“WWE SmackDown” served as an electrifying prelude to the highly anticipated Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, setting the tone far more effectively than Monday’s “Raw.” With various storylines converging as the road to WrestleMania heats up, “SmackDown” was rife with intrigue and unexpected moments.
Cody Rhodes opened the show to an enthusiastic crowd, capturing attention with his hints at possible future rivalries. Although not delivering a standout promo, he effectively planted the seeds for what might come next, leaving fans buzzing with speculation. Rhodes teased continuations of his feuds with Jacob Fatu and the current WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, while also throwing in the potential for a title run against CM Punk. This hints at an exciting direction for WWE as Rhodes noted the necessity of entering the title picture through either the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber.
The unpredictability continued as Randy Orton interrupted Rhodes, indicating a lack of friendship leading into their impending showdown. This rivalry, along with the tensions between Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and others throughout the opening segment, established a thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of classic go-home shows. The excitement culminated in an eight-man tag match scheduled for later in the night.
However, not everything went smoothly during the main event. In a disappointing turn, Drew McIntyre’s attack led to a disqualification, leaving fans dissatisfied with the conclusion of what was otherwise an exciting encounter. While the match served primarily as build-up for the Royal Rumble, many hoped for a more decisive finish.
The night also featured various highlights, including AJ Styles’s surprise appearance ahead of his career-defining match against Gunther, suggesting that Styles may be on the brink of retirement. Many fans are hoping for an emotional farewell arc akin to John Cena’s recent send-off. The show also brought intense moments with Jade Cargill attacking Jordynne Grace, hinting at a growing feud as the two vie for the spotlight.
In an additional noteworthy match, Ilja Dragunov’s victory over The Miz showcased both wrestlers’ abilities, proving to be a standout encounter of the night. The segment between Tama Tonga and Shinsuke Nakamura added an intriguing dynamic as well, alluding to their history and potential upcoming match.
While some segments felt predictable or rushed, the overall presentation of “SmackDown” successfully kept viewers engaged, highlighting the talent pool in WWE and building anticipation for the Royal Rumble. The crowd’s passion, coupled with the unexpected turns in storylines, maintains hope for an exhilarating lead-up to WrestleMania. The show’s compelling moments provided a reminder of the energy and excitement that defines professional wrestling, emphasizing that WWE continues to thrive on drama and character development. The night, despite its flaws, offered a solid experience leading into one of wrestling’s biggest events.