2/4 WWE SMACKDOWN TV RESULTS: McDonald’s “alt perspective” report on Rousey’s decision, Heyman’s plan revealed, McIntyre’s return

WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
FEBRUARY 4, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK AT THE PAYCOM CENTER
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Announcers: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

[HOUR ONE]

-The show opened with a recap of the Royal Rumble. The recap focused on the finish of the Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley WWE Championship match. The focus then shifted to Lesnar’s involvement in the Royal Rumble match. They then cut to the arena where Michael Cole introduced the show.

-Roman Reigns’ music hit. Pat McAfee said it’s cold as hell in Oklahoma City, but things are heating up as the greatest of all time is in Oklahoma City. Roman Reigns made his entrance with Paul Heyman and the Usos in tow. Cole touted Reigns’ Universal Championship reign, now at 522 days. Reigns smiled as he posed at the top of the ramp. Cole then threw to a video package that recapped the Reigns and Seth Rollins Universal Championship match from Royal Rumble. After the package they showed the graphic for Reigns and Lesnar at Wrestlemania. Reigns stood in mid-ring and posed with the Usos as the pyro went off. Paul Heyman took the microphone and he introduced himself as the Special Counsel to Reigns. The crowd cheered, then booed at the mention of Reigns’ name. Heyman said they’re there tonight to acknowledge what really happened. Heyman said there was no plot or conspiracy. They did not intend to make Lesnar look foolish, even though he does now anyway. Heyman recapped his mistake in December. Heyman said he deserved to be fired and Superman Punched. He said he languished like an unemployed Oklahoman. Heyman said he did what he had to do and pulled strings to get Lesnar into the 5-way match and win the WWE title. Heyman said that Lesnar was stupid for going to Smackdown to challenge Reigns to a title for title match at Wrestlemania. He said Lesnar should have taken his place in history on Raw. Heyman said he realized he was stuck with a stupid Lesnar now. Heyman touted that Lesnar took Lashley to Suplex City. Heyman said Reigns showed that a G.O.A.T. can always slay a beast. Heyman began his Lesnar introduction, then cut himself off and said you will never hear it again. Heyman said that Reigns came into the ring at Royal Rumble and smashed Lesnar. Heyman said he realized at that moment that he needed to protect Lesnar from Reigns. He said Reigns offered the hand of forgiveness, the family, the Bloodline, and acknowledgment. He said he handed Reigns the WWE title and Reigns smashed Lesnar. Heyman said because of Reigns, Lashley is the new WWE champion. He said there won’t be a title for title, winner take all match at Wrestlemania because Lesnar will do what Reigns wants him to do. He said that at Wrestlemania, Lesnar will acknowledge the champion, Roman Reigns. Heyman said he was going to show Lesnar how it’s done. Heyman turned to Reigns and said he acknowledges his Trial Chief. Heyman then asked the crowd to acknowledge Reigns.

-Bill Goldberg’s music hit and he made his entrance. Reigns stared at Goldberg as he entered the ring. Cole said it was a look of disbelief from Reigns. Goldberg took the mic. He said he acknowledges Reigns. Then he paused and said, “as my next victim”. He challenged Reigns for Elimination Chamber for the Universal Championship. Goldberg then said “you’re next” and dropped the mic. Reigns and Goldberg stared at each other, then the Bloodline backed out of the ring. Goldberg stared after them.

(McDonald’s Analysis: Heyman’s explanation made sense. Part of me wishes it was a master plan, but another part of me knows that this probably makes more sense. He made a mistake, paid for the mistake, then realized that his backup plan wasn’t the guy he thought he was. That all works for me. However, the Goldberg music ruined all of the goodwill that was built up by Heyman. Goldberg is well past his expiration date and at this point, I don’t see what Reigns gains from beating him at Blood Money Chamber. I understand that they want Reigns on the card, and this is probably the best way to do that, but I still hate it. On top of everything else, why does Goldberg deserve a title shot? He’s allowed to just roll out of his grave right before they go to Saudi Arabia and get a title match every time?)

-Michael Cole touted Elimination Chamber, two weeks from tomorrow at noon in Saudi Arabia. He threw to a video sponsor and they ran down the show for tonight. Cole and McAfee hyped appearances by Ronda Rousey and Drew McIntyre.

-Sheamus’ music hit and he made his entrance. Ridge Holland followed him out. Holland was still wearing the face mask. Cole threw to a recap of Ricochet breaking Holland’s nose. They showed a graphic for Holland and Ricochet, next. [c]

-Back from break, Ricochet made his entrance alongside Cesaro. Ricochet slid into the ring and taunted Holland about his nose.

(1) RICOCHET (w/ Cesaro) vs. RIDGE HOLLAND (w/ Sheamus)

Ricochet punched at Holland, but Holland hit a big uppercut and took Ricochet down. Holland hit a big powerslam as Cole touted his performance in the Rumble. Holland hit a hard Irish Whip on Ricochet into the corner. Holland picked up Ricochet for a slam but Ricochet wiggled out and Holland fell to the floor. Ricochet followed Holland but Holland grabbed Ricochet and dropped him face first on the apron. Sheamus and Cesaro argued on the outside, which distracted Holland. Ricochet took advantage of the distraction and got the win.

WINNER: RICOCHET in 2:00

-Cole explained that a tag team match was made during the break.

(2) SHEAMUS & RIDGE HOLLAND vs. CESARO & RICOCHET

Sheamus hit the Ten Beats on Sheamus as they came back from break. McAfee had Sheamus’ gear at ringside. Holland tagged in and put a headlock on Cesaro. Cesaro fought out and hit a jawbreaker. Sheamus tagged in, then Ricochet tagged in and hit some flying moves before he hit a Lionsault for a near fall. Cesaro tagged in and took Sheamus down with a clothesline. Holland entered the ring and amid the chaos Ricochet fell to the outside, then Cesaro dumped Holland to the floor. Sheamus and Cesaro battled in the ring. Holland blind-tagged in and hit Northern Grit for the win.

WINNER: SHEAMUS & RIDGE HOLLAND in 3:00

(McDonald’s Analysis: Well, I hated the initial two minute match but when I saw they had turned it into a tag I hoped they would get more time to flesh this out. I was wrong. Two matches over the span of five minutes of TV time. Sheamus is too talented to be wasted like this. Holland has some potential, but him losing, then winning, is the epitome of WWE 50/50 booking. These guys can’t gain momentum when they’re booked this way. It’s next to impossible. Also, I fear we may be in for a Sheamus and Bad Bunny match at Wrestlemania. I hope I’m wrong.)

-Cole threw to a video package on WWE 2k22.

-Back in the arena, the Usos music hit and they made their entrance. They showed a graphic for Jimmy Uso against Erik of the Viking Raiders after the break. [c]

-They returned from break with still shots of the Royal Rumble. They then showed a graphic of Rousey and Cole hyped her first ever appearance on Smackdown later tonight. He teased that Rousey could tell us who she’s going to face at Wrestlemania.

-The Viking Raiders music hit and they made their entrance. They showed a graphic for the Usos against the Viking Raiders at Elimination Chamber for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships.

(3) JIMMY USO (w/ Jey Uso) vs. ERIK (w/ Ivar)

Erik took Jimmy down immediately. Cole touted the length of the Usos title run. Erik slammed Jimmy and got a near fall. Jimmy tried to recover but Erik chopped him down quickly. Jey distracted Erik and Ivar dove at Jey on the outside, but Jey moved. In the ring, Jimmy hit a superkick followed by an Uso Splash for the win.

WINNER: JIMMY USO in 2:00

(McDonald’s Analysis: Three matches, two of them with distraction finishes in two minutes. Why did this match need to happen? I assume next week we’ll see Jey against Ivar and Ivar will win after Jey gets distracted. You know, because, reasons. NO ONE benefits from this. And when I say no one, I’m including the fans.)

-They showed a recap of Aliyah’s record breaking victory over Natalya a few weeks ago. The package then shifted to Aliyah beating Natalya by disqualification the following week.

-Aliyah’s music hit and she made her entrance. They showed a graphic for Aliyah and Natalya, next. [c]

-Back from break, Natalya made her entrance with the Guinness Book of World Records. They showed a retweet from Guinness that Natalya received earlier.

(4) NATALYA vs. ALIYAH

Aliyah tried to roll up Natalya but Natalya fought out. Natalya took Aliyah to the corner and stomped at her. Natalya dragged Aliyah by the air and asked if she knew who she was. Aliyah went for another roll-up but Natalya kicked out at two. Aliyah took Natalya down and then hit a Lou Thesz press followed by punches. Aliyah then hit a big bulldog for a near fall. Natalya recovered and hit a discus clothesline. She tossed Aliyah to the outside then followed her out. Natalya threw Aliyah into the barricade, then slammed her head on the apron. Aliyah sent Natalya to the barricade and rolled into the ring as the referee’s count hit ten.

WINNER: ALIYAH by countout in 3:00

(McDonald’s Analysis: Well the two to three minute them continues. I guess that’s all you get for a match on Smackdown now. Anyway, besides the Guinness thing being kind of silly, I kind of like this feud. At least it feels like they’re fighting over something. The booking of Aliyah as a lucky but smart newcomer is actually a good twist. I hope they go somewhere with this and it doesn’t continue endlessly. On top of that, hopefully they use this story to launch Aliyah into something so they can build some depth in the Women’s Division.)

-They showed Gulak and Shotzi in the back, then Drew McIntyre appeared with his sword as he headed to the ring. [c]

-They showed a graphic for Rousey’s appearance later.

-Drew McIntyre’s music hit and he made his entrance. He got a solid response. McAfee said that McIntyre returned much sooner then expected. Cole threw to a video recap of the injury sustained by McIntyre at the hands of Happy Corbin and Mad Cap Moss. Cole said they thought McIntyre would be out for months. They then showed still shots of McIntyre entering the Rumble and eliminating Corbin and Moss. Back in the arena, McIntyre posed with his sword.

-McIntyre took the mic and said it feels good to be back. McIntyre said that a doctor told him he’s not going to make it back for the Rumble or Wrestlemania. He said he told the doctor to kiss his ass. He said he rehabbed three times a day, six days a week, and now he’s back. McIntyre said his attention is on Corbin and Moss.

[HOUR TWO]

Corbin’s music hit and he made his entrance. Corbin asked if it was worth it for McIntyre to come back and risk his career to be thrown out like a bag of garbage by Lesnar. Moss snuck up behind McIntyre, but McIntyre saw it coming and stuck out his sword to stop Moss. He asked Moss to tell a joke. McIntyre told Corbin not to enter the ring, or he will draw blood. Moss started a joke about the crowd, but McIntyre said he didn’t want to hear an Oklahoma joke. He said he wanted to hear a McIntyre joke. Moss told a bad joke where the punchline was “Scot free”. McIntyre fake laughed, then hit a Claymore on Moss. McIntyre then said he’s going to make Corbin’s life hell every week. He pointed the sword at Corbin.

-Cole threw to a video of the Jackass red carpet premiere that featured Sami Zayn. Zayn showed up at the premiere but Knoxville chased him off with the cattle prod. They then showed Zayn in the back with Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce. Zayn said he’s been the number one contender for the Intercontinental title for two months and still hasn’t gotten his shot. Pearce said next week, but Zayn said he needed to recover from the cattle prod. Pearce then made the match for two weeks from now. Natalya arrived and asked for a Dungeon’s rules match with Aliyah next week. Deville said she’s on.

(McDonald’s Analysis: I guess they gave up on Moss being anything serious any time soon. I had some hope for him a couple of weeks ago. I guess they’re on to Holland and Boogs now. Maybe they’ll come back around. Anyway, good return for McIntyre. Straight and to the point. He wants revenge and it’s being painted that the revenge will be on Corbin as the brains of the operation, which makes sense. I’m actually interested to see what kind of match they can have. Zayn said what we’ve all been thinking since he earned the title shot. I’m glad they finally have a date in place. Given Zayn’s status, it makes sense it’s on the Smackdown prior to the PLE. And lastly, I’m curious to see what a Dungeon’s rules match is. I assume it’s a version of a submission match?)

-Back in the arena, Rick Boogs did his Freddy Mercury routine, then played Shinsuke Nakamura to the ring. McAfee danced at ringside. They showed a graphic for Nakamura and Jinder Mahal next. [c]

-Jinder Mahal made his entrance with Shanky. Sami Zayn’s music hit and he made his entrance.

(5) SHINSUKE NAKAMURA (w/ Rick Boogs) vs. JINDER MAHAL (w/ Shanky) – Championship Contender’s Match

Mahal took down Nakamura. Nakamura fought back and rolled to the outside to celebrate with Boogs. Nakamura went for a Kinshasa, but Mahal moved, then slammed Nakamura for a near fall. Mahal choked Nakamura with his calf. Nakamura fought up, but Mahal took him down with a big knee, then a near fall. Mahal pounded on Nakamura. Zayn on commentary said he wants Nakamura to lose momentum. He said Nakamura is going to bring his A game and it won’t be enough against him. Mahal had a modified head twist on Nakamura in the ring. Nakamura fought up and hit a kick. Boogs cheered on Nakamura at ringside. Nakamura hit a Kinshasa for the win.

WINNER: SHINSUKE NAKAMURA in 3:00

-Zayn said that Nakamura is holding his championship. Nakamura laid the belt down and taunted Zayn.

(McDonald’s Analysis: Shocking. Another three minute match. This was actually fine for what it was. I would be fine with it if they used Jinder for everyone to beat every week. He could actually be like the designated job guy. If every match is only going to be three minutes, why not just trot him out there for all of the matches to give wins to the guys that need it instead of the 50/50 stuff they do now.)

-Cole threw to a video recap of Goldberg and Reigns from the top of the show. Cole then said it’s been official and they showed a graphic for Reigns and Goldberg at Elimination Chamber. [c]

-They showed a graphic that hyped Rousey on Smackdown later. Then they cut to a video package that recapped the interaction between Sonya Deville and Naomi at the Rumble.

-Adam Pearce and Deville were in the back. Naomi arrived. She said she won’t touch Deville because she has her jacket on. Naomi demanded that Deville meet her in the ring in five minutes. Deville said no. Naomi asked for a match next week, but Deville said she can’t because Naomi will face Charlotte Flair for the Smackdown Women’s Championship next week. Naomi said she doesn’t believe Deville. Pearce chimed in and said the match is official.

-Cole and McAfee threw to a video package that hyped Goldberg. Afterwards, they showed the graphic for Reigns and Goldberg at Elimination Chamber. McAfee said it’s dream booking straight out of WWE 2k22.

-The New Day made their entrance. They showed a graphic for the New Day against Los Lotharios, next. [c]

(McDonald’s Analysis: Charlotte and Naomi for the title next week? That gives us two announced Women’s matches for the show, which is interesting. McAfee called Reigns and Goldberg a dream match? He does know that unlike in the video game, Goldberg is fifty-something. It’s not the same thing. I get hyping Goldberg, but let’s pump the brakes a bit. The guy was never a good wrestler, and now, he’s just dangerous. I really fear for Reigns’ safety in this match to be honest. And, I guess I was wrong. Big E is back on Smackdown and is right back in the Tag Division. What a shame. He wasn’t the best WWE champion ever, but he didn’t do poorly enough to be shoved back down the card so quickly. I really feel for him.)

-They showed more still shots of Royal Rumble. They then showed a graphic for Drew McIntyre against Mad Cap Moss at Elimination Chamber.

-Kayla Braxton was in the back with Natalya. Kayla asked if Natalya can explain the Dungeon style match. Natalya said she was going to tell Aliyah now. Natalya walked up to the locker room door, but Xia Li appeared. Li stared at Natalya. Natalya backed off and said she’d tell Aliyah next week.

-Los Lotharios made their entrance. They showed a pre-taped package of the New Day crashing a Valentine’s Day photoshoot for Los Lotharios.

(6) THE NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Big E) vs. LOS LOTHARIOS (Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo)

Big E and Kingston double teamed Garza and Kingston got a near fall. Big E tagged in and ran across the ring to attack Carrillo. Carrillo and Garza took over for a moment but Big E recovered quick and tagged in Kingston. They hit a double team move and Kingston went to the top rope but was distracted by Garza. Kingston jumped down and Carrillo took control. Garza tagged in and they double teamed Kingston. Los Lotharios ran across the ring and knocked Big E off the apron. They went to double team Kingston, but Kingston moved and Los Lotharios fell to the outside. Kingston kicked Carrillo back and went for a Trust Fall but Garza hit a superkick that took out Kingston. [c]

Carrillo tagged in Garza and they double teamed Kingston. Garza walked over and threw his pants at Big E. Big E came into the ring but the ref restrained him. Carrillo tagged in and got a near fall, then put Kingston in a headlock. Kingston fought up but Carrillo pounded on him then hit a slam. Carrillo went to the top and went for a moonsault, but Kingston got his feet up and hit Carrillo in the face. Kingston tagged in Big E as Carrillo tagged in Garza. Big E hit a series of belly to belly suplexes, then hit his hip swivel and splash on Garza. Garza recovered and slammed Big E, but Garza had no one to tag. Big E hit the yurinagi on Garza and Kingston entered the ring. They hit a double team move and Kingston went for the cover but Carrillo broke it up. Chaos ensued and Carrillo took out Big E on the outside with a corkscrew dive. Carrillo tagged back in and Los Lotharios hit a variation of the Doomsday Device for a close near fall. Garza tagged back in and hit a big superkick on Kingston. Kingston recovered and tagged in Big E. The New Day hit a combo splash and Big Ending for the win.

WINNER: THE NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Big E) in 10:00

(McDonald’s Analysis: That was really good. After the plethora of two to three minute matches on this show, I made the assumption this would be more of the same. However, we were treated to a true back and forth match with some really good believable near falls. Lotharios looked good here and they both still have a ton of potential. I hate that Big E is in this position, but he seemed intent on having a good match. If he keeps this attitude, WWE may have no choice but to push him. I really hope he wants to stick it to them for not sticking with him.)

-Cole threw to a video recap of the Women’s Royal Rumble. Afterwards, Charlotte Flair’s music hit and she made her entrance. Cole hyped the possibility of Rousey challenging Charlotte for Wrestlemania. [c]

-They showed a graphic for Sami Zayn and Nakamura in two weeks for the IC title. They then showed a graphic for Charlotte and Naomi next week for the Smackdown Women’s Championship.

-Sonya Deville was in the ring with Charlotte. Deville told Charlotte that she spoke to Becky Lynch before the show tonight. Deville said that Lynch told her Rousey chose Lynch to battle at Wrestlemania. Therefore, Charlotte can now choose her opponent for Wrestlemania. Charlotte took the mic and said she doesn’t blame Rousey for picking Lynch because mom versus mom is easier then facing her. Charlotte called herself the main event of Wrestlemania. Charlotte then said Rousey can pick Lynch and that’s fine with her because number one doesn’t talk about number two. Charlotte then said she’s going to pick someone who’s not here tonight. She chose Sasha Banks. Charlotte said she’ll have a contract for Banks waiting. Ronda Rousey’s music hit and she made her entrance. Rousey entered the ring. The crowd cheered as she picked up the mic. Rousey said that Lynch told Deville told Charlotte. She then said that they love to talk about her. Rousey said that she didn’t fly here with her baby to have a chat. She’s here to teach her daughter the family business of kicking ass. The crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey”. Rousey told Charlotte that she’s not special, she’s just first. Rousey said, “I’ll see you at Wrestlemania, bitch.” Rousey dropped the mic and stepped up to Charlotte. Charlotte said the opporunity is back in the main event of Wrestlemania. She said the title is her baby and it’s prettier then Rousey’s. Rousey took her jacket off. Deville got in between Charlotte and Rousey. Deville said she tells Rousey what to do. Rousey shoved Deville out of the way and went after Charlotte. Charlotte rolled out of the ring. Rousey attacked Deville and locked her in an armbar as she stared at Charlotte.

(McDonald’s Analysis: As soon as Deville said that, I figured a swerve was coming. I won’t lie though, when Charlotte picked Banks, they got me. I thought there may have been a change in plans. For the record, I think I would prefer those two matches. Actually, I would prefer Bianca Belair and Charlotte with Rousey and Lynch on the other side, but that’s not possible. Anyway, I actually thought this segment was really well done. Rousey didn’t say too much and expose herself and she came off as a badass. This was much better then the tone on Monday. Inserting Deville seemed like a tactic to firmly position Rousey as the face. It was a good idea. The ending with Rousey staring down Charlotte with Deville in the submission was awesome. Good booking there.)

FINAL THOUGHTS: That show felt frantic with how much they packed into it. Other than the Reigns/Heyman and Goldberg segment and the final segment with Charlotte and Rousey, nothing else was really given any time to breathe. I hate all of the two minute matches. If anyone from WWE reads this, please stop. As fans, most of us would rather have two less matches and have the matches you do give us last longer. Not everyone needs to be on every show. The New Day and Lotharios match was good stuff for a TV match. Give me one more match like that per show and cut down on the two and three minute matches that are merely a device to fit more people on the show. None of those stories move anyway, so why can’t they wait a week? At least then there could be actual movement in the stories when those wrestlers are featured. Anyway, there was some good to this show and I’m interested in the two Women’s matches next week. Otherwise, a lot of this show was forgettable and again, not much happened outside of the two major angles. WWE better hope Goldberg doesn’t drop Reigns on his head or injure him seriously in any way. If that happens, they may as well cancel this show. The sad part is, that’s a real risk given Goldberg’s history.