WWE SmackDown Results: Two title matches added to Backlash

April 21, 2023 John Kleinchester NEWS, Show Reports
Photo Courtesy: WWE

WWE SmackDown Results
April 21, 2023
Schottenstein Center – Columbus, OH

By: John Kleinchester

Friday Night SmackDown kicked off with Damian Priest and Finn Balor of Judgment Day facing LWO’s Santos Escobar & Rey Mysterio. Priest and Balor were victorious after a pin attempt by Escobar on Balor when Priest was actually the legal man. Priest hit the South of Heaven for the win. After the match, Priest said that he hoped that Bad Bunny’s visit to Monday Night Raw this coming Monday goes better than last time. 

Backstage, Zelina Vega requested a title match against Rhea Ripley at Backlash and mentioned that she’s the only female Puerto Rican on the roster. Pearce wasn’t too sure if it was a good idea but would let her know.

A Shinsuke Nakamura video package aired with a voiceover stating that Nakamura has mastered the art of precise striking and inescapable submission holds. That was immediately followed up by a promo by Karrion Kross saying every time he’s ever hurt anyone it was “the cards” and not him. Kross listed off his recent opponents (whom he hasn’t defeated) and said he would take away Nakamura’s honor.

Next up was Ricochet & Braun Strowman taking on The Viking Raiders. Michael Cole said that Strowman referred to himself and Ricochet’s team as “Jacked, Tan & Juicy”. Ricochet & Strowman picked up the win despite Valhalla attempting to get involved. Wade Barrett claimed this victory would put the team in line for a future tag team title opportunity.

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez successfully defended their tag titles against Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green. The finish saw Liv Morgan pouring water all over Chelsea Green in retaliation for what happened on Raw on Monday and then Raquel Rodriguez using her foot to add leverage to Liv’s pin on Green.

Matt Riddle was interviewed backstage and said that Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens weren’t there tonight but he was going to bury Solo under a table tonight. 

Gunther defeated Xavier Woods via sleeper hold in a competitive match that saw Woods score a number of near falls on Gunther. 

Three matches were announced for Backlash:

  • Seth Rollins vs. Omos
  • Smackdown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Zelina Vega
  • United States Championship: Austin Theory vs. Bronson Reed vs. Bobby Lashley

The Usos came down to the ring to discuss their two big matches: next week’s Undisputed Tag Team Championship rematch and The Bloodline vs. Zayn/Owens/Riddle at Backlash. 

The main event saw Matt Riddle taking on Solo Sikoa in a No DQ match. Riddle jumped Sikoa from behind to catch Sikoa off guard and the two had a physical battle using various ringside weapons. Sikoa attempted to bury Riddle under the announce desk again but this time Riddle used his feet to stop it. Riddle then blocked the Somoan Spike and flipped the announce desk onto Sikoa instead. 

The Usos then arrived attacking Matt Riddle but Riddle was able to take them out with a Floating Bro. In the meantime, Sikoa recovered and hit Riddle with the Somoan Spike for the win. The Usos then jumped into the ring and hit Riddle with the 1-D through a table. 

Announced for SmackDown Next Week in Corpus Christi, TX:

  • WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship Rematch: Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs. The Usos
  • WWE Draft

Friday Night SmackDown Results:

  • Damian Priest & Finn Balor over Santos Escobar & Rey Mysterio in 12:51
  • Braun Strowman & Ricochet over The Viking Raiders in 10:18
  • Women’s Tag Team Championship: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez over Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green in 6:09
  • Intercontinental Championship: Gunther over Xavier Woods in 10:35
  • Solo Sikoa over Matt Riddle in 14:05
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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