WWE SmackDown delivered another action-packed episode this week, setting the stage for major storylines heading into the new year.
From Naomi stepping in for an injured Jade Cargill to help Bianca Belair retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, to Solo Sikoa accepting a Tribal Combat Match against Roman Reigns, the night was filled with drama, surprises, and intense action. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down.
The show opened with Solo Sikoa addressing the WWE Universe, vowing to retain the Ula Fala after his Tribal Combat Match against Roman Reigns, set to take place during Raw’s Netflix debut showdown on January 6. Sikoa, now self-proclaimed as the Tribal Chief, made it clear that he is ready to prove his dominance over Reigns and solidify his place at the head of the table.
However, the promo was interrupted by Drew McIntyre, who reminded Sikoa of their unfinished business. The Scottish Warrior hasn’t forgotten that Sikoa cost him the world title at Clash at the Castle 2022. McIntyre demanded that Sikoa deal with The OTC so they could settle their rivalry once and for all.
The tension escalated when a hobbled Jimmy Uso attacked McIntyre from behind, sparking a massive brawl. LA Knight, Apollo Crews, and Andrade rushed to the ring to even the odds, leading to a chaotic start to the show.
WWE SmackDown first match saw The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga) take on LA Knight, Andrade, and Apollo Crews in a turbulent Six-Man Tag Team Match.
The match was a hard-hitting affair, with both teams trading momentum. However, chaos erupted when United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura emerged to launch a sneak attack on LA Knight, sending The Megastar crashing over the announce table.
With Knight neutralized, The Bloodline capitalized. Solo Sikoa disposed of Andrade and sealed the victory by hitting Apollo Crews with his devastating Spinning Solo/Samoan Spike combination.
The Grayson Waller Effect returned with a special guest: Braun Strowman, dressed as Santa Claus. Waller, as expected, poked fun at Strowman, but the segment took a turn when Carmelo Hayes interrupted to challenge Strowman to a rematch after last week’s squash defeat.
The match saw Hayes use his speed and agility to keep the larger Strowman off balance, targeting his neck and mocking his signature run around the ring. However, Strowman’s power proved too much, as he delivered a big boot to Hayes’ face and threw him back into the ring.
In a surprising twist, Strowman was counted out after failing to re-enter the ring in time, giving Hayes the victory. The result showcased Hayes’ resourcefulness and set the stage for a potential third encounter between the two.
Johnny Gargano faced Alex Shelley in a highly competitive singles match. Shelley, looking to gain momentum, climbed to the top rope for a high-risk maneuver, but Tommaso Ciampa appeared at ringside to distract him.
Chris Sabin rushed to Shelley’s aid, keeping Ciampa at bay, but the distraction allowed Gargano to capitalize. As Shelley attempted a flying crossbody, Gargano reversed the momentum and pinned him with a handful of tights, securing the victory.
The match highlighted the ongoing tension between the WWE Tag Team Champions (Gargano and Ciampa) and the Motor City Machine Guns (Shelley and Sabin), setting the stage for future confrontations.
In the main event, Bianca Belair and Naomi defended the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. Naomi stepped in for her injured partner, Jade Cargill, and delivered a stellar performance.
The match saw Tiffany Stratton emerge to support Jax and LeRae, adding an extra layer of drama. In the final moments, Jax attempted to use Stratton’s Money in the Bank briefcase as a weapon, but the referee caught her in the act.
The distraction allowed Belair to take out Jax, paving the way for Naomi to hit a split-legged moonsault on LeRae for the win.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Three Men Tag Match | The Bloodline def. LA Knight, Andrade, and Apollo Crews |
| Singles Match | Carmelo Hayes def. Braun Strowman by count-out |
| Singles Match | Johnny Gargano def. Alex Shelley |
| WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match | Bianca Belair & Naomi* (c) def. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae (*stepping in for Jade Cargill) |
This week’s WWE SmackDown delivered a mix of thrilling matches, long-term storytelling, and unexpected twists. Solo Sikoa’s acceptance of the Tribal Combat Match against Roman Reigns sets the stage for a monumental showdown, while Naomi’s performance in the main event proved her worth as a top-tier competitor.
With tensions rising across multiple storylines, WWE continues to build anticipation for the new year. Fans can expect even more drama and action as the road to Raw’s Netflix debut and the Royal Rumble heats up. Stay tuned!