Welcome to the Smackdown Review for January 8, 2019 For both this and Raw, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show
Talking Points
The Truth
Daniel Bryan kicked off Smackdown with a very impassioned promo about how the fans look for quick satisfaction from people like AJ Styles. He was suddenly attacked not by Styles, but by R-Truth. Their match that followed showed a diffrent side of Truth. No joking around, just some real anger. Bryan won, but Truth reminded everyone that he can do more then just make jokes. Dude can wrestle.
Lucha
The tag match between Mustafa Ali and Rey Mysterio vs. Samoa Joe and Cien Almas was just as good as expected. Make no mistake, this was the Mysterio and Cien show. These two bring something out of each other that you usually don’t see. At one point, Mysterio hit Cien with a Canadian Destroyer, a move I thought was song since banned. Cien won, but please do not let these two stray far from each other
Rose
The USos and and The Bar were just heading along, producing a tag match that was exciting as always. As Jimmy looked for a tag, Mandy Rose came out asking if Jimmy knew where she had left her clothes in his hotel room. This distraction led to a Bar victory. Rose did not come out unscathed as Namoi went wild on her back stage. Not even Sonya Deville could save her. This is leading to a match, but it also planted the seeds of an Uso break up. Will Jay grow tired of the constant distractions?
Match of the Night
Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte vs. Carmella (Lynch wins by submission to become the #1 contender)
When all is said and done, fans should look back at this match where it became clear where the WWE is going in regards to Lynch. Carmella did surprising well, showing that her win last year may not be a one time thing. Charlotte was more unhinged then in previous matches. It was Lynch who had her hand in the air. One problem: If she is going to face Rousey at Wrestlemania, she would have to win the Rumble. And usually superstars who have matches at the Rumble don’t compete in the Rumble.
Conclusion
Miz and Shane will face the Bar at the Royal Rumble. Nakamura blamed Rusev for Lana’s injury.
