‘WWE Friday Night Smackdown’ Review (Jan 5th 2024)
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown, the first of 2024, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s episode!
Match #1: U.S. Title Tournament Final – Kevin Owens def. Santos Escobar
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After weeks of hard-fought battles, the United States Title Tournament came down to Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar. After The LWO took out Angel and Humberto, KO capitalized by hitting Escobar with a cannonball and a swanton bomb, nearly coming away with the quick victory. Escobar was able to fight back, however, dialing in on Owens’ broken hand, which was still in a cast. Battling in front of U.S. Champion Logan Paul, the two competitors left it all on the line. After a seesaw match, KO earned the win with a Pop-up Powerbomb and a Stunner.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: WWE Women’s Championship – IYO SKY def. Michin
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
A spirited Michin looked to carve her name into the history books, but WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY staved off Michin’s moxie in a huge title-retaining win. Michin nearly came away with the win after a huge Styles Clash from the second rope, but SKY was somehow able to reach the bottom rope. SKY hit an Over the Moonsault to retain her title after Michin flew through the middle ropes and crash-landed on the mat.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Tyler Bate & Butch def. Pretty Deadly
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Needing to find a partner, Butch looked to his British Strong Style brother Tyler Bate as the two emerged victorious against Pretty Deadly. The NXT Superstar looked great in his debut on the blue brand, hitting a scintillating standing shooting star press before giving Kit Wilson a dizzying Airplane Spin. Butch and Bate earned the win after a double Tyler Driver ‘97.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles (No Contest)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In a huge Triple Threat Match to earn the right to challenge Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble, AJ Styles, Randy Orton and LA Knight fought in a frenetic back-and-forth battle. Knight hit the BFT on Orton, but Styles stopped the referee from making the three-count, keeping the match alive. Unfortunately for all three men, no victor was established as The Tribal Chief and The Bloodline took matters into their own hands. The Bloodline beat down all three men in the middle of the match, hoping to ensure that no one would face The Head of the Table at Royal Rumble.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
An absolutely solid start for Smackdown in 2024. The debut of Tyler Bate, teaming with his BritWres buddy Pete Dunne (who, fingers crossed might get his name back), a superb opening US Title tournament final and a great Women’s Title match. The only letdown for this show? The dusty finish to the main event match – though I dod love that it sets up a Fatal 4-Way at this year’s Royal Rumble!
