WWE SmackDown aired its final episode of the year. From a chaotic six-woman tag team match to Kevin Owens’ brutal attack on Cody Rhodes, the night was filled with drama and surprises.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down on this week’s WWE SmackDown.
Naomi, Bianca Belair & Bayley Team Up Against Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae
The night kicked off with an electrifying six-woman tag team match that saw Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Bayley take on WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae.
The match showcased incredible teamwork from the trio of Naomi, Belair, and Bayley, highlighted by a spectacular triple dive to the outside that brought the crowd to its feet. Nia Jax briefly turned the tide for her team, but a miscommunication between LeRae and Stratton allowed Belair to tag in a fresh Bayley.
As the match reached its climax, Tiffany Stratton teased cashing in her Money in the Bank contract, but Candice LeRae stopped her, leading to dissension between the two. This distraction allowed Naomi to capitalize, rolling up LeRae for the pinfall victory.
Braun Strowman Destroys Austin Theory
Braun Strowman made a dominant statement by defeating Austin Theory in a one-sided contest.
Despite Theory’s best efforts to stay competitive, including some assistance from Grayson Waller, Strowman’s sheer power proved too much to handle. A thunderous Running Powerslam sealed the victory for Strowman, who appeared ready for more destruction after the match.
Michin Crashes Chelsea Green’s Celebration
Chelsea Green’s celebration for her WWE Women’s United States Championship was cut short by an unexpected interruption from Mia Yim (Michin).
The ring was decorated in red, white, and blue as Green delivered a self-congratulatory speech. However, Michin stormed the ring with a kendo stick, forcing Green to retreat. Piper Niven attempted to protect Green but ended up taking the brunt of Michin’s attack.
The Street Profits Settle the Score With Los Garza
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were on a mission to settle the score with Angel and Humberto (Los Garza), whom they believed to be their mysterious attackers.
The match was a fast-paced affair, with Los Garza using their high-flying offense to mock and frustrate The Street Profits. However, Dawkins showcased his incredible strength by lifting both Angel and Humberto, setting up Ford to deliver his signature aerial moves.
The action spilled to the outside, where B-Fab and Elektra Lopez got into a heated altercation. This distraction allowed The Street Profits to capitalize and secure an impressive victory.
Sami Zayn Gets Ambushed by The Bloodline
A highly anticipated match between Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes ended in chaos when Braun Strowman and The Bloodline got involved.
The match was a showcase of athleticism, with Hayes keeping Zayn off balance with moves like a springboard flying clothesline. Zayn countered with a Blue Thunder Bomb and an Exploder Suplex, setting up for a Helluva Kick. However, Hayes rolled out of the ring and began retreating up the ramp, only to be met by Braun Strowman.
As Hayes tried to escape, The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu) attacked Zayn in the ring. Strowman discarded Hayes but soon found himself on the receiving end of The Bloodline’s wrath as well. The chaotic scene left both Zayn and Hayes incapacitated.
Kevin Owens vs Cody Rhodes Set for Royal Rumble
The show ended with a dramatic confrontation between Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
Owens arrived with the winged eagle title, as requested by Aldis, who gave him an ultimatum. Cody Rhodes then appeared with the real WWE Championship and proposed a Ladder Match to settle their dispute once and for all. Aldis made the match official for the Royal Rumble.
However, Owens took advantage of the situation, attacking Rhodes and targeting his injured neck. The show closed with Owens standing tall, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their Royal Rumble clash.
Match Card
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Six-Woman Tag Team Match | Naomi, Bianca Belair & Bayley def. Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae |
| Singles Match | Braun Strowman def. Austin Theory |
| Tag Team Match | The Street Profits def. Los Garza |
| Singles Match | Sami Zayn vs Carmelo Hayes (No Contest) |
With SmackDown transitioning to a three-hour format in January, the stakes are higher than ever. The Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a blockbuster event, with the newly announced Ladder Match between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes adding to the excitement.
The Bloodline’s continued dominance, Naomi’s rise, and Braun Strowman’s destructive path will undoubtedly be key storylines to watch as WWE heads into the new year.
