Due to circumstances beyond our control there will be no full recap of WWE SmackDown.
For this week, we will have quick match results with other highlights of the show. We do apologize.
The show opened up with a video package that recapped The Usos-Sami Zayn angle from this past Monday’s episode of Raw.
Paul Heyman greeted The Usos as they arrived in the parking lot at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Jey asked for Roman Reigns, calling him the tribal chief. Heyman said he was so proud of Jey that he gave him a giant hug. Jey then told Heyman to let Reigns know he is here.
Kaya Braxton then came in and interviewed Jey. He said he is going to address all of what happened on Monday later in the show. Jimmy then told her to ask Cody Rhodes why he is getting himself involved in the Bloodline’s business.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus defeated Karrion Kross , LA Knight, and Xavier Woods by a double pin
The finish of the match saw Sheamus go for the Brogue kick on LA Knight, but McIntyre cut him off. There was a controversial finish. Sheamus hit the Brogue on Woods, and McIntyre then caught LA Knight with the Claymore for the double-pin. As the referee raised both hands of McIntyre and Sheamus , the fans started to cheer “Triple Threat.”
Kayla Braxton spoke with Paul Heyman. She asked Heyman about Jey Uso’s decision to turn on Sami Zayn. Heyman was not listening to her because he was distracted by Cody Rhodes. He told Kayla that The Bloodline is going to make Rhodes confront the truth and his past. Heyman closed by saying that after Rhodes loses to Roman at WrestleMania, he has to pick the time and place to acknowledge the tribal chief truthfully.
Rey Mysterio was announced as the first inductee in the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame.
Rey was introduced to the live crowd. The fans then began to chant “You Deserve it.” Before Mysterio planned to speak, Dominik and The Judgement Day interrupted him. Dominik said the could not believe the WWE was inducting his father. Dominik went on about all the birthdays and holidays that his father missed to make his Hall of Fame career. Dominik then closed by saying that Rhea Ripley’s is right; he is ashamed to be his son.
Legado Del Fantasma’s music then hit, as they came to the ringside area. Escobar was very upset at Dominik’s disrespect of his father. Escobar said that Rey might let it go, but he does not. They have a much later on in the show with Judgement Day, but Escobar said Legado Del Fantasma wants the match right now!
Judgement Day defeated Legado Del Fantasma
After the match, Dominik asked Judgement Day to leave the ring so he could talk to his father. Dominik said he still cannot believe WWE is inducting his father into the Hall of Fame. Dominik then said that The Hall of Fame his father belongs in is for deadbeat dads. Dominik then said he should have been Eddie Guerrero’s son. Rey then told Dominik to take it back. Dominik then demanded that his father hit him. Rey refused to hit his own son. Dominik then charged at Rey but he moved and fell out of the ring. Rey said he won’t fight his son. Dominik kept yelling at his father to fight him.
Charlotte Flair asked Adam Pearce if she could have a match later in the show.
The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) defeated Ricochet & Braun Strowman
The finish of the match saw Strowman crashing into the announce table. Valhalla then caused a distraction, as Ricochet missed the 450, allowing Ivar to hit him with a spinning heel. Ivar then followed up with a flying splash to get the three count.
Imperium spoke backstage with Adam Pearce. Gunther said that there should only be one challenger for the Intercontinental Championship. Pearce agreed and announced it will be Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus, with the winner challenging Gunther at WrestleMania 39.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a number one contender’s match. The winner will go on to challenge Intercontinental Champion Gunther at WrestleMania 39.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Shotzi
After the match, Ripley was out and told Flair that she promised to take the one thing that is important to her, which is the SmackDown Women’s Championship. The fans did the “What” chant when Ripley spoke, but Ripley ignored it.
The Bloodline Segment with Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.
Jey began talking about the big question of the week. The fans broke out with a loud “Sami” chant. Jey said that everyone keeps asking why he betrayed Sami Zayn. Jey then said its about helping out family members when they have tough times. Jey said he turned on Zayn because he had to. Jimmy is his brother, and he has to look out for his brother. The fans start again to chant into a brief “Sami’s family” chant.
Jey then blamed The Bloodline’s problems on Sami. Jimmy then took the mic and said that they solved the Sami Zayn problem. He then said now The Bloodline needs to deal with the Cody Rhodes problem.
Cody Rhodes’s music then hits to a huge pop from the Pittsburg crowd. Rhodes walked out and said that he kept hearing his name. The fans then began a big “Cody” chant. Cody said the fans do not want to listen to The Bloodline talk. But instead the fans want to see them fight. Jimmy then promised to injure Rhodes like they did Zayn.
Rhodes then began taking off his jacket to fight, when Zayn suddenly jumped into the ring. Zayn tackled Jey as a brawl broke out. Rhodes and Zayn then fought with The Usos all around the ringside area, as action then spilled into the ring. Rhodes and Zayn cleared the ring and celebrated. Rhodes then raised Zayn’s hand as officials held back The Usos, as the show came to a close.