bad.” Priest can go again. Aldis says no, he can’t. Everyone gets one chance.

Priest says it doesn’t matter. A number is just a number. All it means is more time for him to throw fools out. Either way, he comes out the winner. Priest thanks Aldis, Aldis wishes him luck, but will the Archer of Infamy hit the bull’s eye and head for WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Cathy Kelley is the Undisputed WWE Champion, and says she was hoping for a few words on his first title defense that’s not just against Sami Zayn, but also on the participants in the Rumble. Drew says we heard from some earlier tonight, all running their mouths. Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jey Uso, and someone else talking a big game when they’ve never won this title in Sami Zayn. Granted, this isn’t the Sami that Drew has beaten 11 straight times. No, Sami has had moment after moment, main evented WrestleMania even.

But Sami will still be Sami, putting his stupid foot in his stupid mouth, and got himself in an 8 Man Tag the night before his biggest match against one of the most dangerous men in WWE. Good job! Drew will be watching, so here’s something to think about, and listen closely because this is a threat: Drew will do whatever it takes to keep his title. Is Sami willing to do whatever it takes to take it from him? Drew has put the pressure on Sami, but is Drew underestimating the Underdog from the Underground?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky.

SmackDown returns from break as Cathy is now with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, #RheYo. They’re close friends but they’ll compete against each other in the Royal Rumble. Have they thought about what happens if it comes down to the two of them in the end? Rhea says they know it is everyone for themselves. But they’ve overcome a lot. After the Rumble, they’ll still be friends. Iyo says they fought each other at last year’s WrestleMania and still became friends. They can handle the Rumble. But then Kiana James & Giulia interrupt. Miss Management tells them that this #RheYo thing is cute and all, but ultimately, it will be their undoing.

Giulia tells Iyo in Japanese that she’s going to beat them down for those belts. Iyo responds back that Giulia’s outta her mind. Kiana takes that to mean they agree on one thing, the friendship is not in any danger because it won’t even come down to them in the Rumble. It might be a different story for those tag titles as Giulia goes on to WrestleMania to become TRIPLE CHAMPION! Rhea says they’re getting ahead of themselves. Nia Jax & Lash Legend step in and say the same goes for RheYo. They’re ALL getting ahead of themselves when it comes to the Rumble. Nia & Lash are both in, the rest of them don’t stand a chance.

Lash adds that as for whoever walks out as tag team champions, just know that Lash & Nia have winners. Iyo tells them off in Japanese, they all start arguing, and producers step in to keep this from getting any wilder. But between Rumble and titles, who will be rolling down the Road to WrestleMania?

Charlotte Flair is here!

The fans cheer for The Queen as she gets her pyro while wearing green ‘n’ gold. And she’s not alone, because here comes Alexa Bliss! #Charlexa heart hands before they head to the ring. They get the mics, and Charlotte says, “Riyadh, WOO~!” The fans cheer and “WOO~” back. Charlotte says we are just one day away from the Royal Rumble, and to be honest, the women are at each other’s throats. But the truth is, Charlotte is winning, she is going to WrestleMania, and there’s no one she’d rather have at her back than “Lexi.” Charlotte holds up the heart, but the fans cheer “Alexa! Alexa!” Alexa says that’s funny, she had the same plan.

Yeah, Charlotte knew Alexa would be supportive! She was gonna dedicate her win to Alexa. No, no, what Alexa means is she was planning on winning the Royal Rumble. The fans cheer that but Charlotte is confused. How is Alexa winning if Charlotte is winning? And Charlotte’s won twice, so the odds are in her favor. Yeah, but remember, Alexa made history by having the first women’s match in the Middle East. The fans cheer that! And Alexa also plans on being the first woman to win here in Riyadh. Yeah, that’s great, but Alexa isn’t listening. Alexa’s been a great tag partner and a great friend, but it’s every woman for herself. Did Alexa think Charlotte would help her win?

No, Alexa doesn’t need help, but Charlotte doesn’t need help, either. Alexa will hold Charlotte’s hand as she says this: Not everything is about Charlotte. Ouch! That hurts. But Alexa is saying if Charlotte turns her back, Alexa is gonna toss her over the top? The fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Alexa asks if Charlotte would do the same. “NO! NO! NO!” But then Judgment Day is here! The fans are torn as Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez make their way out on stage, dressed all in black. Liv says, “Aww~, how cute! The two besties are fighting! HAHAHAHA! We can’t relate, but to be real, while you two are busy backstabbing each other tomorrow night…

“One of us three is gonna win the Royal Rumble match!” The fans are torn, but Alexa says hate to break it to you, Liv, but having the others help you win isn’t much of a plan. Charlotte adds that if you doubt they’re friends, why not come down here and find out? Judgment Day huddles up to talk it out, and they say okay! The three strut down the ramp, and then, “PSYCH! YEAH RIGHT! HAHAAA~! We have better things to do, losers~! We have the Rumble tomorrow! Byeee~!” But then Aldis says not so fast! The fans cheer as he says you can just tell the Rumble is on deck, because it is what everyone wants to do.

So, Judgment Day, you may not be part of SmackDown, but the rule is if you’re willing to step out on stage, you’re willing to step in that ring. Therefore, any two of them will face #Charlexa, and it’ll be right now! The fans cheer but Judgment Day is freaking out! Which two will step to The Queen & #Blisster this close to the Rumble?

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS The Judgment Day!

SmackDown returns and it is specifically Liv & Roxie in this match. Roxie and Charlotte start, and Roxie dodges the tie up just to taunt The Queen. Roxie uses the ropes as defense so the ref keeps Charlotte back. But Charlotte blocks Roxie’s kick, plays keep away, then spins Roxie around. Roxie dodges to SLAP! Charltote just smiles, so Roxie runsa way! Liv tags in but Charlotte ROCKS her first! Charlotte chases Roxie back into the ring, but Liv CLOBBERS Charlotte from behind! The fans boo as Liv HAMMERS away on Charlotte. Liv flexes while soaking up heat, then she KICKS Charlotte in the side!

Liv drags Charlotte up, tags Roxie, and they try to double suplex. Charlotte fights it and she DOUBLE SUPLEXES them! The fans fire up, and then Charlotte tags Alexa! Alexa builds speed to WRECK Liv & Roxie with a dropkick! The fans cheer Charlexa while Raquel complains. Alexa fetches Roxie into the ring, but Liv distracts. Roxie CLOBBERS Alexa, then WINDMILLS away on her! Roxie then soaks up the heat before she brings Alexa up. Roxie wrenches Alexa, kicks her low, then kicks her again. The fans rally for “Lexi” but Roxie puts her in the corner. Roxie stomps a mudhole, digs her boot in, but steps off as the ref counts.

Roxie argues with the ref, but Liv CHOKES Alexa behind the ref’s back! Liv tags in, BACK BODY BLOCK, then a SHINING WIZARD! Snapmare and cover, TWO! Liv stays on Alexa but Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES her, for the SHOTGUN! The fans fire up but Roxie runs up on Alexa! The ref stops Roxie, Alexa runs, Raquel trips Alexa up! Liv then ENZIGIRIS Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Alexa bails out, Liv kicks her from the apron, and Liv lets the ring count climb. Liv then tags Roxie so Roxie can fetch Alexa. Roxie drags Alexa up, SMACKS her off the apron, then puts her in the ring. Cover, TWO!

Roxie is annoyed but she brings Alexa up. Roxie wrenches and whips but Alexa reverses. Roxie sunset flips, Alexa rolls through and basement DROPKICKS! Both women are down but Alexa is crawling! Roxie hurries to CLOBBER Alexa! Roxie taunts Charlotte, then drags Alexa up. Roxie whips and UPPERCUTS Alexa, then brings her around to drop toehold onto ropes. Roxie runs to UPPERCUT Alexa in the back! Tag to Liv and Judgment Day double whips Alexa to the corner. They mug Alexa, Liv stomps away, but the ref counts. Liv snapmares and SHOTGUNS Alexa! Cover, TWO! Alexa and Liv scrap on the mat while SmackDown goes picture in picture,

Liv stands Alexa up to snap suplex! That’s just Una Amiga as she brings Alexa up, for Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! The fans are torn over Liv’s Latino Heat, and she BLASTS Charlotte! The ref stops Charlotte, but this lets Roxie and Raquel mug Alexa! Charlotte gets fired up and Alexa fights back! She BOOTS Liv, ROCKS Roxie, then dodges Liv! Liv TACKLES Alexa, HAMMERS her, and lets off to bring her back up. Liv whips Alexa to a corner, runs up, SHINING WIZARD again! Liv then climbs up behind Alexa for a HANGING SLEEPER! The ref is busy with Charlotte, then he reprimands Liv. Liv lets Alexa go for a FLYING BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!

Liv tags Roxie, and they mug Alexa again. Roxie brings Alexa up, clamps on a cravat, and she grinds Alexa with the neck grind. Alexa endures as the fans continue to rally with the fireflies. Alexa fights up, fires body shots, then arm-drags Roxie away! Both women crawl, hot tag to Liv and she CLOBBERS Alexa again! Liv taunts Charlotte, KICKS Alexa, but Alexa gets mad. Alexa hits back, but Liv HAMMERS and CLUBS Alexa down! Liv clamps on a chinlock but Alexa still endures. Alexa fights up as SmackDown returns to single picture, and she JAWBREAKERS free! The fans cheer, but Liv still keeps Alexa back! Alexa fires forearm after forearm, but Liv KNEES low!

Liv reels Alexa in, cradle, TWO! Alexa has it, TWO, and they roll, roll, roll, roll, roll! The fans fire up as they keep going, then Liv finally has it, TWO!! Both women are dizzy, stumbling around, and Alexa dodges! Alexa SLAPS Liv, but both women fall back! Alexa crawls, hot tag to Charlotte! Roxie runs in but gets a BOOT for it! Charlotte goes up, up, and DOUOBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Charlotte and she brings Liv & Roxie around to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Liv falls, Roxie falls, but then Charlotte runs up, HANDSPRING LARIAT! The fans fire up again as Charlotte then catches Roxie!

Charlotte FALL AWAY SLAMS Roxie, and Roxie is right next to Liv! Charlotte kips up, she positions them just right and steps on them both on her way to the corner. Charlotte goes up while the fans sing, and she DOUBLE MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives, Roxie has a bloody nose, but the fans still sing for Charlotte. Charlotte goes for Liv but Liv HOTSHOTS her from the apron! Liv hurries in, but Charlotte trips her! Liv kicks free of the Figure Four to then ENZIGIRI! Charlotte rebounds, Alexa tags in! BOOT for Liv, then Alexa BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, Roxie breaks it! Roxie hobbles around, but she tags back in.

Roxie hurries to get Alexa with the tilt-o-whirl, and Liv adds on! CODE BERAKER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cover, Charlotte breaks it! Charlotte ducks Liv’s enzigiri this time, NATURAL SELECTION! Raquel gets on the apron to distract Charlotte, but Roxie CHOP BLOCKS her! WAIT! Vaquer is here and she YANKS Raquel down! Roxie is furious with La Primera, but she turns around into TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Charlexa wins!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Once again, Stephanie Vaquer appears to stop Judgment Day from cheating a win! But will Raquel make sure to get revenge in the Philly Street Fight? As for Charlotte and Alexa, will their friendship survive the “every woman for herself” nature of the Royal Rumble?

Backstage interview with Jordynne Grace.

Cathy Kelley is with the Juggernaut and brings up how she wants the shot at Jade Cargill’s WWE Women’s Championship. Jordynne certainly has a chance to stake her claim through the Rumble, how is she feeling ahead of such a big night? Jordynne says everyone knows how the Rumble can change someone’s life, and she always bets on herself. When she wins the Rumble, she goes to WrestleMania to give Jade the reality check- WHOA! Jade BODY CHECKS Jordynne right into the road case! The Storm tells Jordynne she is NOT winning the Rumble, and she damn sure ain’t beating Jade, cuz Jade is That B-

JORDYNNE HITS BACK! Refs rush in as these two brawl but it doesn’t stop them! Producers have to get in there, too! When and where will these forces of nature finally have it out?

Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Johnny Gargano w/ Candice LeRae!

#Fraxiom almost took back the stolen mask, but the Poison Pixie’s sticky fingers snatched it right back. Will Johnny Wrestling fail to get around the Undeniable Truth? Or will he still hold onto his “trophy?”

SmackDown returns and Gargano heads to gorilla. Candice waves around the mask, but Aldis is there to find them. He says Candice is BARRED FROM RINGSIDE! What?! He said- NO, they heard him! Is Fraxiom afraid of Candice? Aldis says that given last week, he might be protecting Johnny from her instead. Gargano says this mask is a beautiful gift from her, and Fraxiom weaponized it! Oh, yes, that was the other thing Aldis wanted to tell them. If Axiom wins, he gets the mask back. Seriously!? The music plays while Gargano complains about the stipulation, and he says he hates Aldis so much! Gargano makes his entrance, but is justice finally going to be served?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Axiom waistlocks, then hits a wristlock takeover. Gargano fights up, spins, and slips through to wrench and headlock back. Axiom endures, rolls, and pops free to headlock back. Gargano fires body shots, powers up and out, but Axiom ducks ‘n’ dodges to redirect and RANA! The fans rally and Axiom whips, but Gargano reverses to kick and whip. Axiom reverses to then reel Gargano in for a backslide, TWO! Gargano CHOPS and Axiom drops to his knees! Gargano revels in the fans singing for him, and Gargano CHOPS Axiom in the corner. The fans cheer while Gargano stalks Axiom.

Axiom ELBOWS Gargano, goes up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Then DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Axiom stalks Gargano, stands him up, and CHOPS back! Gargano staggers around, Axiom wrenches and CHOPS again. Axiom CHOPS Gargano again, but Gargano slips around to CLUB Axiom. Gargano ripcords, knuckle locks, and he trips Axiom for a cover. TWO, but jumps on, only for Axiom to block that. They teetertotter, and that sends Axiom up to the top rope! But Gargano trips Axiom up! Axiom flops to the apron then the floor, and Gargano DIVES! Direct hit and Axiom hits barriers! Gargano sits on the apron to hold up the mask while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Gargano conducts the fans like a choir, then he fetches Axiom. Gargano CHOPS Axiom against the apron, and he puts Axiom in the ring. Gargano aims while Axiom stands, SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Gargano paces. Gargano stomps Axiom’s hand, eggs him on, then ROCKS him! Axiom staggers to a corner, kicks, but Gargano blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Gargano flexes, then he scrapes his soles on Axiom’s face through the mask. Gargano wants to take this mask now but Axiom fires body shots! Gargano CLUBS Axiom, then turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Gargano is annoyed but he clamps onto Axiom with a chinlock. Axiom fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS and CHPOS Gargano! Gargano kicks low, but Axiom reels him in for a cradle! TWO, and Axiom DROPKICKS Gargano right down! The fans applaud, and Frazer rallies them by pounding the apron. Both men stand, Axiom ROCKS Gargano, Gargano hits back, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Axiom mule kicks, but Gargano fires a flurry of forearms! Then a ROLLING- SMACK from Axiom! Gargano rebounds to ROCK Axiom! Axiom BOOTS and ENZIGIRIS back! Axiom headlocks, Gargano powers up and out, ENZIGIRI!

Gargano builds speed, but axiom hits him with a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Axiom waistlocks, Gargano bucks the O’Conner, but Axiom kips up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gargano tumbles out of the ring while the fans fire up! Axiom runs corner to corner, GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Axiom fires up! Axiom puts Gargano in the ring, goes up the corner, and MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives the onslaught and Axiom is beside himself! Axiom waistlocks again, but Gargano fires elbows! Gargano bucks the O’Conner, Axiom kips up, but into a SUPERKICK! Gargano then hooks up the legs, FISHERMAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as this one continues! Gargano huffs ‘n’ puffs as he waits on Axiom to rise up. Gargano scoops Axiom, takes aim, but Axiom slips free to shove Gargano to the corner. Gargano BOOTS Axiom, goes up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs up, but Gargano hits SUPER ANARCHY! Gargano Alabama Lifts, tucks Axiom in, DUDE BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Axiom survives and the fans fire up! Both men crawl while the fans declare “This is Awesome!” Gargano goes back to the apron, then goes to a corner. Gargano climbs, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs up again, brings Gargano to the very top< SUPER SPANISH FLY!!

The fans fire up again as Axiom aims, and he picks up the stolen mask. Axiom nods, GOLDEN- SUPERKICK! Gargano hits first, then he rolls Axiom up, with tights! TWO!! Gargano ducks the enzigiri, he goes for the red mask! HE SNATCHES IT AWAY! The fans boo and Frazer protests! Gargano laughs as he has another trophy! But surprise, Axiom puts on the blue mask! Gargano turns around, into the GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Axiom wins!

Winner: Axiom, by pinfall (takes the stolen mask back)

Axiom is already wearing it, but now he truly took it back! With this issue behind them, will Fraxiom head back to get some gold in their collection?

Melo finds Ilja backstage.

Melo asks if there’s heat between them now. You know he had nothing to do with Miz. Ilja says enough, Melo. Melo was right there when Miz pushed Ilja off the corner. Melo says Ilja shouldn’t trust Miz, Melo and Ilja are friends now. Ilja says tonight, he will go out there, fight Miz, and after that, he’ll come back for Melo and get the same chance he gave to Melo. Then to get one thing straight, Ilja isn’t asking, he is expecting, friend. Ilja heads out, will he get rid of the Hollywood A-Lister so he can have a fair fight with H1M?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Cathy Kelley is with Hollywood Trick and compliments the outfit. She says Trick has made quite the impression since coming to SmackDown. Doe she feel he can use that to great effect in the Royal Rumble? Trick says first thing’s first, cameraman, pan down to catch them lemon pepper steppers. Let’s talk about it! But c’mon now, you hear the people. They love Trick Williams all around the world. They went to Germany, and Trick put on a show. They went to London, and Trick put on a show. They went to Montreal, and Trick put on a show. Now they’re here in Saudi Arabia, what do you think is gonna happen?

You better subscribe to the website: Find him at www.WorldwideWilly.com! He’ll be there with a picture of him looking at you like this. Trick styles and profiles, and says subscribe to the Whoop Dat Movement, where tomorrow at the Royal Rumble, Trick is the last man in the ring, with his sights on WrestleMania. Let’s talk about it! Trick heads out, but will he be able to whoop 29 other men to grab that ticket to Las Vegas?

AJ Styles is here!

Riyadh cheers the Phenomenal One as he steps out on stage, gets his pyro, and throws up a Too Sweet before going to the ring. Styles gives out some Too Sweets as he goes, then steps inside the ring to get the mic. The fans cheer Styles on, and he says, “Riyadh…! Welcome to SmackDown, the House that A J STYLES BUILT!” The fans cheer that! Styles says he was in the area, thought he’d stop by. In case they don’t know, he’s got a big match for the Royal Rumble. And y’know what? Some of you are a little worried about tomorrow, but don’t worry. He’s not worried. In fact, he’s gonna knock Gunther’s teeth down his throat!

And when Styles beats Gunther tomorrow, that starts the Phenomenal Farewell Tour. Then we get our “one more times!” Like against Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and… The fans chant “C M PUNK!” and Styles says yeah, one more time with C M PUNK! But then Gunther interrupts! “Ra-ra-ra, AJ!” Der Ring General steps out from the crowd to step up to the commentary desk. The fans boo but Gunther soaks it up as he stares Styles down. The fans chant “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther smirks. He appreciates Styles having that much fantasy about his future. But none of what he just said is going to happen!

Deep down, Styles already knows that he made a mistake so severe that it is going to cost him his career! Gunther promises that tomorrow at the Royal Rumble, he will end Styles’ career. He will do it the same way he did to Styles’ little buddy, John Cena! He will make Styles tap out! Styles chuckles and says Gunther’s real funny. Maybe it takes one to know one, but last time Styles checked, Gunther’s the one that tapped out! Like a little b/tch! The fans fire up for that! Gunther is pissed, he storms right to the ring, but then he cools off. Gunther hops off the apron while the fans boo. Der Ring General leaves, but will he retire another legend? Or will Styles humble Gunther once and for all?

Shinsuke Nakamura watches this backstage.

And then he turns around to see Tama Tonga. Tama says he saw Nakamura’s match last week, and asks if Nakamura saw his. The title belt says it all. Tama asks what happened to Nakamura. Nakamura used to be the man! THE King of Strong Style! The Shinsuke that Tama knew would’ve beaten AJ Styles last week. Maybe Nakamura should follow him on his way out? The Shinsuke Sayonara tour! What he think? Nakamura says Tama finally has confidence here. But to Nakamura, he’s still that young punk, Bad Boy Tama Tonga. But anyway, Nakamura should give Tama a gift as his good senpai. Nakamura will remind Tama of that Strong Style in the ring next week.

Nakamura heads out, Tama calls him “kon’yaro (jerk).” But will the Good Bad Guy learn there’s still an edge to Nakamura?

Ilja Dragunov VS The Miz!

The Mad Russian Dragon has put the Hollywood A-Lister on notice, and he even told H1M as much, too. Will nothing stop Ilja on his revenge story? Or will Miz show that sometimes, the villain wins?

SmackDown returns and Ilja makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two stare down. Ilja and Miz tie up, Miz wrenches, but Ilja rolls and wrenches. Ilja wristlocks to wrangle Miz, then he clamps onto the arm. Miz fights up, pulls hair, but the fans taunt his “Tiny, Tiny Balls~!” Miz stops as the ref counts, and he CHOPS! Ilja just applauds that! Ilja fires up, the fans are with him, and Miz is a bit scared. The two tie up, Miz headlocks, but Ilja wrenches out to top wristlock. They go around and around, and Ilja has the armlock again. Miz fights up, Ilja wrenches, and Ilja puts Miz in the corner. The ref counts, but Miz avoids a chop!

Miz avoids another chop to headlock. Ilja powers up and out, but Miz RUNS him over! Miz pushes Ilja down, soaks up heat, then runs, but Ilja drops down, bypasses, and CHOPS! Miz sputters and gasps while the fans fire up! Ilja winds up, and he JUMP KICKS Miz to a corner! The fans cheer as Ilja runs in for a KNEE! Ilja goes side to side and he BOOTS Miz down! The fans fire up with Ilja while Miz sputters again. Ilja goes up the corner, drags Miz up from the apron, but Miz fights the deadlift! Miz TRIPS Ilja and Ilja hits the mat hard! Miz hurries in, runs the ropes, and he BOOTS Ilja up and out!

The fans boo but Miz soaks up that heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Ilja drags himself up as the ring count climbs, but Miz runs in and WRECKS him with a dropkick! Ilja tumbles but Miz goes out to fetch Ilja. Miz hears the taunts, and he THROWS Ilja into barriers! Miz talks trash back on the fans, then drags Ilja up. But Ilja blocks a shot to SMACK Miz off the apron! And CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Ilja whips but Miz reverses, and Ilja hits barriers hard again! Miz talks more trash on the fans, the fans give it back, and Miz puts Ilja in the ring. Miz frowns as he runs the ropes again, and he basement BOOTS Ilja down! Miz snarls and says one more time! Miz runs, basement BOOT!

But Ilja rolls to his feet! Ilja stumbles, drops to his knees, so Miz HIP DROPS him! Miz CLAWS Ilja’s face, the ref counts, but Miz shifts to a chinlock. Ilja endures, fights up, and pries at the hold. Miz jumps on as a backpack! Ilja is fading! SmackDown returns to single picture as Ilja is turning red! Miz squeezes tight but the fans rally up. Ilja rises with a second wind! The fans cheer as Ilja RAMS Miz into buckles! Ilja is free but Miz pursues. Ilja BOOTS Miz and fires off forearms! Ilja reels Miz in, but Miz fights the lift! Miz BACKDROPS free! Miz hurries to get Ilja up, dragon sleeper, A-LIST COMBINATION! Cover, TWO!

Miz is frustrated as Ilja stays in this. Miz scuffs Ilja while the fans duel. Ilja rises up, Miz scuffs him more, but Ilja fires forearms! Miz fires back, the fans rally, and Ilja UPPERCUTS! Miz UPPERCUTS! Ilja ROCKS Miz! Miz ROCKS Ilja! They go forearm for forearm and the fans cheer! Ilja fires a flurry, then SPIN CHOPS! Then he CHOPS the leg! Miz hobbles, but he dodges a boot to CHOP! Ilja springs up to ENZIGIRI! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Miz goes to the corner while Ilja huffs ‘n’ puffs. Ilja CHOPS Miz, CHOPS again, and the fans cheer! Ilja bumps Miz off buckles, but Miz avoids the chop to CHOP back!

Ilja roars, KNEES Miz low, then MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The ref counts, Miz protests, but Ilja stops at 4! Ilja runs back up, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz runs up, but Ilja slips around! Miz fires elbows, switches and shoves, but Ilja hits the CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Ilja stays focused. Miz flounders to the ropes, Ilja stalks him and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja says he’s got Miz now, Miz is going nowhere! Ilja drags Miz back up, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Miz sputters and reaches out for ropes, but Ilja drags him back again. Miz fires elbows, but Ilja hits him with the SIDE EFFECT SLAM DUNK!

The fans fire up for Ilja as he aims from the corner! H-BOMB- NO, Miz KICKS the knee! BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives but Miz is too sore to be upset. Miz waits on Ilja, “MASSIVE!” Full nelson and- NO, Ilja pries it open! Ilja fires elbows, but Miz fires “It Kicks!” Ilja blocks one, but Miz ROCKS him! Miz ducks the enzigiri and he SHOVES Ilja into buckles! Miz runs up, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz pushes Ilja down, goes up the corner, but Ilja SLAPS him! Ilja then climbs up after Miz, brings him to the top rope, but Miz fires body shots! Ilja fires forearms in return! Miz CLAWS Ilja’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Miz SHOVES Ilja down!

Ilja hotshots off the ropes and Miz takes aim. The fans boo, AX HANDLE into a TORPEDO MOSCOW!! And then the H-BOMB FOREARM!! Cover, Ilja wins!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall

Ilja still has to blink his eyes to make sure he can see, but he got the better of the Most Must-See Superstar here tonight! Will the Russian Dragon not just go back for the US Championship, but all the gold there is to take?

Solo Sikoa speaks.

“Bo. I told you. I told the whole wide world exactly what I was going to do, and I did it. I took your lantern, and as you can see, I took your tag team titles. And I took everything that you love away. I promised my men gold, and like I said before, I’m a man of my word. But these tag team titles, they’re not for me. They’re for my family.” Solo Sikoa Freebird Rules the belt onto his family, with Talla Tonga literally holding onto both belts for now. Solo continues by saying the job is not done. At the Royal Rumble, Solo will win and bring the Undisputed WWE Championship back where it belongs.

But then the Wyatts take over the broadcast!

And Bo tells Solo, “You think you’ve won, but you’re wrong. You think you’ve hung us out to dry, but you’re mistaken. And severely underestimating the weight of sacrifice. Our lantern and the tag team championships will come back to us. And when they do, the millions of fireflies around the world will illuminate your insecurities. We will not only come back for what is ours, but ensure your greed is your demise.” The ultimatums have been issued, but who will survive this Road to WrestleMania?

8 Man Tag: The Vision VS Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Jey Uso & Cody Rhodes!

The Oracle “predicts” that one way or another, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory & Logan Paul will see Bron Breakker become the 2026 Royal Rumble winner. But will this main event be a foreshadowing of that prophecy fulfilled? Or will #BigMatchSami do his people in Riyadh proud when he, The Viper, Main Event Jey & The American Nightmare make Heyman eat those words?

SmackDown returns as Jey makes his entrance and the fans get to YEET again. Then Orton makes his entrance so the fans can again sing along with Voices, then the fans sing along with Sami’s ska during his entrance. But The Vision doesn’t even wait for Cody, they beat up on Orton, Jey & Sami 4v3! The fans boo as Bron & Bronson mug Jey, Logan HAMMERS Sami, and Theory stomps Orton! But NOW Cody makes his entrance! No time for pyro, Cody rushes in and fires hands on Logan! Kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Logan tumbles out, the fans still sing Kingdom anyway, and Jey UPPERCUTS Bron! Orton TOSSES Theory, and now Bronson gets mugged!

Jey fires hands and he ROCKS Bronson right with the “WHOA~ OH~!” Perfect timing! Sami and Jey then bust out the secret handshake before they build speed, and Cody even holds the ropes down so they can FLY! The fans fire up while The Vision is down, and the heroes regroup while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The fireflies are out as the teams sort out, and Cody hurries to hand his weight belt to a lucky fan up front. In the end, the ref gets the teams to settle down, and Theory starts against Sami! The fans cheer as these two circle, feel things out, but Theory kicks low! Theory CLUBS away on Sami, then headlocks. Theory tells fans to shut up, but Sami powers up and out. Sami then drops down, hurdles over, and Theory drops down to hurdle over. But Sami DECKS Theory! The fans cheer while Theory flounders. Sami brings Theory around, wrenches and wristlocks, but Theory RAMS him into the corner. Tag to Bronson!

Bronson & Theory mug Sami, and Bronson HEADBUTTS Sami down! Bronson soaks up heat, then keeps Sami cornered, and he tags Bron. The Vision continues to mug Sami, and Bron whips Sami to an open corner. Bron runs up, Sami ELBOWS him, and Sami goes up to AX HANDLE! Tag to Jey and YEET before a BODY BLOW! Jey then climbs up to rain down fists! Jey goes to nine, then he winds up and puts some stank on TEN! YEET! Jey brings Bron around while SmackDown returns to single picture. Tag to Cody, and Cody climbs up so he can AX HANDLE Bron’s arm. Cody wrenches Bron, and he tags Sami.

Sami goes up, AX HANDLES Bron, and the fans cheer. Sami wrenches Bron’s arm again, brings him back over, tag back to Cody. They handoff the wrench for Codey to ELBOW BREAKER! Cody then points to Orton and the fans cheer. Cody nods, but Bron kicks low! Bron whips Cody away, Cody grabs ropes, he BOOTS Bron and he fights off Bronson! But Bron builds speed to LARIAT Cody inside-out! The fans boo and bark while Bron twitches. Bron stomps Cody, CHOKES Cody at the ropes, then tags in Bronson. Bron & Bronson double whip Cody to the corner, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Bronson SENTONS!

Bron sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Bronson covers, TWO! Theory tags in, he and Bronson mug Cody, and Theory drags Cody around. Theory stomps Cody, but Cody ROCKS Theory! Cody still falls back and Theory is on him with fists! Theory stops as the ref counts, but Theory bends Cody back against ropes! The ref reprimands and counts, Theory stops at 4, and Theory argues with the ref. Bronson hesitates and misses his chance to hit Cody. Theory drags Cody up, tags Bronson in, and they mug Cody. Bronson fires hands, HAMMERS away on Cody at the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cody slumps out of the ring but Bronson reaches for him.

Bronson drags Cody back in, he tags Logan, and the fans really boo now as Logan KNEES away on Cody. The Maverick stomps Cody at the ropes, drags him up, and wrenches to gut wrench and SLAM! Heyman loves it as Logan then stacks for a cover, TWO! Logan drags Cody from center to tag Bron, and Bron taunts Cody before he THROWS him! Bron mocks Orton’s signature pose, then he CHOKES Cody on the ropes! Bron even mocks the ‘WHOA~ OH~” before he back suplexes! Cody lands out, but Bron still snatches him up! Cody reaches out, but Bron RAMS him into the corner! Theory tags in, but Cody fires off hands on everyone and the fans fire up!

But Theory drags Cody out and RAMS him into barriers! Theory mocks Cody and SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.

The Vision all taunts Cody and Theory brings Cody around. But Cody SMACKS Theory off the desk first! Theory hurries after Cody, CLOBBERS him, and HAMMERS away! Theory talks trash, then he stomps Cody down. Theory looms over Cody but Sami rallies the fans. Cody fights while Theory has the facelock on. Cody reaches out for his corner, but Theory spins him around to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Theory and Jey argue, the ref has Jey stand down, and Theory tags Logan. They mug Cody, then Logan stomps Cody before he SPLASHES DOWN! Logan clamps on with a rear bearhug and he squeezes tight.

Logan moves around to keep Cody from his corner. Sami rallies the fans again and Cody rises up. Logan waistlocks and SLAMS Cody down, then flexes to soak up heat. Tag to Bronson and he drags Cody around for an ELBOW DROP! And another ELBOW DROP! SmackDown returns to single picture as Bronson hits a third ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Cody survives but Bron tags in. Born hops onto Bronson for a WORLD’S HEAVIEST SPLASH! Cover, Sami & Jey break it! They even drag Cody to safety! Bron drags Cody back while the ref reprimands. Tag to Logan and he drags Cody up to put in a corner.

Logan runs corner to corner, but Cody dodges the splash! Logan flounders, tags Bron back in, and Bron has Cody up! But Cody snap suplexes first! Theory tags in and he runs, but Cody avoids the elbow drop! Theory tags Bronson back in, Bronson just BLASTS Sami and Jey off the corner! The fans boo, but Cody avoids the SENTON! Bronson flounders and writhes while the fans fire up! Cody crawls, reaches out, hot tags to Theory and Orton! The fans fire up as the Apex Predator rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Then he dodges Theory to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton puts Theory in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!

The fans are thunderous and Orton hears those voices in his head! Orton watches Theory flounder around, but Logan CLOBBERS Orton first! The fans boo but Sami fires off on Logan! Sami TOSSES Logan out, but Bron TOSSES Sami out! Jey TOSSES Bron out! Bronson TOSSES Jey out! Cody runs up, Bronson reverses, but then Cody DUMPS Bronson out! Theory DUMPS Cody out in return! All those Rumble appetizers, but Orton R K O!! Cover, Logan breaks it! the fans boo, but Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Bron fireman’s carries Jey for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cody has Bron for the CROSS RHODES! Bronson CLOBBERS Cody!

The fans boo but Bronson sees Sami in the corner! Bronson runs up, Sami dodges! Bronson staggers, Sami goes up, TORNADO DDT! Bronson sputters back into the corner and Sami takes aim! The fans fire up again, but DREW MCINTYRE trips Sami!! The fans boo as Drew attacks, this is a disqualification!

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

The Scottish Terminator drags Sami out, HAMMERS him, then POSTS him! Drew puts Sami back in the ring, picks up the Undisputed WWE Championship, and then goes to the ring. Drew takes aim as Sami stands, but JACOB FATU is here! The fans fire up as the Samoan Werewolf wants after the man who may or may not have attacked him and sidelined him last year! But while Drew looks to the ramp, Fatu slides in from the crowd! Fatu CLOBBERS Drew! Fatu stomps away on Drew, then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! But now Cody DIVES onto Fatu! Cody sends Fatu into the POST!

But then Drew POSTS Cody! Cody sputters but Drew puts him in the ring. Drew goes to a corner and waits on Cody to get up. Here’s the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” HELLUVA KICK!! Sami hits Drew back! The fans are thunderous while Drew tumbles out of the ring! Sami looks down and sees the championship. The fans chant, “YES! YES! YES!” Sami reaches down, he picks up the belt, but so does Cody! Could these two be the ones fighting for- OH NO, BRON SPEARS THEM BOTH!! Could Bron Breakker be the man fighting for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of SmackDown here, especially as a three-hour go-home to Royal Rumble. Naturally, we got a promo to open that sets up the main event, that’s still WWE’s standard formula that honestly could be changed up every other week. I do like that Nick Aldis was taking charge with these visiting superstars from Raw, giving us the 8 Man Tag and the Six Woman Tag. Now, with Drew also having his own promo, it was practically a given he’d interfere with the main event. Great main event even with that, and this does give the Faces their win for momentum. But now we have to wonder how the go-home math works out.

Drew attacked Sami, there was brawling with Cody and Fatu, but then Sami gets back at Drew. Cody and Sami both touch the title, and maybe Cody gets that third Royal Rumble win (despite fans being against that). But then Bron spears both Cody and Sami, so he stands tall ultimately. Does that jinx Bron out of winning the Rumble? Does Sami not win the top title because he hit Drew last? Maybe this Rumble will be one of the more unpredictable in a long time. Similarly, the Six Woman Tag put the Faces over, but then does Raquel win that Philly Street Fight? It already feels like none of the women in that match are winning the Rumble.

Very good promo from Jordynne and Jade, in that it was more a brawl. They should definitely have a match for Elimination Chamber, or maybe before, because Jade just needs to start defending the title. Great promo from RheYo with Kiana & Giulia and Nia-Lash, but being this is building a tag title story, not sure any of them win the Rumble. I also don’t see Giulia & Kiana winning the tag titles, with Kiana taking the loss for the team. But obviously, we need to see Giulia VS Iyo for the Women’s US Championship while RheYo can still go between brands as tag champs, that would be an instant classic to say the least.

Very good match from Axiom VS Gargano and a very good win for Axiom to settle this feud here. I would think Fraxiom is still in a holding pattern for the tag titles while MFT and Wyatt Sick6 are still feuding. Very good promos from Solo and Bo to establish that there will be one more time around, and also that MFT is again using some Freebird Rule to move belts around. Again, why not just let Tama & Loa win the belts together? That aside, good promo from Styles and Gunther to add some last minute heat to their match, and then a very good follow-up from Nakamura and Tama. Nakamura VS Tama will be great stuff, and could go either way given this story.

Great little promo from Truth, Aldis and Priest to establish Priest is gonna be early in the Rumble, and a good promo from Trick Williams, as well. Neither is winning, and they might even interact to keep a feud going afterward, they did pretty good in their 1v1 last week. Then great stuff in the story of Melo, Miz and Ilja. Melo VS Fenix was an awesome US title match and an awesome win for Melo. Miz trying to manipulate Ilja should not have worked as well as it did, because Ilja was still salty with Melo about it. Maybe we can get a Triple Threat of Melo VS Miz VS Ilja, or even a US Championship ladder match. I hesitate to say Chamber match, those should be saved for world title related stories.

My Score: 8.9/10