Smackdown Notes: Charlotte Flair returns to win SmackDown title, Cena/Owens win, Uncle Howdy attacks Bray Wyatt

December 30, 2022 John Kleinchester NEWS, Show Reports
Photo Courtesy: WWE

December 30, 2022

Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL

By: John Kleinchester

SmackDown began with Bray Wyatt coming to the ring wanting to apologize for his attack on the cameraman last week. His promo was interrupted by LA Knight. Knight accused Wyatt of paying a “goon” to attack him as Uncle Howdy two weeks ago and went on to challenge Bray Wyatt to a match at Royal Rumble. Wyatt accepted and Uncle Howdy promptly appeared again. Howdy came down to the ring and hit Sister Abigail on Bray leaving Knight confused about what was going on. Later in the night, it was announced that their Rumble match would be a “Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match”. No other explanation was offered. 

Next up Sami Zayn was seen backstage trying to get a word with Roman Reigns but instead ran into Paul Heyman who delayed Zayn’s entry and said “life on the island of relevancy is staying three steps ahead at all times”. He then received a text giving him the green light to allow Sami to enter the Bloodline’s locker room. 

Solo Sikoa defeated Sheamus after hitting him with the Samoan Spike – an homage to Umaga. At the start of the match, Michael Cole acknowledged the passing of Don West who he noted made a major “impact” on the industry. After the finish, The Bloodline and The Brawling Brutes attacked Sheamus trying to take him out again like they did a few weeks ago. Drew McIntyre returned and made the save chasing The Bloodline off. 

Ronda Rousey defeated Raquel Rodriguez via submission in a unique spot where Rousey climbed on top of Rodriguez who was on the ropes in the corner and applied a submission. Rodriguez countered by dropping them both off the ropes but had to tap immediately upon hitting the mat because of her injured elbow. After the match, Charlotte Flair returned and challenged Ronda Rousey to an immediate title match and Rousey accepted. Charlotte won in under a minute after reversing a submission attempt into a pin with a handful of tights.

Next, we were taken backstage into The Bloodline’s locker room where Sami Zayn was checking in with Reigns to make sure the “Sami” chants in the arena last week weren’t bothering him. Reigns said no and that he was impressed with Zayn’s control and that he looked forward to their match tonight.

Next up they showed the video of Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley attempting to crash the Mysterio Family Christmas and Dominik getting arrested. Cole said that Ripley bailed Dominik out. 

Backstage The New Day and some other roster members were busting on Top Dolla for his botched top rope dive two weeks ago. It was all in good fun until Ricochet said that it’s not as easy as he makes it look. Dolla shoved Ricochet and a pull-apart ensued.

Imperium came to the ring and showed a video highlighting Gunther’s successful title defenses over the last few months. Braun Strowman interrupted and demanded a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Strowman started attacking Imperium but was bested by a chair-wielding Gunther who then tried to break Strowman’s arm with a submission. Fortunately for Braun Ricochet ran down with a chair to make the save. In the process Ricochet accidentally nailed Gunther in the head with the back part of the chair and you could see visible dismay from the WWE officials who had run down to try to stop the melee. 

In the main event John Cena and Kevin Owens defeated Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn with an Attitude Adjustment and a Stunner. The crowd was hot for this match but there were no storyline advancements for The Bloodline just yet.

 

 

Announced for SmackDown Next Week in Memphis:

  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos vs. Sheamus & Drew McIntyre
  • Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Ricochet vs. Top Dolla

Announced for SmackDown in Two Weeks in Green Bay:

  • Intercontinental Championship: Gunther vs. Braun Strowman 

Friday Night SmackDown Results:

  • Solo Sikoa over Sheamus in 11:09
  • Smackdown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey over Raquel Rodriguez in 16:42
  • Smackdown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair over Ronda Rousey in :40
  • John Cena & Kevin Owens over Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn in 10:56
About John Kleinchester 197 Articles
New Jersey born and raised. Wrestling fan since Lex slammed Yokozuna on the deck of the USS Intrepid. Favorite Wrestler of all time is Owen "The Rocket" Hart.
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