‘Friday Night Smackdown’ Review (Jan 12th 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: Angel and Humberto def. Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The LWO is still reeling from Santos Escobar’s brutal betrayal, and now they must deal with the added threat of Angel and Humberto. Escobar’s newest teammates sent a message by defeating Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro and doing it in a controversial fashion. As the Superstars battled inside the ring, Carlito appeared and attacked Escobar, but it led to more problems for Wilde and Del Toro. In the chaos, Garza rolled up Wilde and grabbed the ropes for leverage in order to secure the pinfall victory.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Bianca Belair def. Bayley
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Longtime rivals Bianca Belair and Bayley squared off in the ring, and when the dust settled, The EST proved why she is still one of the best in WWE. Bayley was her usual sneaky self, even tying Belair’s signature braid to the bottom rope to inflict more damage. Damage CTRL seemingly had an opening to help Bayley, but their hesitation seemed almost intentional as they let their teammate go at it alone, which allowed Belair to hit a match-sealing K.O.D.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #3: Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory (No Contest)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Carmelo Hayes, one of NXT’s brightest young Superstars, made his way to the blue brand to lobby Nick Aldis for a spot in the Royal Rumble, but what he got instead was a match with Austin Theory. Hayes proved that he belongs in the main roster spotlight, showcasing his scintillating offense, highlighted by a reverse middle rope leg drop and an apron DDT. Unfortunately, the referee stopped the match due to neither Superstar being able to continue.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Randy Orton, LA Knight & AJ Styles def. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With Roman Reigns unavailable and no one else willing to team with The Bloodline, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa were forced to take on Randy Orton, LA Knight and AJ Styles in a Handicap Match. The Bloodline managed to incapacitate Randy Orton to make it a regular tag team match, but The Viper made his triumphant return and pinned Jimmy Uso to earn the victory. After the match, Orton, Knight and Styles levied a major beatdown on Uso and Sikoa, sending a message to their shared opponent for the Royal Rumble.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
An OK show this week, one that was actually helped a LOT by the interaction between Nick Aldis and the Bloodline and that main event. The Bloodline stuff has been running hot and cold recently but by getting Aldis involved in a position of authority has given this a new lease of life – hopefully, that continues going forward. So unfortunate about the Waller/Theory match – best wishes to both guys!
