A series of matches got confirmed for this week’s edition of WWE Smackdown to hype-up the Royal Rumble PPV. We received a new champion from the US title tournament alongside the huge six-woman tag team match on the show. Check out the results from the show hosted by the Laredo Energy Center in Laredo, Texas.
WWE Smackdown kicked off with the first round matchup of the United States Championship tournament. Xavier Woods from the New Day faced Jinder Mahal in the contest. Before the match, the three of the unicorns came up with their usual shtick, whereas, The Singh Brothers also bragged about their mentor becoming new US Champion.
Woods were rolling in the match by catching Jinder with a kick to the back following up with a shining wizard. But, the Singh Brothers ran into the apron to provide the distraction. The remaining members of the New Day neutralised them. Meanwhile, Jinder sent Woods into the Bottom Rope and connected with the Khallas to pick up the win.
In the second match of the contest, Bobby Roode countered the ruthless attack of Mojo Rawley to his abdomen with a spinebuster and connected with a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win. After the match, Jinder Mahal and Singh Brothers went right after him with an attack. Daniel Bryan came out and made the final championship match official for the night.
WWE interviewer Renee Young had a segment with the WWE Champion who did not complain about defending his championship in a handicapped match at the Royal Rumble. Instead, he seemed focused on beating down Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn and put an end to the Yep movement.
Another backstage segment was shown where the Usos was asked about their title match against Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable. They were cut short by the challengers, soon and the interview got over. The female roster of Smackdown Live cut promos on the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match.
The six-woman tag team match took place, next on the show where Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Naomi teamed up to take on the three members of the Riott Squad. Naomi was rolling at the end of the match. Sarah Logan went to break a pinning attempt and received a spear from Charlotte. But, the distraction allowed Ruby Riott to hit a kick to Naomi after which Liv Morgan hit her with the knee to get the win.
In the main event of Smackdown Live, Jinder Mahal took on Bobby Roode for the US title. The Singh Brothers were barred from the ringside. Mahal punished his opponent throughout the match in the injured mid-section. However, Roode came back countering the Khallas move and hit the glorious DDT for the win. He became new US champion to close the show.