WWE Smackdown returned to the USA Network on Friday night with a stacked card featuring two title matches, a contract signing, and a surprise return. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of the episode.
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar: Universal Championship Match
The main event of the night was the long-awaited rematch between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. The match was made official earlier in the night when Paul Heyman, who had been playing both sides, finally revealed his allegiance to Reigns and signed the contract on his behalf.
The match was a brutal affair, with both men trading blows and suplexes. Reigns had the upper hand for most of the match, but Lesnar refused to stay down. Lesnar hit Reigns with an F5, but Reigns kicked out at two. Reigns then hit Lesnar with a spear, but Lesnar kicked out as well. The finish came when Reigns low-blowed Lesnar behind the referee’s back and hit him with another spear for the win.
Reigns retained his title, but not without controversy. After the match, Lesnar attacked Heyman and threw him out of the ring. He then grabbed a steel chair and went after Reigns, but Reigns escaped with his title. Lesnar was furious and vowed to get his revenge on Reigns.
Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks: Smackdown Women’s Championship Match
The other title match of the night was between Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. The match was a rematch from last week’s episode, where Flair cheated to retain her title by using the ropes for leverage.
The match was a classic between two of the best women wrestlers in the world. Flair and Banks showed off their technical skills, athleticism, and charisma. Flair targeted Banks’ injured ribs, while Banks used her speed and agility to counter Flair’s power. The match had several near falls and reversals, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
The match ended when Flair tried to use the ropes again, but Banks caught her and rolled her up for a three count. Banks became the new Smackdown Women’s Champion, ending Flair’s reign. Flair was shocked and angry, while Banks celebrated with her title.
Edge vs. The Miz: Contract Signing
One of the most anticipated segments of the night was the contract signing between Edge and The Miz for their match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The feud between Edge and Miz started two weeks ago when Miz returned to WWE and interrupted Edge’s promo. Miz claimed that he deserved more respect and recognition than Edge, while Edge challenged him to a match.
The contract signing was hosted by Sonya Deville, who tried to keep things civil between the two rivals. Edge and Miz exchanged insults and threats, with Edge calling Miz a coward and a parasite, while Miz calling Edge a has-been and a hypocrite. The tension escalated when Miz’s wife Maryse joined him at ringside and slapped Edge across the face. Edge then signed the contract and said that he would end Miz’s career at the Royal Rumble.
However, before Miz could sign the contract, he was interrupted by a familiar theme song. It was none other than Beth Phoenix, Edge’s wife and former WWE superstar. Phoenix came to the ring and confronted Maryse, saying that she would not let her interfere in her husband’s match. Phoenix then signed the contract on behalf of Miz, making the match official. Phoenix and Edge then stood tall in the ring, while Miz and Maryse retreated.
Other Matches and Segments
The show opened with a tribute to Betty White, who passed away earlier in the day at the age of 99. White was a beloved actress and comedian who had appeared on WWE several times.
Sami Zayn defeated Kofi Kingston in a singles match after Kingston was distracted by Johnny Knoxville, who had announced his entry into the Royal Rumble match earlier in the week. Zayn celebrated his win by throwing Knoxville over the top rope, but Kingston came back and threw Zayn over as well.
Sheamus defeated Ricochet in a singles match after hitting him with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus then announced that he would enter the Royal Rumble match as well.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro defeated Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss in a tag team match after Nakamura pinned Moss with a Kinshasa. Nakamura and Cesaro then celebrated with their former partner Sami Zayn, who joined them on commentary.
Naomi defeated Natalya in a singles match after rolling her up for a quick pin. Naomi then challenged Sonya Deville to face her in the ring, but Deville declined and said that she would find another opponent for Naomi next week.
Drew McIntyre defeated Jinder Mahal in a singles match after hitting him with a Claymore Kick. McIntyre then cut a promo on Roman Reigns, saying that he would win the Royal Rumble match and challenge him for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania.
Final Remarks
WWE Smackdown delivered a solid episode with some exciting matches and segments. The main event between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar was a hard-hitting affair that lived up to the hype. The women’s title match between Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks was a showcase of their talent and chemistry. The contract signing between Edge and The Miz was a great way to hype up their match at the Royal Rumble, with the surprise appearance of Beth Phoenix adding more intrigue. The show also featured some fun moments and announcements for the Royal Rumble match, such as Johnny Knoxville, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre. Overall, WWE Smackdown was an enjoyable show that set the stage for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.