This week’s SmackDown started as the whole scenario between Sami Zayn and the Bloodline was shown once again. It should how Sami decided to take part from the Bloodline, how the rest of the Bloodline members beat him down and Jey Uso refused to fight him. They also showed last week’s incident where Sami was beaten down by the Bloodline but Jey was absent.
The show started as Paul Heyman was seen standing inside the ring along with the two world title in his shoulders. He talked about the importance of the titles and things went on till now. He also informed everyone that Sami Zayn was not here tonight. He said that no one could imagine Sami as the World Champion of WWE.
WWE SmackDown 10.02.2023 Results & Ratings
Sami Zayn interfered and confronted Paul Heyman. Sami told him to relax and say that he would not attack him. He talked about the state of Bloodline and he also say it that Roman Reigns’ days as the champion were numbered. At the end he said that Roman did not have to think about Cody because he was going to be the one who take him down at WrestleMania 39. It was a really strong promo.
Match 1 – Drew McIntyre and Sheamus defeated The Hit Row
How many times did you see a tag team Squash in the recent days of WWE? Well, here is one. It was a three minute long squash where Hit Row was totally manhandled by the babyface side. Sheamus at the end pinned Ashante Adonis with The Brogue Kick to earned the victory for his side.
Match 2 – Lacey Evans defeated Carmen Harress
Lacey Evans got another character boost as she got to squash another enhancement talent. It took her two minutes to squash the young talent. She made her submit with the Cobra Clutch. Surprisingly, Lacey did not cut any promo before or after the match.
Match 3 – WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship – The Usos defeated Ricochet and Braun Strowman to retain
The match served really well story telling. Jimmy was trying to hook up with his brother from last week and there was no response from Jey. When the match started, Jimmy was all on his own and it looked like that the match is going to be a two on one handicap match.
But just before the start of the match, Jey appeared from the crowd and joined his brother to defend The Smackdown Tag Team Championship. About the match, it was excellent. It could have fit into any pay per view event. We still wonder why did not feature this on the main event. Jey Uso pinned Ricochet with the Frog Splash to earn the victory for his side.
Backstage Jey Uso said Jimmy that no matter whatever happened, he would always have his back. Paul Heyman listened them from a cover. As Jey left, he confronted Jimmy and asked if he said anything about the ongoing tension. Is Heyman playing Shakuni Mama on the Bloodline?
Natalya was seen standing inside the ring. She talked about her history with Shayna Baszler and how she broker her nose. She also said that now she took Shayna’s spot from the Elimination Chamber. At the end, Natalya called Shayna a cheap knock off of Ronda Rousey.
Shayna Baszler came out and said that she was tired of people calling her a Knock off of Ronda since she had been wrestling way before since Ronda started her career. Ronda Rousey made a shocking appearance and to take down Natalya. Shotzi came out in attempt to help Natalya but the MMA duo was the too strong for them.
Backstage Jey Uso was walking out of the arena alone. Sami Zayn confronted him and we finally got to see the much awaited confrontation. Sami said that it might have been really difficult for him throughout these days and he said that he understood everything. At the end, Sami said that he acknowledged Jey and he offered him the hand punch. Jey accepted it and it was a really feel good moment.
Match 4 – Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan defeated Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville
This match was booked for only four minutes and it was an easy win for the babyface side. The match was booked by Adam Pearce as the heel duo was complaining about not getting a spot into the Elimination Chamber. Liv Morgan pinned Chelsea Green after Rodriguez Powerbombed her on top of Chelsea.
Match 5 – Fatal 4 Way Match to determine No. 1 contender for WWE Intercontinental Championship – Madcap Moss defeated Rey Mysterio, Karrion Kross and Santos Escobar
The match was booked for 10 minutes and it was a very good match. Madcap Moss was a shocking winner as most of the fans were predicting Rey would go on to challenge for the Intercontinental title. But it is always good to see a fresh face.
Karrion Kross went to the botchmania at the end, but it was not really a big deal. Rey was down after receiving a Kross Jacket from Kross, Moss quickly hit an Elbow Drop to pin Rey and win the match. Moss celebrated with Emma as this week’s SmackDown went off air.
Overall it was a good week of Smackdown. The progress of the Sami Zayn and Bloodline storyline was really good. But no appearance from Roman Reigns was once again a massive downfall. The reunion of the Usos was also very well booked. But the best part has to be the backstage confrontation between Jey Uso and Sami Zayn.
There was some questions of course. Why Ronda and Shayna are still not challenging for the Women’s Tag Team championships? Are they waiting for WrestleMania 39? Are they planning for a heel vs heel match? And what about the rest of the women in the women’s division of Smackdown? We give this week’s SmackDown 2 out of 5. We would have given it more if Roman Reigns appeared.
Sportzwiki Ratings – 2/5