
The Bloodline stole the show on WWE SmackDown, leaving Sami Zayn feeling conflicted.
After speaking with Paul Heyman backstage, the Honorary Uce assumed he would fight Kevin Owens alone in the main event, which was billed as an opportunity to prove himself to Roman Reigns.
Sami was up for the challenge as he faced his lifelong friend and in-ring competitor in another instant classic to add to their amazing body of work, while also having a chance to avenge his and Roman’s December 30 loss to KO and John Cena.
However, despite the two stars delivering on the excitement between the ropes, Sami’s constant dispute added another depth to their already compelling story.
Just as he was about to hit the Helluva Kick for a major victory, The Usos and Solo Sikoa arrived out of nowhere and began knocking down Owens.
It resulted in a disqualification, resulting in a defeat for Sami, as the trio insisted they were doing it for The Bloodline and the Tribal Chief, while the Honorary Uce looked devastated at being robbed of a great win.
The assault continued, with Solo sending KO falling through the announce table with a tremendous splash, raising the possibility that this was simply a ploy to weaken Owens ahead of the Royal Rumble.
Of course, it’s not Sami’s fault he lost, so maybe Reigns won’t be too harsh on him, but it was a significant evidence of the group’s fissures – or, at the very least, of Sami’s commitment and loyalty.
GUNTHER beats Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt references the past and more
GUNTHER defended his Intercontinental Title against Braun Strowman with a hot audience and lots of time, allowing these heavyweights to put on a cracking, hard hitting spectacle.
In the end, the Ring General maintained his seven-month gold rule with a spectacular powerbomb to put Braun away, leaving fans to wonder who can end his amazing reign.
Rey Mysterio came out to address Dominik trying to ruin Christmas and how he’s ‘pretty fed up with his bulls***’.
After Rey proclaimed himself for the Royal Rumble, Karrion Kross stepped out with Scarlett and reminded out that he won the match 17 years ago, before slamming Rey’s parenting.
He argued that Rey wasn’t’really around,’ and asked who he despises more: Dominik for not growing up to be like Rey, or himself for ‘failing to raise [his] son to be like [him]’.
Rey launched an attack and attempted a 619, but Scarlett distracted him, leaving him open to a KrossJacket as Karrion strangled him out and his wife held up a tarot card.
Backstage, Maxxine Dupri, Emma, and Raquel Rodriguez attempted to downplay Liv Morgan’s Royal Rumble chances when she chose the number one entry spot, which resulted in Liv slapping Raquel and challenging her to a match tonight.
Tegan Nox slew Xia Li quickly, putting her away after a decent but all-too-brief battle with the Shiniest Wizard.
The Viking Raiders issued a warning to Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, who couldn’t agree on a bout for next week, before Adam Pearce revealed a tag team tournament to identify The Usos’ next opponents for the SmackDown titles, which would begin next week with the Banger Bros taking on the Raiders.
After a very unique QR code appeared on screen, Bray Wyatt walked out and delivered a promo that was loaded with references to his career in WWE, from the Wyatt Family to The Fiend.
He warned LA Knight that he is ready to embrace his former self, which might spell doom for Knight when they face off in the first-ever Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble later this month.
Liv Morgan showed herself in a great battle against Raquel Rodriguez, bringing the fight to her opponent and even dumping her over the top rope to show she has a chance in the Royal Rumble.
Raquel, on the other hand, won after Liv attempted to put her through a table, hitting the Tejana Bomb for the pin.
Sonya Deville sought a rematch against Charlotte Flair, but Pearce refused because the Queen had won the previous week, prompting Sonya to attack Flair backstage, igniting a violent brawl as officials tried to keep them apart.
WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.
WWE SmackDown results and grades – January 13, 2023
- Intercontinental Title: GUNTHER (c) defeated Braun Strowman (A-)
- Tegan Nox pinned Xia Li (C+)
- Raquel Rodrigez beat Liv Morgan (B)
- Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn via disqualification (A- for whole segment)