This week’s SmackDown started directly with a first round match of the vacant WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship which started earlier this week on Monday Night RAW. The first match of the tournament was won by Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky on Monday Night RAW. Today we were looking forward to the second match of the first round.
Match 1 – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship first round – Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez defeated Xia Li and Shotzi
WWE SmackDown 12.08.2022 Results & Ratings
This was a good way to start the night. The match was booked for six minutes why no team particularly dominated. But it was a predictable match. There was no way two jobbers would advance to the semi finals. Raquel Rodriguez pinned Xia Li for the victory.
Footage from last week was shown where Drew McIntyre was about to confront Roman Reigns but got attached by the returning star Karrion Kross and Scarlett showed the hour glass to Roman Reigns.
Drew McIntyre came out to the arena. He talked about the assault from Karrion Kross last week and he also provided the news that Roman Reigns was not here tonight. The music of Karrion Kross hit and Scarlett came out to the arena. As she stood on the apron of the ring, the Usos attacked McIntyre and beat him down.
The Viking Raiders were coming down to the arena. Kofi Kingston tried to attack them. He carried a kendo stick on his hand, but the Vikings protected themselves with the shield they carry. At the end Kingston got beaten down the Vikings himself and it was a massive beat down.
Backstage Sami Zain tried to confront the Usos. He was trying to explain something but Drew McIntyre attacked the Usos and beat them as Sami Zayn escaped the frame to avoid the beating.
Match 2 – The Hit Row defeated Local Competitors
Yes you read it right. The Hit Row is back. Triple H is not over yet. Surely there are more to come. But unfortunately, Isaiah Swerve Scott has not returned since he is under contract with AEW. The rest three has returned. About the match, they absolutely destroyed the jobbers. Ashante Adonis pinned one of the jobbers after the Heavy Hitter.
Next up is the official contract signing for the WWE SmackDown women’s Championship between Liv Morgan and Shayna Baszler. But before the contract signing Ronda Rousey appeared from the crowd. She brought a bag of money as her fine and she claimed that she would snatch the title away soon.
As she was being security escorted, Shayna Baszler confronted her. Ronda told her on her mouth, “You Used To Be A Killer!” Maybe a push for Shayna reloading. After the contract signing, Shayna attacked Liv. But Liv put Shayna through the table using a Bulldog.
Match 3 – Madcap Moss and Drew McIntyre defeated The Usos
This match was booked for seven minutes and it was a good match. At first it looked like it was going to be two on one handicap as Drew would have to fight alone. But Madcap Moss joined the frame later. Sami Zayn tried to assist the Usos from outside but it did not work. At the end, Drew pinned Jimmy Uso with the Claymore.
Backstage Ricochet got interviewed by Kayla Braxton where he talked about his victory over Happy Corbin last week. He then expressed his desire to face the next Intercontinental Champion after tonight’s match. Happy Corbin attacked Ricochet suddenly and beat him down.
Match 4 – WWE Intercontinental Championship – Gunther defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain
This was set as the main event of the night and it was a worthy main event. It had been an excellent performance from both the individuals. It was unpredictable thoroughly and in this match, Gunther showed the world what he is capable of. At the end, Gunther pinned Nakamura with the Powerbomb. Gunther celebrated with the title as this week SmackDown went of air.
Overall it was a good show. The unpredictability of the shows was still there. But there was not enough reasons to cheer for tonight. The return of Hit Row was really amazing to see and it was of course quite unpredictable. But once again, the build up of the world championship for Clash of the Castle was pretty weak.
They are trying to rebuild the Lost glory of the Intercontinental championship which is the great thing. Not only they booked the IC title match on the main event of the show, they presented video promo packages to promote the Intercontinental championship as well. We give this week’s Smackdown 2 stars out of 5.
Sportzwiki Ratings – 2/5