This was a good episode of SmackDiwn that started and ended with good segments from the Bloodline. Those were the highlights, as tension arose between Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns before it was smoothed over later in the evening. The lowlight of the show was the mixed tag match. The match was too short and there wasn't enough action.
The match score gets weighed down by the two matches that were above average. The show structure loses points because the two down segments of the night disrupted the flow of what was otherwise a good show. The atmosphere was ok during a few points of the show. Some storylines were advanced but others were not. And production was good but it was a regular show so no theme.
On tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown: Charlotte Flair appears on SmackDown after winning back the women’s title. What does the Queen have to say? Ricochet faces Top Dolla, with the winner securing a spot in the Royal Rumble. And in the main event, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre challenge the Usos for the tag team championships.
AMAZING The Bloodline:
Sami Zayn opened by talking about how 2023 will be the year of the Bloodline. However, Roman Reigns chastised him for getting pinned and for doing things Roman is supposed to do, like calling his shot. As Reigns started raising his voice at Zayn, Kevin Owens entered. Owens said he was the source of Reigns’ anger and challenged Reigns to a title match at the Royal Rumble. Owens ended by telling Zayn to retrieve his manhood from the Tribal Chief’s pocket.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 4.25 stars
GOOD Kofi Kingston vs Santos Escobar:
Throwing it back to some of his previous exploits in the Royal Rumble, Kingston showed his balance to avoid touching the floor. Later, Escobar kicked out at two after an SOS. In the end, a distraction from his faction mates allowed Escobar to steal the victory.
Results: Santos Escobar by Pinfall
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 Stars
Sami Zayn is denied entry to the Bloodline’s dressing room, but at least Paul Heyman still loves him.
LA Knight told Kayla Braxton that he will defeat Bray Wyatt and be the main storyline.
ABOVE AVERAGE Scarlett and Karrion Kross vs Madcap Moss and Emma:
Emma had the advantage over Scarlett and went for the pin but Kross pulled her off. She slammed him, angering Kross and leading to Moss tagging in. Kross finished Madcap Moss with a Kross Jacket. After the match, Kross put Rey Mysterio’s mask on Moss and called out Mysterio.
Results: Karrion Kross and Scarlett by Submission via Kross Jacket
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.5 Stars
RATING WORD Charlotte Flair:
Flair thanked the fans for their support and attributed her success to passion, consistency, and dedication. Then, Sonya Deville demanded a title match, saying Charlotte’s latest title win came against a weakened opponent. In the ensuing match, Deville targeted Flair’s knee in an attempt to even the odds. However, Charlotte Flair demonstrated why she is a 14-time champion, chopping and spearing Sonya Deville. The Queen picked up the win on a Figure Eight submission.
Results: Charlotte Flair by Submission via Figure Eight
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 stars
A video package is shown hyping up the return of Cody Rhodes.
ABOVE AVERAGE Ricochet vs Top Dolla in a Royal Rumble qualifier:
Top Dolla opened things up by tossing Ricochet from the turnbuckle. His undoing came when he mocked Ricochet, allowing his opponent back in the match. Ricochet hit Top Dolla with a Shooting Star Press and advanced to the Royal Rumble. Post-match, Hit Row attacked Ricochet until Braun Strowman came to the rescue.
Results: Ricochet by Pinfall via Shooting Star Press
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.5 Stars
Roman Reigns apologized to Sami Zayn for the way he talked to him earlier on SmackDown. Paul Heyman informed Zayn he could redeem himself by beating Kevin Owens next week.
GREAT The Usos vs Sheamus and Drew McIntyre:
Sheamus and McIntyre had a strength advantage but the Usos used good teamwork to overcome that. Later, the Usos were hit with double White Noise from the corner turnbuckles. McIntyre nearly got the pinfall but Jimmy Uso broke it. The Usos had a near fall of their own after landing a One D on Sheamus. Solo Sikoa interfered by hitting McIntyre with a Samoan Spike. In the end, the Usos retained on a dirty pin.
Results: The Usos by Pinfall
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
Overall…
This was a good episode of SmackDiwn that started and ended with good segments from the Bloodline. Those were the highlights, as tension arose between Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns before it was smoothed over later in the evening. The lowlight of the show was the mixed tag match. The match was too short and there wasn’t enough action.
The match score gets weighed down by the two matches that were above average. The show structure loses points because the two down segments of the night disrupted the flow of what was otherwise a good show. The atmosphere was ok during a few points of the show. Some storylines were advanced but others were not. And production was good but it was a regular show so no theme.
Matches: 0.5/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.5/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.25/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
