12/30 WWE SMACKDOWN TV RESULTS: McDonald’s “alt perspective” report on Reigns/Zayn vs. Cena/Owens, Sheamus-Sikoa, Rousey-Rodriguez Smackdown Women’s Title

WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
DECEMBER 30, 2022
TAMPA, FL AT AMALIE ARENA
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Announcers: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett

[HOUR ONE]

-Michael Cole welcomed the audience to the show as the camera panned the crowd. They then showed a graphic for the main event tag team match. Wade Barrett mentioned John Cena’s first match in 2022. Cole hyped the match for later in the show.

-Bray Wyatt’s logo flashed on the screen, then his music played and he made his entrance. The crowd popped when Wyatt emerged from the smoke with his lantern. Cole threw to a video recap of Wyatt’s attack on the cameraman last week on Smackdown. Back in the arena, Wyatt stood in the ring and introduced himself. He said that he doesn’t think of himself as a good person, but he does try very hard. He said he thinks back on the horrible things he’s done, but he doesn’t regret much. He said he regretted his actions last week and he apologized. Wyatt said he attacked the cameraman in cold blood and he didn’t deserve that.

-L.A. Knight made his entrance. He mocked Wyatt’s apology. Knight then called Wyatt the master of the mind games. Knight said he’s gaming Wyatt. He then said that Wyatt can’t finish a sentence and he took it out on the cameraman. Knight said he’s afraid of Wyatt paying one of his goons in a Captain Howdy outfit to take him out. Knight said that Wyatt is responsible and it’s time for him to pay the check. He said Wyatt used to be a force. The crowd chanted “you suck” at Knight. Knight continued and said that Wyatt is a fraud and a broken down loser. He said he has the medicine. Knight said the Royal Rumble is coming up and it will be his first. He said he wants to make it special. Knight said he’s going to do that by breaking Wyatt like dishes.

-Wyatt took the mic and called Knight a little idiot. Wyatt asked who Knight thought he was talking to. Wyatt said that he’s been patient and he could have ended this a long time ago. He said it’s time he reminds Knight and everyone how cruel he can be when he wants to. Wyatt said he accepts Knight’s challenge for Royal Rumble.

-The screen flashed Wyatt symbols and a voice said to embrace what you are and to embrace the dark. Music then played and the lights went out. Uncle Howdy appeared at the top of the stage in a cloud of smoke and began to walk toward the ring. Howdy paused outside the ring and removed his hat, then moved to the stairs and entered the ring. Howdy stood between Wyatt and Knight. He turned to Knight, then moved to Wyatt and stared him down before he stood next to him. They stared down Knight, then Howdy took Wyatt down with a Sister Abigail. Knight exited the ring and asked what was going on. Howdy left the ring and his music began again as he walked to the back.

-Sami Zayn was in the back and knocked on the Bloodline locker room door. Paul Heyman answered and they hugged. Zayn said it’s a blessed day when he gets to see Heyman. Zayn said he’s there to talk strategy with the Tribal Chief. Heyman praised Zayn’s words and passion last week. Heyman said it was what Roman Reigns’ had always seen in him and he’s proud of Zayn. Heyman said he’s going to impart some wisdom on Zayn. Heyman said if the crowd is cheering on Zayn with Reigns in the ring, it’s not the right optic. Heyman said that life on the Island of Relevancy is being three steps ahead at all times. Heyman then gave Zayn the green light and let him in the locker room. Heyman remained outside and laughed uncomfortably. [c]

(McDonald’s Analysis: What a way to kick off an episode. We’re finally getting somewhere with Wyatt and Knight. The match is official for Rumble, so we can stop speculating about when Wyatt will actually get in the ring. I was worried for a second that Knight meant they would meet in the Rumble itself. After that, Howdy made a more proper appearance than the last time and got physically involved. We now know, for sure, that Howdy and Wyatt are not the same person. On top of that, they don’t appear to be aligned. Further, I think it’s fairly obvious that it is, in fact, Bo Dallas. Really strong segment that answered a lot of questions and didn’t feel like a waste of time. Last week’s attack still seemed out of nowhere and kind of out of this narrative, but I’ll let it go after the strength of this segment. After that, we get Sami and Heyman in the back. An interesting exchange that can be read into in multiple ways. Heyman warned Zayn, but how serious was the warning? Is Heyman actually trying to help Zayn? What was with the stalling joke at the end? More questions than answers here, but I think we’ll learn more as the night goes on.)

-They showed a graphic for Ronda Rousey against Raquel Rodriguez. Cole hyped it as a “massive title match” for later in the show.

-Sheamus made his entrance with Butch and Ridge Holland in tow. Cole said that Sheamus said he wants to win the Intercontinental Championship in 2023. Barrett said that Gunther may have something to say about that.

-Solo Sikoa made his entrance with the Usos at his side. Sikoa and the Usos posed in the ring. Cole called Sikoa the enforcer of the Bloodline.

(1) SHEAMUS (w/ Ridge Holland & Butch) vs. SOLO SIKOA (w/ Jey & Jimmy Uso)

Sheamus and Sikoa locked up, then broke. Sheamus then grabbed a headlock and Sikoa shot Sheamus off the ropes. The two collided. Sheamus went to Sikoa’s arm and locked in an armbar. Sikoa fought out. Sheamus came off the ropes and ran into Sikoa. Sikoa came off the ropes and bumped into Sheamus himself. Sikoa took control with a couple of punches, then took Sheamus down with a big right hand. Sikoa posed. Sikoa approached Sheamus and choked him with the middle rope. Sheamus fought back with strikes to Sikoa and rammed Sikoa’s head into the top turnbuckle. Sheamus followed up with punches in the corner. Sikoa sent Sheamus to the corner and charged but Sheamus caught him coming in. Sheamus clotheslined Sikoa over the top rope and to the floor. Sikoa grabbed a chair at ringside and started toward the ring. The Usos stopped him and calmed him down at ringside. [c]

Back from break, Sikoa was in control and put a headlock on Sheamus. The crowd cheered Sheamus on and he tried to fight up, but Sikoa took Sheamus right back down. Sheamus fought to his feet and punched at the gut of Sikoa. Sheamus came off the ropes but Sikoa caught him with a Samoan Drop. Sikoa posed. Sheamus rested in the corner and Sikoa measured him. Sikoa charged but Sheamus recovered and exploded out of the corner with a big clothesline. Butch cheered Sheamus on from ringside. Sheamus punched away at Sikoa and hit a powerslam on Sikoa. Sheamus measured Sikoa and set up Ten Beats. Sheamus then delivered as the crowd counted along. Barrett mentioned that you can tap out to that move. Sheamus set up a Brogue Kick but ran into a superkick. Sheamus countered with a big knee and covered Sikoa for a near fall. Sheamus tried to lift Sikoa but Sikoa countered with a headbutt. Sheamus answered with an Irish Curse backbreaker and then locked in a Cloverleaf. Sikoa reached for the ropes but was too far away. Jey distracted the ref and Jimmy pulled Sikoa toward the ropes to break the hold. Butch and Holland went after the Usos and the two teams brawled. Sheamus came off the top rope and took out all four men. Sikoa dropped to the outside and pulled Sheamus into the ring post. Sikoa then hit a modified Rock Bottom on the apron. Sikoa followed Sheamus in and used a Samoan Spike and covered Sheamus for the win.

WINNER: Solo Sikoa in 11:00

-The Usos and Sikoa attacked Sheamus. They wrapped a chair around Sheamus’ head and Sikoa measured. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre’s music played and he made his entrance. He took out the Usos then removed his shirt and stared down Sikoa. McIntyre tossed Sikoa over the top rope then took out Jimmy with a Claymore. The Bloodline regrouped on the floor as McIntyre and the Brawling Brutes posed in the ring.

(McDonald’s Analysis: Really good, hard hitting match. The hijinks at the end was a little much, but it was to be expected. I still call that a relatively clean win by WWE standards. They continue to frame Sikoa as a big deal, which is exactly what they should be doing. I preferred the Spinning Solo to the Samoan Spike, but I’m all for guys having multiple finishers, so maybe he can use all of them effectively. I love Sheamus and everything he did in 2022, but at this point, Sikoa should be protected and this loss doesn’t hurt Sheamus at all. Based on the mention of Sheamus and the IC title, I don’t think there’s a Sheamus-Reigns match on the horizon. That’s a bummer because it would be really entertaining. McIntyre’s back and has his sights set on Sikoa again. It will be interesting to see how they book that match if and when it happens.)

-Cole and Barrett were ringside. Cole hyped the Smackdown Women’s title match then threw to a video recap on the damage caused by Rousey and Shayna Baszler over the past several weeks. The video then shifted to Rodriguez’s win in the gauntlet match last week on Smackdown. After the video, they showed a graphic for the match. Cole asked if Rodriguez’s shoulder would be a target for Rousey. He hyped the match for after the break. [c]

-They showed a graphic for the main event again. Barrett hyped the match for later in the show.

-Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance.

-Ronda Rousey made her entrance with Shayna Baszler at her side. Rousey entered the ring and approached Rodriguez. They stared each other down as Rousey held up the title. Formal ring introductions then took place.

(2) RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ vs. RONDA ROUSEY (c) (w/ Shayna Baszler) – Smackdown Women’s Championship Match

Rodriguez and Rousey locked up and Rodriguez tossed Rousey aside. They locked up again and Rousey took Rodriguez to the corner and went for the arm. Rodriguez fought her off but Rousey came right back. Rousey slapped Rodriguez then backed off. Rodriguez came out of the corner and took Rousey down with a pair of shoulder tackles. Rodriguez then hit a spinning slam and covered Rousey for a near fall. Rousey rolled to the outside and Rodriguez followed. There was an awkward spot as Rodriguez tried to send Rousey back into the ring. Rodriguez stayed on the attack and charged Rousey in the corner. Rousey moved and Rodriguez went through the ropes and hit the ring post. Rodriguez sold as they cut to break. [c]

Rousey was in control. She used the ropes to attack Rodriguez’s arm. Rousey rolled into an armlock and pounded at Rodriguez. Rodriguez fought to her feet but Rousey stopped her rally. Rousey took Rodriguez down with a big right. Rodriguez caught Rousey with an elbow but Rousey slammed Rodriguez and covered her for a near fall. Rousey then went back to the arm. Rousey pulled at the arm but Rodriguez pulled Rousey to her shoulders and slammed her down. Both women fought to their feet and Rodriguez took Rousey down with a right. Rousey went for a punch but Rodriguez ducked and took Rousey down with a clothesline with her bad arm. Rodriguez sold the arm then covered Rousey for a near fall. Rodriguez lifted Rousey and went for a spinning slam but Rousey countered into an armbar attempt. Rodriguez fought her off then countered into a Boston Crab. Rousey rolled through and countered into an Ankle Lock. Rodriguez kicked Rousey off. Rousey charged but Rodriguez lifted her and planted Rousey with a flapjack. Rodriguez went for a Tahana Bomb but Rousey rolled through. Rodriguez held on as the two tumbled to the outside. Rodriguez regained the Tahana Bomb position and delivered it to Rousey on the apron of the ring. [c]

[HOUR TWO]

Rodriguez delivered a stalling vertical suplex then covered Rousey for a near fall. Rodriguez lifted Rousey to her feet but Rousey grabbed Rodriguez’s arm and pulled her down. Rousey stayed on the arm and got a one count. Rodriguez rolled through and delivered a fallaway slam. Rodriguez got to her feet and lifted Rousey for a Tahana Bomb but Rousey countered into a sleeper. Rousey rode Rodriguez’s back as Rodriguez faded and fell to her knees. Rodriguez powered back to her feet and drove Rousey into the corner back first. Rodriguez then charged the opposite corner and sent Rousey into the top turnbuckle hard. Rodriguez hit a big kick then hit a spinning elbow off the second rope after Rodriguez knocked Baszler off the apron. Rodriguez went for the cover but Baszler pulled Rousey’s foot on the bottom rope. The ref admonished Baszler. Rodriguez placed Rousey on the top rope and pounded at her. Rodriguez followed her up and pulled Rousey to her shoulders. Rousey delivered elbows to Rodriguez then grabbed the arm. Rousey pulled Rodriguez off the top rope and locked in the armbar. Rodriguez tapped immediately.

WINNER: Ronda Rousey in 16:00 to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship

-Baszler and Rodriguez celebrated as a replay aired. Then Charlotte Flair’s remixed music played and she made her entrance to a loud pop. Charlotte walked down the ramp and entered the ring. Charlotte grabbed a mic. Rousey had one of her own. Rousey said she assumes Charlotte’s arm is better and she wants to challenge for the title at the Royal Rumble. Charlotte said no, she’s challenging Rousey tonight. Charlotte dropped the mic and the crowd cheered. Rousey stared at Charlotte and threw the belt down between them. Rousey said Charlotte is in luck because she’s feeling spicy. Baszler tried to talk Rousey out of it. Rousey shoved Baszler off.

(3) RONDA ROUSEY (c) (w/ Shayna Baszler) vs. CHARLOTTE FLAIR – Smackdown Women’s Championship Match

Charlotte delivered a big boot and covered Rousey for a near fall. Charlotte hit Baszler with a big boot and posed. Charlotte hit a spear and Rousey turned it into an armbar. Charlotte rolled through the armbar and rolled Rousey up for the win.

WINNER: Charlotte Flair in 1:00 to win the Smackdown Women’s Championship

-Charlotte left through the crowd. Cole announced that Charlotte is now a fourteen time Women’s Champion. Barrett said that this industry can change in a heart beat. Cole then through to a replay. Charlotte posed on the ramp as pyro exploded behind her. Cole announced that Charlotte is back and said that 2023 is shaping up to be a hell of a year on Smackdown.

(McDonald’s Analysis: They are bringing out all the big guns for this episode tonight. I’m regretting not driving the two hours at this point. Anyway, that was out of nowhere. As soon as Charlotte appeared and Rousey accepted the challenge, I figured she would win, but the moment was still cool. Beyond that, the actual match with Rodriguez was actually much better than I expected it to be. I don’t care for Rodriguez being able to do so many power moves with her “injured” arm, but I thought Cole and Barrett did a good job making it seem as if Rodriguez was gutting it out to become champion. They worked well together and had some good chemistry. Rousey looked much better here than in other recent matches. I’m starting to think that had more to do with Liv Morgan than Rousey at this point. Rodriguez has a bright future, but that’s going to be on hold for a minute with the return of Charlotte. With that said, I have no idea where they go from here. Charlotte adds some much needed star power to Smackdown, but this seems to throw a wrench in the whole Lynch-Rousey thing for Mania. Is it possible we’re actually going to get Lynch and Charlotte instead? I’m intrigued to see where this goes as it definitely changes a lot of things moving forward. Please, no Morgan and Charlotte feud. Please.)

-The Bloodline was in the back. Reigns joked with Zayn. Zayn said he wants to make sure they’re on the same page. He asked if it bothered Reigns that the crowd chanted for him last week. Reigns said that it didn’t. Reigns said the way Zayn was locked in, no one could pay attention to anything else. Reigns said that if Zayn has ten percent of that tonight, it will be a night off because he won’t have to do anything. The Bloodline laughed and looked pleased. [c]

-They showed post card shots of Tampa Bay and the three time Stanley Cup Champion Lightning and two time Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers.

-Cole then threw to a replay of Charlotte’s victory over Rousey before the break. Barrett said the complexion of the industry has changed in the blink of an eye. They then showed Cole and Barrett at ringside. Cole said some disparaging words about Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. He then threw to a video exclusive of Dominik and Ripley at Rey Mysterio’s house on Christmas. An altercation ensued and the police were called. They arrested Dominik. Dominik told Ripley not to let them take her. He said he won’t make it in jail. After the video, they went back to Cole and Barrett. Cole said Ripley bailed Dominik out.

-Hit Row was in the back with New Day. New Day cracked on Top Dolla for his botch a couple of weeks ago. Madcap Moss and Maximum Male Models joined in on the fun. Ricochet then cracked a joke and Hit Row had enough. They walked off upset.

-Imperium made their entrance. [c]

-They showed a graphic for the tag team main event again. Barrett put over the return of John Cena. Cole then threw to a video recap of the opening segment with Wyatt, Knight, and Uncle Howdy. Barrett said that Uncle Howdy is real and not a figment of Wyatt’s imagination. Cole said he has no idea what’s going on. They then showed a graphic for Wyatt against Knight at Royal Rumble. Cole called it a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match.

-Imperium was in the ring. Ludwig Kaiser took the mic. He said 2022 was the year of the Ring General, Gunther. Giovanni Vinci said that Gunther has proven to be the most dominant IC champion in history and no one on Smackdown will take it from him. Kaiser said to not take their word for it, look at the men that tried. A video package then aired on the IC title reign of Gunther. The video highlighted all of Gunther’s opponents and Gunther’s wins over them. After the video, Gunther had the mic. Braun Strowman’s music played and he made his entrance. Strowman entered the ring and stared down Gunther. He took the mic. He said he wasn’t in the video, which means Gunther hasn’t beaten him. Strowman said maybe there isn’t a man on Smackdown that can beat Gunther, but what about a monster. Strowman said he wasn’t asking, he was telling. Strowman took out Kaiser and Vinci. Gunther went for a chop but Strowman blocked it and clotheslined Gunther. Gunther exited the ring. Strowman ran around the ring and took out Kaiser and Vinci. He came up on Gunther but Gunther moved and Strowman went through the barricade. Gunther attacked with a chair. Kaiser and Vinci recovered and held Strowman down as Gunther continued the assault with the chair. Gunther sent Strowman into the ring and put an armbar on Strowman. Kaiser and Vinci kept officials at bay and outside the ring. Ricochet ran down the ramp and dodged Imperium. He swung a chair at Gunther as Gunther dropped to the outside.

(McDonald’s Analysis: They got me for a second, I thought we were going to get a match. I really don’t care for Gunther running away from Strowman, but this was slightly better. I liked the beat down and the save from Ricochet. Strowman and Gunther will be interesting for the spectacle. On top of that, it will be interesting to see just how high Gunther can elevate Strowman in this spot. Strowman isn’t at the same level as many of Gunther’s other opponents, so the style of match they have will be noteworthy. If the match is really good, that’s yet another notch for Gunther and might even show that Strowman has improved from his first run. I really hope WWE knows that the money is in Gunther, not Strowman, and makes the right choice for the future.)

-The Bloodline approached the arena in the back. Cole hyped the main event for after the break. [c]

-They showed a graphic for Strowman against Gunther in two weeks on Smackdown for the Intercontinental Title. After that, they showed a graphic for the Usos against Sheamus and McIntyre for the Undisputed Tag Team Title next week. They then advertised a Royal Rumble qualifying match against Top Dolla and Ricochet next week.

(McDonald’s Analysis: Wait, is Top Dolla a heel now?)

-Kevin Owens made his entrance. John Cena’s music played and he made his entrance to a huge pop from the crowd. Cena spoke into the camera and thanked the fans for letting him do this for twenty years. Cena then said “let’s go to work” and ran down to the ring. Cole called Cena the greatest of all time, but he added “in my opinion” this time.

-Roman Reigns’ music played and the CGI’s appeared for the Bloodline. The Bloodline then appeared on the stage. Cole said that Reigns has done something that Cena has never done. Cole then said that Reigns has been champion for 852 days. The Bloodline posed at the top of the ramp as pyro exploded behind them. Cole mentioned the history between Zayn and Owens. He said Owens has been on interviews this week and has told stories about his history with Zayn. Cole said he doesn’t believe that Zayn is going to throw all that away for the Bloodline.

-The Bloodline posed on the apron before they entered the ring. They then entered the ring and posed again as more pyro exploded on the stage. Cole hyped the match for after the break. [c]

(5) KEVIN OWENS & JOHN CENA vs. ROMAN REIGNS & SAMI ZAYN (w/ Paul Heyman, Jey & Jimmy Uso, & Solo Sikoa)

Zayn started against Owens. Cena cheered Owens on from the apron. Zayn ducked under Owens and put on a headlock. Owens shot Zayn off the ropes and Zayn leapfrogged Owens then took him down with a clothesline. Owens recovered and went for a Stunner but Zayn countered. Owens took Zayn down. Zayn dropped to the apron and caught Owens coming in. Owens fought back and bounced Zayn off the top rope. Owens taunted Zayn and said he’s embarrassing himself in front of Reigns. The crowd chanted for Zayn. Reigns extended his hand to Zayn. Owens told Zayn to tag Reigns like a good little dog. Zayn backed off and tagged in Reigns. The crowd chanted for Cena. Cena extended his hand to Owens. Reigns entered and the ring and stood face to face with Owens. The crowd chanted “we want Cena”. Owens turned to Cena but Reigns clotheslined Owens then stomped away at him. Reigns was in control as they cut to break. [c]

Back from break, Zayn was in control of Owens in the corner. Owens fought out and moved toward Cena but Zayn held Owens back. Zayn hit a throw but Owens popped up and hit a big clothesline. Owens moved toward Cena but Reigns pulled Cena off the apron from behind. Zayn came around the corner and took out Cena with a big boot. Zayn got back in the ring and charged Owens but Owens caught him coming in with a superkick. Owens made his way to the corner but Cena was nowhere to be found. Owens yelled for Cena to recover. Zayn attacked Owens but Owens sent Zayn off the ropes and delivered a Pop Up Powerbomb. Owens made the cover but Reigns broke up the pin. Reigns dragged Zayn to the corner and tagged in. Reigns stalked Owens and went for a Superman Punch but Reigns moved and hit a superkick. Owens went to the top and delivered a Frog Splash and covered Reigns for a near fall. Reigns recovered and hit a Superman Punch to counter a powerbomb. Reigns posed then went for a spear but Owens moved and Reigns hit the post. Cena made his way to the apron. Owens crawled toward him as Reigns moved toward Zayn. Zayn tagged in, but so did Cena. Cena hit a series of shoulder tackles followed by a back suplex. Cena told Reigns he can’t see him. Reigns entered the ring and Cena hit a back suplex on Reigns. Cena tagged Owens back in. Reigns and Zayn were down. Owens and Cena hit stereo Five Knuckle Shuffles. Cena hit the AA on Reigns. Owens hit the Stunner on Zayn and covered him for the win.

WINNER: Kevin Owens & John Cena in 12:00

-Cena and Owens posed on the corners as the crowd cheered. The Bloodline regrouped on the outside. Cole asked where Zayn stands with the Bloodline.

(McDonald’s Analysis: Standard house show match that most of us have seen a dozen times or more in our lifetimes. Nothing wrong with that, but that’s all this was. This was obviously just to get Cena involved and pop a rating. The Bloodline never got involved and the finish was completely clean and crowd pleasing. Nothing to note here, really. The only thing that MAY come of this is some story with Zayn letting them down by taking the fall. Reigns could move this is a number of directions, though. With how this story has gone in the past, he could blame Jey, Jimmy, and Solo for not assisting and Zayn for taking the fall. A ton of ways this could go. In reality, they should probably just chalk this up for what it was and play it off as nothing. That’s how they booked it.)

FINAL THOUGHTS: Despite everything I just said about the house show style main event, this was an absolutely excellent episode of Smackdown. I regretted not buying tickets and making the relatively short two hour drive multiple times tonight, which, to me, is saying something. This felt like a big show and it felt like WWE put a lot of effort into giving us something coming into the new year. They started off with a bang in the opening segment and answered a lot of the lingering questions many of us have had. Not every question was answered, and there’s still a ton of intrigue with the Wyatt story. However, I feel like some things moved tonight. This should pacify some of the “this story is too slow” crowd. I don’t know what the hell a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match is, but, I really hope it’s nothing like that zombie match we got a couple of years ago. I also hope the match isn’t completely in the dark, or some blue light, that makes watching it a chore. After that, we got the return of Charlotte Flair after a really solid Women’s title match. Rousey and Rodriguez worked hard and told a good story. The story continued as Rousey showed her hubris and it cost her the title against Charlotte. Charlotte feels like same old with the title, but, this is a roster of Women that desperately needed something to spice the Division up. Many will argue Charlotte isn’t what they’re looking for, and I get that, but it’s hard to deny her star power. On top of that, it definitely adds intrigue on the Road to Wrestlemania. Most of us have assumed that Becky Lynch would be winning the Rumble and taking on Rousey at Mania. Is this a speed bump on the way there, or has there been a change in plans entirely? Will we get another swerve with Bianca Belair losing her title then winning the Rumble to move to Smackdown to challenge Charlotte? There’s much more intrigue than there was twenty-four hours ago, and whether you like Charlotte, or not, that’s a good thing. They weren’t done there as we got a hard hitting match with Sheamus and Solo Sikoa, who has future superstar written all over him. This set up a major Tag Title match for next week, which, if nothing else, will deliver a quality main event. Gunther and Strowman finally face off in two weeks and they delivered a strong segment tonight. Finally, the main event was what it was with the house show style of the match, but the star power was undeniable. Smackdown ended 2022 with a great show and they have nothing but momentum heading into 2023.

Happy New Year everybody.