Friday Night Smackdown – Jan 27th 2023: Results & Review
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on the show!
Match #1: Rey Mysterio def. Karrion Kross
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Wanting to shut down Rey Mysterio for good, Karrion Kross seeked to eradicate The Master of the 619 from the WWE Universe. Kross used his size advantage from the off-set, trying to wrench Mysterio’s mask from his face. Mysterio would utilize the other side of the size discrepancy, using his quickness to hit a huge splash for a two count. In the end Mysterio’s agility proved key, putting away Kross with a crucifix pin.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Lacey Evans vs. Jazmin Allure
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Lacey Evans made her return in dominant fashion, putting away Laredo local Jazmin Allura with the devastating Cobra Clutch.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #3: SmackDown Tag Team Title Contenders’ Tournament – Braun Strowman & Ricochet def. Hit Row
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Just as Hit Row were rejoicing their bye courtesy of their opponents Drew McIntyre and Sheamus being taken out by The Viking Raiders, WWE Official Adam Pearce made the announcement that Braun Strowman and Ricochet their replacement. Strowman and Ricochet paired well dispatching Top Dolla over the top rope leading to Strowman putting away Ashante “Thee” Adonis with the Monster Bomb.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: SmackDown Tag Team Title Contenders’ Tournament – Imperium def. Legado del Fantasma
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Two of SmackDown’s meanest factions went at it as Ludwig Kaiser and Givoanni Vinci of Imperium took on Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro of Legado del Fantasma in a SmackDown Tag Team Title Contender’s Tournament Semifinal Match. Imperium grounded the dynamic Wilde, not allowing him to tag in del Toro. Wilde would showcase his wiliness, however, hitting Kaiser with a huge tornado DDT. Wilde would make the tag to his partner, starting a scintillating sequence ending in amazing tandem dives to the outside, showcasing their ruthless athleticism. In a jaw dropping moment Vinci hit a huge Falcon Arrow on Wilde all the way from the top rope, appearing to injure his knee in the fall. Vinci would power through the pain with he and Kaiser hitting the Imperial Bomb to earn their way into the tournament final.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #5: Kevin Owens def. Solo Sikoa (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With his opponent at Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns, sitting back in the green room at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, KO took on The Bloodline’s enforcer Solo Sikoa. The two battled like the fighters they are, trading Superkick attempts before Sikoa hit a Pop-Up Samoan Drop. Owens saluted D-Generation X, performing the “Suck It” taunt before hitting a Cannonball, followed by a Swanton Bomb. As Owens was about to score the pinfall, Sami Zayn saved Sikoa from the would-be defeat. In the fracas that followed, Sikoa accidentally hit Zayn with a Superkick before KO evaded a splash through the table. Owens would then deliver a Pop-Up Powerbomb on Sikoa onto the announce table that would not break. Owens stood tall, refraining from hitting Zayn with a Steel Chair before delivering a message to Roman Reigns.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
This episode of Smackdown started off slow, with a few matches that didn’t really set things off right, in fact it wasn’t until the last two matches of the night that things got interesting. I mean, what’s not interesting about the Bloodline storyline? It’s easily been the best thing in WWE for months and was the best thing about this show too. All in all this was a decent build to this year’s Royal Rumble without being anything too remarkable.
