24th Apr2023

Friday Night Smackdown – Apr 21st 2023: Results & Review

by Phil Wheat

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: Damian Priest & Finn Bálor def. Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

Although Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar went on a major offensive on Finn Bálor, they didn’t realize that Damian Priest had tagged in. As a result, Priest hurled Mysterio into the ring post before hitting Santos with South of Heaven for the three-count.

My Score: 2.5 out of 5

Match #2: Braun Strowman & Ricochet def. The Viking Raiders

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

Following a brutal backstage attack by Erik and Ivar last week, Braun Strowman and Ricochet repelled The Raid when The One and Only hit an Elevated Swanton Bomb off the massive shoulders of The Monster of All Monsters for the tag team victory.

My Score: 2.5 out of 5

Match #3: WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match – Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan def. Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez retained their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles for the first time against Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green. After the challengers attempted to break the rules by using the ropes, Liv got payback by throwing water on Chelsea before going for the pin with a little extra help from her tag team partner.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #4: Intercontinental Title Match – Gunther def. Xavier Woods

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

Despite an incredible effort by Xavier Woods in his first-ever Intercontinental Championship opportunity, Gunther retained the title by locking Woods in the sleeper hold and forcing the official to call for the bell when his opponent went to sleep.

My Score: 3.5 out of 5

Match #5: No Disqualification Match – Solo Sikoa def. Matt Riddle

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

A brutal No Disqualification Match between Matt Riddle and Solo Sikoa incorporated steel chairs, the ring post, Kendo sticks, and the steel ring steps. In a critical moment, The Original Bro got payback on The Enforcer of The Bloodline by overturning the announce table on top of him. At the moment, however, The Usos struck with a 2-on-1 attack on Riddle and gave Solo time to recoup. Solo struck last and took down Riddle with the Samoan Spike for the victory. After the bell, The Usos added insult to injury when they smashed their war-torn adversary through the table with One and Done.

My Score: 3 out of 5

Final Verdict: 2.5/5

Until the final two matches on this show, this week’s Smackdown was decidedly average. Thankfully Gunther and Xavier Woods pulled it out of the bag with a great Intercontinental Title match, proving Woods is more than just the New Day mouthpiece he’s often used as. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa and Matt Riddle surprised with their main event. I never like saying this but maybe just watch the highlights of those 2 final matches online and skip everything else this week!

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