Welcome to this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights. The Friday Night episode on 17th January, 2015 enjoyed an action-filled night at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. High-stakes action, surprise returns, and major developments in the storyline kept us all glued to our seats.
Rey Mysterio Declares his name for the Royal Rumble
The night began with Rey Mysterio from San Diego announcing his participation in the Men’s Royal Rumble match next month. After multiple names announced on RAW, the match added another high profile name to its list. Mysterio said he pledges to beat the fierce opposition by the time he reaches there, and his announcement was wildly cheered on by his home crowd. The segment took a sudden, tense turn when Kevin Owens interrupted and engaged both superstars in a nasty bout.
WWE SmackDown Results and Highlights
WWE SmackDown this week delivered thrilling action, dramatic surprises, and crucial matches. Here’s a detailed report on the results:
Bianca Belair & Naomi Defeat Nia Jax & Candice LeRae
The night kicked off with an exciting tag team match. Belair and Naomi stood off against powerhouses Nia Jax and Candice LeRae; match upon match. Belair and Naomi’s agility was being zeroed to Jax’s raw power and LeRae’s technical style, strike after strike. The moment came when Jax accidentally smashed into her partner, allowing Naomi to execute a Bubba Bomb on LeRae for the win.
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi
Jimmy Uso Defeats Carmelo Hayes
A match between Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes was next on the card. Hayes showcased some impressive athletic ability, coupled with Uso’s storied career experience. The contest ended in a sudden finish when some outside interference forced the referee’s hand and called a disqualification. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga first attacked Uso and later took out Hayes. With visible frustration on their faces, both wrestlers promised a grudge match to come over the next few weeks.
Winner: Jimmy Uso (via DQ)
Motor City Machine Guns (MCMG) Defeat Los Garza
Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley, known collectively as the Motor City Machine Guns, kept up their relentless run with a victory over Los Garza. Interference came thick and fast courtesy of Pretty Deadly; however, MCMG executed their iconic Skull and Bones finishing move for the win and picks up the pin. This win sets the stage for a potential clash with Pretty Deadly in the future.
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns
Piper Niven Defeats B-Fab
Piper Niven demonstrated sheer dominance against B-Fab in a one-sided affair. Using pure strength and hard-hot offense, Niven was in control of the match from the start. A Pop-Up driver successfully got Niven the win. After the match ended, Niven and Chelsea Green further tried to attack B-Fab but were countered by Michin with the cane.
Winner: Piper Niven
Kevin Owens Defeats Rey Mysterio
Kevin Owens squared off against WWE legend Rey Mysterio in a match that was termed a “dream match”. The veteran Mysterio was keeping Kevin ever alert with his speed and experience, falling into the trap of a perfectly executed 619. And Owens countered with a Pop-Up Powerbomb to clinch the victory. Afterward, Owens attempted a post-match vicious attack on Mysterio, only to be stopped when WWE Champion Cody Rhodes intervened to act as a shield for Mysterio.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Tiffany Stratton Retains WWE Women’s Championship Against Bayley
The main event saw Tiffany Stratton defend her WWE Women’s Championship against the veteran Bayley. The match experienced both women trading the bank assets and high-impact maneuvers. Stratton, amidst Roxanne Perez’s observation from the side of the ring, takes the opportunity to distract her opponent with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, thus retaining her title.
Winner: Tiffany Stratton (Still WWE Women’s Champion)
Backstage Moments
- It was announced that Braun Strowman will face Jacob Fatu at Saturday Night’s Main event.
- B-Fab and Michin had a verbal confrontation with Piper Niven and Chelsea Green. As a result, B- Fab faced Piper Niven in a losing effort.
- After Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens refused to sign the contract, Nick Aldis announced that on next week’s episode of SmackDown the two will have to sign the contract. The ladder match contract signing will be mediated by Shawn Michaels.
This week’s edition of the blue brand wasn’t a memorable one but it wasn’t bad either. The main event feature WWE Women’s Champion and the tag team contest between MCMG and Los Garza stood out. Apart from that Owens and Cody Rhodes added fuel to their rivalry and The Bloodline storyline isn’t over yet. Tune in to get more updates about the show.