Sami Zayn looked devastated by The Bloodline’s actions (Picture: WWE)
The Bloodline left Sami Zayn looking very conflicted as they stole the spotlight on WWE SmackDown.
After a chat with Paul Heyman backstage, the Honorary Uce thought he had been left to face Kevin Owens alone in the main event in what was pitched as a chance to prove himself to Roman Reigns.
Sami was ready for the challenge as he battled his lifelong friend and in-ring rival in another instant classic adding to their fantastic body of work, while he also had a chance to avenged his and Roman’s loss to KO and John Cena on December 30.
However, it wasn’t to be despite the two stars delivering with the action between the ropes as Sami’s ongoing conflict provided another layer to the already fascinating story between them.
Just as he looked primed to hit the Helluva Kick for a massive win, The Usos and Solo Sikoa appeared from nowhere and started beating down Owens.
It led to a disqualification, handing Sami a loss as the trio insisted they were doing it for The Bloodline and the Tribal Chief, while the Honorary Uce looked gutted at being robbed of a huge win.
The attack continued with Solo sending KO crashing through the announce table with a huge splash, suggesting this could have simply been an exercise in weakening Owens before the Royal Rumble.
Of course, it’s not Sami’s fault he lost so maybe Reigns won’t judge him too harshly, but it was a huge sign of the cracks on the group – or at least in Sami’s resolve and loyalty.
GUNTHER beats Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt references the past and more
SmackDown didn’t waste any time getting stuck into the action as GUNTHER defended his Intercontinental Title against Braun Strowman with a hot crowd and plenty of time, allowing these heavyweights to put on a cracking, hard hitting show.
In the end, the Ring General kept his seven-month run with the gold going with a great powerbomb to put Braun away, which leaves fans wondering just who can stop his epic reign.
Rey Mysterio came out to address Dominik trying to ruin Christmas and how he’s ‘pretty fed up with his bulls***’.
After Rey declared himself for the Royal Rumble, Karrion Kross came out with Scarlett and pointed out it was 17 years ago he won the match, before laying into Rey’s parenting.
He insisted Rey wasn’t ‘really around’, and asked who he hates more – Dominik for not growing up to be just like Rey, or himself for ‘failing to raise [his] son to be just like [him]’.
Rey went on the attack and tried for a 619 but Scarlett caused a distraction and left him open to a KrossJacket as Karrion choked him out and his wife held up a tarot card.
Backstage, Maxxine Dupri, Emma and Raquel Rodriguez tried to play down Liv Morgan’s Royal Rumble prospects after she chose the number one entry spot, leading to Liv slapping Raquel and challenging her to a match tonight.
Tegan Nox made quick work of Xia Li, putting her away after a decent but all too brief bout with the Shiniest Wizard.
In a vignette, The Viking Raiders issued a warning to Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, who couldn’t agree what match they wanted next, before Adam Pearce announced a tag team tournament to find The Usos’ next challengers for the SmackDown titles, and it’ll kick off next week with the Banger Bros taking on the Raiders.
Bray Wyatt came out after a very interesting QR code appeared on screen and delivered a promo littered with plenty of references to his past in WWE, from the Wyatt Family to The Fiend.
He warned LA Knight that he’s ready to embrace who he once was, and it could spell disaster for Knight when they meet in the first ever Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble later this month
Liv Morgan proved herself in a fun match against Raquel Rodriguez, taking the fight to her and even dumping her opponent over the top rope to prove she has a chance in the Royal Rumble.
However, Raquel got the win after Liv tried to put her through a table, hitting the Tejana Bomb for the pin.
Sonya Deville demanded a rematch against Charlotte Flair but Pearce insisted he couldn’t grant it after the Queen won last week, leading to Sonya attacking Flair backstage, sparking a wild brawl as officials did their best to separate them.
WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.
WWE SmackDown results and grades – January 13, 2023
Tegan Nox pinned Xia Li (C+)
Raquel Rodrigez beat Liv Morgan (B)
Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn via disqualification (A- for whole segment)
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MORE : WWE QR code teases The Fiend return as Bray Wyatt references Wyatt Family and more
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He didn’t look impressed.
