WWE SmackDown Just Delivered One of Its Most Explosive Shows Yet – But Did It Live Up to the Hype?
Welcome to our in-depth breakdown of WWE SmackDown's January 9th episode, where the blue brand pulled out all the stops with a card that promised fireworks. After last week's return to a three-hour format, expectations were sky-high, and WWE certainly aimed to deliver with a lineup featuring some of its biggest stars.
Here's what WWE had in store for fans:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre (Three Stages of Hell, WWE Championship): A brutal, high-stakes match that could redefine the championship landscape.
- Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix: A clash of styles pitting the rising star against the high-flying veteran.
- Wyatt Sicks vs. MFTs: A chaotic faction war with unpredictable outcomes.
- Giulia vs. Alexa Bliss (United States Championship): A title defense that could solidify Giulia's reign or see Bliss reclaim her glory.
Let's dive into the action and dissect every moment.
The Viper Strikes Again – But Is He Ready for the New Guard?
Randy Orton, fresh off his surprise return and RKO on The Miz, kicked things off with a promo. But here's where it gets interesting: Trick Williams, dressed for his upcoming match, interrupted Orton, boldly stating it was 2026, not 2006 – a clear challenge to the legend's relevance. Orton, ever the veteran, acknowledged Williams' potential but reminded him of the consequences of crossing 'The Legend Killer.' The segment escalated into a brawl, with Orton dominating until The Miz intervened, only to fall victim to another RKO. While this set up potential feuds, it also left Williams looking a bit out of his depth before his main roster debut match. Is WWE rushing Williams into the spotlight, or is this a calculated move to build his character?
- Grade: C+
Notable Takeaways:
* The final hour being commercial-free was a welcome surprise.
* WWE's use of the decibel meter only for overseas shows raises questions about crowd engagement.
* Williams' interaction with Orton sparked debate: was it a smart way to elevate him, or did it backfire?
Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams: A Slow Burn or Missed Opportunity?
Williams' first official SmackDown match showcased his power, but the pace felt sluggish until the closing minutes. Fenix, as always, delivered high-flying offense, but Williams controlled much of the action. His victory, achieved by grabbing Fenix's tights, hinted at a potential rematch. Was this a strategic way to build Williams' character, or did it undermine Fenix's credibility?
- Result: Williams defeated Fenix
- Grade: B-
Standout Moments:
* Williams' clever baiting of Fenix added a layer of psychology.
* Fenix's three-point dropkick was a highlight.
* Williams' popup uppercut showcased his athleticism.
Giulia vs. Alexa Bliss: A Title Match Marred by Interference
With Charlotte Flair absent, Bliss faced an uphill battle against the reigning champion. Giulia dominated early, but Bliss mounted a comeback after the commercial break. However, interference from Lash Legend, shoving Bliss off the top rope, allowed Giulia to secure the win with a Northern Lights suplex. Is WWE relying too heavily on interference to advance storylines?
- Result: Giulia defeated Bliss
- Grade: B-
Key Observations:
* Giulia's backstage interview with Kiana James built anticipation for the title match.
* Bliss' selling of Giulia's stiff knee added realism.
* The post-match attack on Bliss by Nia Jax and Legend hinted at a larger feud.
MFT vs. Wyatt Sicks: A High-Octane Faction Showdown
This fast-paced, physical match lived up to expectations, with both factions showcasing their unique styles. The highlight was the showdown between Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa, culminating in Sikoa's clever use of the lantern to distract Howdy, allowing Tama Tonga to secure the win. Are the Wyatt Sicks being underutilized, or is WWE building to something bigger?
- Result: MFT defeated Wyatt Sicks
- Grade: B
Noteworthy Details:
* The MFT's face paint adds a distinct visual element, with Sikoa's unpainted face emphasizing his leadership.
* Joe Gacy's potential as a solo star remains untapped.
* A singles match between Erick Rowan and Talla Tonga is long overdue.
Alba Fyre vs. Jordynne Grace: A Quick but Promising Debut
Grace's SmackDown debut was brief but impactful, showcasing her power moves against Fyre. A distraction from Chelsea Green allowed Grace to secure a quick victory with a torture rack bomb. Is WWE fast-tracking Grace to the title scene too soon?
- Result: Grace defeated Fyre
- Grade: C
Post-Match Intrigue:
* Jade Cargill's confrontation with Grace teased a potential title feud.
* The lack of crowd reaction for Grace's entrance was surprising.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: A Masterclass in Wrestling
Hayes' open challenge was answered by the veteran Nakamura, leading to a clean, technical match that showcased both wrestlers' skills. Nakamura targeted Hayes' leg, but the champion persevered, countering the Kinshasa and hitting a diving leg drop for the win. Is this the start of a new era for the U.S. title, or will WWE revert to its old ways?
- Result: Hayes defeated Nakamura
- Grade: A-
Final Thoughts:
* Nakamura's babyface performance was refreshing, but his heel turn feels underdeveloped.
* Hayes' springboard DDT continues to impress.
* The U.S. title scene remains SmackDown's strongest asset.
Now, we turn it over to you. Did WWE deliver on its promises, or did certain matches fall flat? Is Trick Williams ready for the main event, or is he being pushed too quickly? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's spark some debate!
