The January 6th, 2023 edition of WWE SmackDown comes live from the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Interest around the show is through the roof for the first WWE event since Vince McMahon returned to the company. It has officially been confirmed that McMahon has taken a position on WWE’s Board of Directors, while two Board members subsequently quit.
Although it has been stated by WWE management in an employee meeting that McMahon will not be involved in day-to-day operations, speculation continues to run wild.
With regard to the action in the ring, the show will play host to a huge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title match between champions The Usos and Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. The bout had been planned for late 2022, but McIntyre was forced to pull out through injury,
The episode will also feature Charlotte Flair who completed her own return just seven days ago to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Ronda Rousey. Flair had been out of action since May when she was defeated by Rousey at WrestleMania Backlash.
It has also been announced that Ricochet will take on Top Dolla in a 2023 Royal Rumble qualifying match.
WWE SmackDown Results
- The Usos, Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn interrupt the show open causing chaos at ringside. This leads to the arrival of Roman Reigns who blames Sami Zayn for their loss the previous week. Reigns screams at Zayn asking whether he wants to be the Tribal Chief. Promo interrupted by Kevin Owens, KO lays down challenge for Royal Rumble.
- Santos Escobar def Kofi Kingston
- Liv Morgan Royal Rumble promo
- Karrion Kross & Scarlett def Madcap Moss & Emma
- Sheamus & Drew McIntyre promo
- Charlotte Flair promo – Flair def Sonya Deville (SmackDown Women’s Title)
- Ricochet def Top Dolla (Royal Rumble Qualifying Match)
- Sami Zayn apologises, Roman Reigns refuses to accept it, before apologising himself for his earlier outburst. Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens set for next week.
- The Usos def Drew McIntyre & Sheamus (WWE Undisputed Tag Team Titles)