SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
KELLER’S WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
DECEMBER 30, 2022
TAMPA, FLA. AT AMALIE ARENA
AIRED ON FOX
Commentators: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett
[HOUR ONE]
-The show opened with a wide shot of the arena with all three tiers showing off the sellout crowd of 15,738, as touted by Michael Cole. Cole and Wade Barrett hyped the main event tag match.
-Bray Wyatt’s entrance theme began. They showed a corridor with light shining through the perimeter of a door. The door opened and Bray walked through with a lantern in hand. Cole said Bray is “obviously a very conflicted man wrestling some sort of internal demon.” A clip aired of him attacking – unprovoked – a cameraman last week on Smackdown. Barrett said, “Bray Wyatt is not always in control of Bray Wyatt.”
Bray introduced himself and said deep down he doesn’t really think of himself as a good person. He said he tries really, really hard. He said he’s done horrible things to get to where he is today, and he doesn’t regret much, but last week he did something that he does regret. He said he wanted to apologize for attacking the cameraman. “He didn’t deserve it,” he said. “If he’s watching this…” at this point L.A. Knight’s music interrupted.
“Yeah, yeah, let me talk to ya,” he said. He mocked Bray apologizing to the cameraman. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said. He said Bray can’t even keep his composure or finish a sentence and then he takes it out on the poor cameraman. He said it was “wrong place, wrong time, apparently.” He accused Bray of having one of his cronies walk out as Uncle Howdy. He said he’s not buying it and it’s time for him to pay the check. He said he used to be something, “a force.” Fans chanted, “You suck!” Knight said they should pipe down and said he didn’t ask any of them. He said Bray is showing himself to be a broken down loser, but he has the medicine.
Knight entered the ring and suggested they wrestle at the Royal Rumble. He said he wants to make his first Rumble a special one. He said he’s going to take it out on Bray and “break your ass like dishes.” Bray said, “You little idiot.” He asked who he thinks he’s talking to. He said he might be right that it’s time to remind him how cruel he can be when he feels like it. He accepted his challenge to a match at the Royal Rumble. He threw the mic at Knight.
Uncle Howdy appeared on the big screen and mumbled some disjointed words. The lights went out and Uncle Howdy walked out with a top hat and jacket, holding the lapels like last week. He walked all the way to the ring and took off his hat and placed it on the ring apron. He then entered the darkened ring, with only blue light showing their silhouettes. He stepped between Bray and Knight. He was between their heights. He looked at Knight, then at Bray. He stepped toward Bray and stood by his side. Knight’s body language indicated, “I knew it!” Uncle Howdy then gave Bray a Sister Abigail. “What the hell?” gasped Cole. Knight bailed out of the ring and asked, “What the hell’s going on?” Howdy then put his hat back on and walked to the back.
(Keller’s Analysis: This storyline needed this chapter at this time. This was a step forward that will give viewers a lot to talk about and speculate on. I’m really glad Bray acknowledged what he did to the cameraman and was apologetic, and I like that WWE led with it and didn’t downplay or dismiss it.)
-Sami Zayn backstage approached The Bloodline locker room. Paul Heyman stepped out. They exchanged pleasantries. Sami asked to see Roman Reigns to discuss strategy. Heyman blocked him and gave Sami a pep talk. He said Sami has brought to the surface what the Tribal Chief always saw in him. Sami said he sensed that too. Heyman said the whole concept of fans chanting “Sami! Sami! Sami!” is not the right optic. Sami asked, nervously, “Did he say something?” Heyman said, “No. Does he have to.” He said life on the Island of Relevancy is staying three steps ahead at all times. Sami soaked up Heyman’s words, but they seemed to weigh heavily on him. Heyman then invited Sami into the locker room and said, “No more delay tactics.” Sami walked in. The camera stayed on Heyman who let out a big exale. [c]
(1) SOLO SIKOA (w/The Usos) vs. SHEAMUS (w/Ridge Holand, Butch)
Cole again touted the sellout crowd of 15,738. Cole sent condolences to Don West’s family after his death earlier in the day. The bell rang 23 minutes into the hour. At 2:00, Sheamus knocked Solo over the top rope to ringside with a clothesline. Solo grabbed a chair. The Usos tried to talk him down, saying “It’s all good!” (It never is all good whenever someone says it’s all good.) They cut to a break with a close-up of a fuming mad Solo. [c]
Back from the break, Sikoa was in control. Barrett said Solo carries “a main event gravitas to him” which is amazing considering his short tenure in WWE. Cole talked about his family pedigree. Cole said Solo is always confident. Solo let his guard down and Sheamus took him down with a clothesline. Both were slow to get up. Solo no-sold a Sheamus kick, but Sheamus then powerslammed him. Sheamus then landed his barrage of forearms with Solo bent over the top rope. Barrett said it’s okay to tapout before he finishes those forearms. Solo surprised Sheamus with a superkick, but Sheamus countered with a running high knee for a two count.
Sheamus followed up with an Irish Curse backbreaker and a Cloverleaf. Solo cried out in agony. As Jey distracted the ref, Jimmy pulled Solo out of the Cloverleaf. Holland went after the Usos, but they got the better of him. Sheamus leaped off the top rope onto both Usos at ringside. Solo caught Sheamus with a Samoan Spike when Sheamus re-entered the ring for the win.
WINNER: Sikoa in 11:00.
-Afterward, the Usos attacked Sheamus. Solo put a chair around Sheamus’s head and neck. Drew McIntyre’s music played and he came out, stopping the Usos and Solo in their tracks. He entered the ring, took off his shirt, and knocked Solo out of the ring. He then hit Jimmy with a Claymore. Cole noted Solo cost Drew his match against Reigns. Butch, Holland, and Sheamus joined Drew in the ring as the heels backed off in the aisle.
-They went to the Cole and Barrett at ringside who shifted to hyping the Smackdown Title match up next. A sponsored video package recapped the Gauntlet match last week setting up Raquel Rodriguez to challenge Ronda Rousey. [c]
(2) RONDA ROUSEY (w/Shayna Baszler) vs. RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ – Smackdown Title match
Cole said Rodriguez is a second generation wrestler and she talked to her father earlier in the day for advice. He said she plans to shock the world tonight. Rousey took early control. Rodriguez made a comeback and powerslammed Rousey for a two count. Rousey bailed out to ringside to regroup with Baszler. Rodriguez attacked Rousey at ringside and then threw her back into the ring. Rodriguez charged at Rousey in the corner, but Rousey moved, so Rodriguez went shoulder-first into the ringpost. They cut to a break. [c]
With Rousey in control after the break, Cole said Rousey was torturing Rodriguez’s already injured arm. Barrett said Rousey is going to inevitably exploit any weakness in her opponent. Barrett said Rousey is doing submission holds never seen before in WWE. Rodriguez lifted Rousey onto her shoulders and landed a Samoan drop. Both were down and slow to get up. Barrett said when you get Rousey down, you have to make it count.
Rodriguez attacked Rousey and landed a clothesline and then scored a two count. Rousey countered Rodriguez into an armbar seconds later. Rodriguez slipped out of it and then twisted Rousey into a modified Sharpshooter. Rousey escaped and applied a standing anklelock. Rodriguez powered out and took Rousey down with a flapjack. Rodriguez set up her finisher, but Rousey applied an armbar from a lifted position. They tumbled over the top rope to ringside. Rodriguez slammed Rousey into the ring apron. They cut to a break as Cole exclaimed Rodriguez “has a chance!” [c]
Back from the break, Rodriguez scored a two count; Rousey grabbed the bottom rope before three. Rousey applied another armbar. Barrett said WWE trainers had advised Rodriguez not to get in the ring with Rousey. Rousey landed a fallaway slam. They went to a wide shot as Cole hyped the 15,000+ sellout again. Rousey leaped onto Rodriguez’s back and applied a sleeper next. Baszler raised her arms, anticipating victory. Rodriguez rammed Rousey back-first into the corner turnbuckles and forced a break. Cole said, “The champion’s in trouble!”
[HOUR TWO]
Rodriguez landed a spinning swing elbow out of the corner for a two count, with Baszler putting Rousey’s leg under the bottom rope. The ref stopped his count. The ref then asked Baszler if she interfered. Cole said the ref should kick her out of ringside. Rodriguez continued to take it to Rousey and eventually set up a second rope fallaway slam. Rousey escaped and then applied an armbar while on Rodriguez’s shoulders. They crashed backwards to the mat at which point Rodriguez instantly tapped out.
WINNER: Rousey in 17:00 to regain the WWE Smackdown Title.
-As Rousey and Baszler celebrated, Charlotte Flair’s music played. They cut to amazed fans. Cole exclaimed, “Yes! The Queen is here!” Barrett called it “unreal.” Charlotte walked to the ring. Cole said the last time they saw her was in May at WrestleMania Backlash when Rousey broke her arm in an I-quit match. Barrett said he remembers and he’s sure Charlotte does, too. Cole called it “a goosebumps moment in Tampa.” Barrett said Rousey looked like she was seeing a ghost.
Rousey said her arm must be feeling better and she probably wants to face her at the Royal Rumble. “How you feeling, queeny?” Rousey snottily asked. Charlotte said she’s challenging her tonight. Baszler tried to talk Rousey into leaving the ring. Fans cheered and chanted “Yes!” Rousey thought about it, then laid the belt down in front of Charlotte. Rousey said, “You’re in luck because I’m feeling spicy.”
(3) RONDA ROUSEY vs. CHARLOTTE – Smackdown Title match
Charlotte nailed Rousey with a running boot right after the bell rang for a two count. Barrett said Rousey’s ego wouldn’t let her say no to the challenge. Charlotte speared Rousey. Rousey went for an armbar. Charlotte countered with a roll-up for the three count. Cole said, “Holy hell!” He said she’s now a 14-time champion. Barrett asked what they just saw. Charlotte celebrated in the crowd. Barrett said, “This industry can change in a heartbeat.”
WINNER: Charlotte in 40 seconds to capture the Smackdown Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Pretty crazy series of events. That’s a way to make headlines and make sure Charlotte’s return makes a big impact. It’s not the most prestigious way to win considering Rousey went through a 17 minute grueling battle with “a very game” Rodriguez. That said, it made sense to “protect” Rousey by those circumstances. The Rousey-Rodriguez match was effective and dramatic.)
-They went backstage to the entire Bloodline. Sami and Roman were sharing a laugh. Sami asked if it bothers him that fans were chanting his name last week. Reigns paused and looked stern for a second, but then said “of course not.” Reigns praised Sami for the conviction of his words. He said if his actions match those words tonight, he won’t have to do anything. Jimmy high-fived Sami as Jey applauded. Solo was in the background expressionless, arms cross, as usual. [c]
-Cole and Barrett commented on clips of Rousey’s win over Rodriguez and then Charlotte’s return moments earlier.
-They went to Cole and Barrett at ringside. A disgusted Cole threw to a clip of Dominik and Rhea Ripley showing up at his grandfather’s house uninvited, with Rey Mysterio and his wife ejecting them, including Rey’s wife slapping Ripley, who freaked out. Police showed up arrested Dominik. Dominik, from the back of a squad car, told Ripley he won’t survive in prison. Cole said Ripley bailed out Dominik, but he thought Dominik should have rotted in there.
-Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods joshed around with Hit Row backstage. Xavier playfully made fun of Top Dolla missing his top rope dove. Others joined in including Mansour and Madcap Moss. Ricochet said it’s not as easy as he makes it look. Top Dolla finally had enough and shoved Ricochet. Cole said a guy that size shouldn’t be leaping over the top rope. Barrett said people are joking that Hit Row should change their name to Hit Rope.
-Gunther led Imperium to the ring. Cole said the second half of 2022 has been headlined by the dominance of Gunther. [c]
-Cole and Barrett recapped the Bray-Howdy segment from earlier. Cole confirmed that Bray vs. Knight will take place at the Rumble in “The Pitch Black Match.”
-Gunther stood mid-ring with Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. Kaiser introduced Gunther. Vinci said no one on Smackdown will take his title from him. They threw to a one minute video of Gunther’s wins. Braun Strowman then came out. He noted that he wasn’t in that video. He said he’s defeated men, but not a monster. When Gunther tried to leave, Braun spun him back around and said he’s not asking for a title match, he’s demanding it. He punched Vinci and Kaiser as they attacked him. He turned to Gunther. He blocked a Gunther chop and then short-arm clotheslined him. Gunther rolled under the bottom rope. Braun ran a lap around ringside and knocked Vinci and Kaiser down. Gunther, though, knocked him through the ringside barricade. Imperium attacked Braun three-on-one and threw him into the ringside steps. Gunther attacked Strowman’s arm in the ring and applied an armbar. Kaiser and Vinci blocked WWE officials from entering the ring. Ricochet ran out with a chair and charged into the ring and made the save.
-They cut backstage as The Bloodline headed toward the entrance tunnel. [c]
-Cole and Barrett announced Gunther vs. Braun, the Usos vs. Drew & Sheamus next week on Smackdown for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles, and Ricochet vs. Top Dolla in a Royal Rumble qualifying match. (I thought people just “declared” themselves for the Rumble.)
-Kevin Owens made his ring entrance first. Cole said Owens started his WWE career battling John Cena and now he ends 2022 teaming with him. He also mentioned he fought “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at WrestleMania. Cena’s ring entrance then took place. (Cena has the bad haircut, for those wondering.) Cena and Owens hugged.
-The Bloodline entrance took place next. Cole talked about Owens doing an interview with Fox News about his backstory with Sami. Barrett said Sami proved in the WarGames match where his loyalty lies. Cole asked where that has gotten him since Sami is still just an “honorary Uce.” Cole called it a massive main event and “maybe the match of the year.” [c]
(4) JOHN CENA & KEVIN OWENS vs. ROMAN REIGNS & SAMI ZAYN (w/The Usos, Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman)
Owens and Sami battled first. After they battled for a minute, Reigns tagged in. Fans chanted “We want Cena!” Reigns caught Owens with a clothesline. They cut to an early break with Reigns in control. [c]
Back from the break, Sami was in control of Owens. When Owens reached to tag out to Cena, Reigns from ringside yanked Cena to the floor and punched him. Sami then set up a Helluva kick, but Owens blocked it. Both went down. Owens crawled over to tag Cena, who was down at ringside and not moving. Owens turned back to Sami and superkicked him and then landed a Pop-up Powerbomb. Reigns broke up the cover and dragged Sami to his corner before tagging himself in.
Reigns signaled for a Superman Punch, but Owens ducked and then superkicked him. Owens landed a top rope frog splash on Reigns for a near fall. Reigns countered another Pop-up Powerbomb with a Superman Punch. When Reigns went for a spear, Owens moved so Reigns went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Cena crawled back onto the ring apron. Owens crawled over and tagged in Cena. The crowd popped. Cena shoulder tackled Sami, who also tagged in, twice. He taunted Reigns with “You can’t see me.” Reigns charged in, but Cena gave him a side slam. Cena tagged Owens in and they landed stereo Five Knuckle Shuffles on Sami and Reigns. Cena gave Reigns an AA. Owens gave Sami a stunner for a three count.
Owens and Cena hugged. Owens had blood above his eye. Cole wondered if they’d see Cena again and asked where Sami stands in the Bloodline.
WINNERS: Cena & Owens in 12:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: A well-laid-out story that had the crowd biting on every tease and hot-tag and big spot. It wasn’t a classic, and it didn’t include any big angle, but it set the stage for follow-up since Sami ultimately got pinned.)
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.