As seen on Smackdown on January 6, the path to the Royal Rumble promises to be a rough one for the WWE’s top talents.
The show began with the Bloodline in the ring to address their defeat, which effectively ended their otherwise dominant 2022.
In addition, Smackdown featured Royal Rumble qualifiers and two championship matches.
Santos Escobar def. Kofi Kingston
Kofi Kingston and Santos Escobar put on a hard-hitting and athletic display during their match.
Despite having Xavier Woods on his side and the support of the audience, Kingston fell victim to the numbers game. Due to an external distraction, Escobar was able to strike the Phantom Driver and secure the victory.
Mixed Tag Team Match: Karrion Kross & Scarlett Defeat Madcap Moss & Emma by Decision.
In a Mixed Tag Team Match, the deadly pair of Karrion Kross and Scarlett faced off against Madcap Moss and Emma for the first time ever.
When Kross approached Emma after a failed pinfall attempt, Madcap became outraged, but the evil duo subdued both of their opponents.
Scarlett slammed Emma into the ring post and over the announce table, while Kross put Madcap to sleep with a Kross Hammer and Kross Jacket.
Kross placed a mask of Rey Mysterio and a tarot card (the Emperor) on the fallen Madcap after the match, possibly indicating his desire to confront Mysterio.
Sonya Deville was defeated by Charlotte Flair in the SmackDown Women’s Championship Match.
Charlotte Flair, who had won the SmackDown Women’s Championship, accepted a challenge for the belt from the lethal Sonya Deville.
The challenger proved to be a worthy adversary, but Flair’s championship toughness shone through as The Queen delivered a devastating Spear and locked in her iconic Figure-Eight Leglock, forcing a resolute Deville to submit.
Ricochet defeated Top Dolla during a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match.
With a spot in the 2023 Royal Rumble at stake, the high-flying Ricochet faced off against the bruising Top Dolla in a tense match.
The One and Only utilized Top Dolla’s momentum against him, giving Ricochet the opportunity to execute a picture-perfect Shooting Star Press for the pinfall victory.
Hit Row ambushed Ricochet after the contest until Braun Strowman entered the ring to defend his new ally.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus were defeated by The Usos in an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match.
Jimmy and Jey Uso put the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on the line in an instant classic as Sheamus & Drew McIntyre and The Bloodline resumed their heated rivalry.
The confusion caused The Brawling Brutes and Solo Sikoa to fight outside the ring with Claymores, Brogue Kicks, a 1D, and Superkicks.
The Usos trapped Sheamus in the ring, rolled him up, and used the ropes as leverage to secure the pinfall and maintain their historic title reign.
The Viking Raiders also attacked Sheamus and Drew McIntyre after the bout.
»Results and highlights from WWE Smackdown on January 6, 2023«