WWE SmackDown Review: January 31, 2020

WWE SmackDown Review: January 31, 2020 by Felix Pichler

Opening Segment

We kicked this episode of SmackDown off with Roman Reigns and the Usos who all three made their entrances and then entered the ring where they recapped Reigns’ win at the Royal Rumble PPV against King Corbin. Then, Corbin came out together with Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode as they positioned on the stage. Corbin explained that Reigns just bet him since Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso attacked him during the match.

The Usos explained that the Big Dog destroyed Ziggler, Roode and Corbin all by himself. However, then Corbin set up a video of the dog food angle which took place about one month ago. Reigns answered that Corbin would either live in the past or that he has a dog food fetish. He then asked Corbin if he would accept the stipulation for their six-man tag main event match that the losers would have to eat dog food. Corbin accepted while Roode and Ziggler protested and then a man brought a table with dog food onto the stage.

Opinion: I’m really wondering when they want to end this storyline as it’s horrible. Besides, it seemed a bit weird that Corbin, Ziggler and Roode were no fans of the stipulation while their opponents loved it like they already knew how this would end.

Rating: C

The Miz and John Morrison vs. “Heavy Machinery” Otis and Tucker vs. “The Revival” Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder vs. “Lucha House Party” Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado in a four-way tag team match for a shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at WWE Super ShowDown

Every team had in this match a period in which they had the chance to show off their abilities. However, in the end, Scott Dawson had to eat a Skull Crushing Finale followed by a Starship Pain by John Morrison for the three count.

So, Morrison and the Miz will get the opportunity to take on the New Day at WWE Super ShowDown for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

Opinion: This match was really good, but had the bad aspect was that it was at every moment clear that the Miz and Morrison would get the win. However, number one contender matches are really important as they let the challengers prove themselves ahead of their title match and WWE should use them more often.

Rating: A-

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs. ”Fire and Desire” Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville

After the tag team match, we saw Otis and Tucker backstage while Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville approached them. Rose thanked Otis for all his help during the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Tucker encouraged Otis to ask Mandy, but he said that he was too nervous. Anyways, he then asked her if she wanted to go out with him next Friday. Rose answered that she had plans for next Friday (the audience booed) but then added that she would have time the following Friday. Otis said that this would be great and then Rose and Deville left. Tucker fired Otis up about having a date with Rose on Valentine’s Day.

Then, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross took on Rose and Deville. Before the match actually started, a brawl between the two teams broke out. However, the match didn’t even take four minutes as then Bliss performed a Twisted Bliss on Rose and covered her for the win.

Opinion: Now, this storyline with Rose and Otis really starts to be interesting while I don’t get why Fire and Desire lose all their matches and look extremely weak. Will be interesting to see where their way will lead to.

Rating: B

Shinsuke Nakamura (C.) (w/ Sami Zayn and Cesaro) vs. Braun Strowman for the Intercontinental Championship

Of course, we saw in several situations how Sami Zayn and Cesaro distracted or attacked Strowman. Zayn even exposed one turnbuckle but then Strowman sent Nakamura headfirst into that one. After that, Strowman performed a Running Powerslam to put Nakamura away after less than five minutes and win the first singles title of his career.

After the match, we saw Cesaro, Zayn and Nakamura in the backstage area. A (new) interviewer asked Zayn where he would go from here. Zayn got furious but got interrupted by Elias who was in the ring playing with his guitar. He explained that nobody would want to hear Zayn talking and so he thought that they could move on. Zayn told Elias to be quiet, so he could say what he wants to say and Elias apologized. As Zayn wanted to talk again, he played his guitar and Zayn got furious as he told him again to be quiet. Elias apologized once more but started to play his guitar again as Zayn wanted to continue his interview. Zayn told Cesaro to clear that situation.

Elias continued to play his guitar in the ring until Cesaro’s music hit and he came out. However, Elias completely dominated and destroyed Cesaro who then headed backstage.

Opinion: Good to see that Strowman finally won a singles title as he truly deserves it. Meanwhile, I’m not sure what this loss will mean for Nakamura, Zayn and Cesaro.

Rating: A

Sheamus vs. Shorty G

Ahead of this match, Shorty G attacked Sheamus from behind during his entrance. This match was also quite good but not as great and not as long as the one at the Royal Rumble. After a Borgue Kick, Sheamus pinned G for the win.

Opinion: Shorty G’s gimmick is just completely horrible. He is a great wrestler and athlete, but he needs a new gimmick as fast as possible.   

Rating: C+

Bayley’s promo

The SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley came out to hold a promo. She recapped beating Lacey Evans and getting revenge for her injuring her best friend Sasha Banks. She then assumed that Charlotte Flair would want to challenge her for her championship and told her to come out as she then got interrupted by Naomi’s music who made her entrance. Naomi said that as a former SmackDown Women’s Champion she thinks that the title could use some glow. Suddenly, Bayley attacked her with the microphone and wanted to continue to attack her, but Naomi was able to perform a springboard kick which sent Bayley to the ringside as the segment closed.

Opinion: I’m happy that Naomi is back as she brings some freshness back into the women’s division of SmackDown and WWE in general. However, I don’t think that she can beat Bayley for the title and also don’t expect Naomi to fight Bayley at WrestleMania.

Rating: B+

Roman Reigns and “the Usos” Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode

Then, it was time for the main event of this episode of SmackDown. Both teams had the chance to show off their offensive abilities in this match and especially in the final phase we saw one signature move after another. In the end, just Reigns and Corbin were left in the ring as the other four men were lying at ringside. Surprisingly, Reign’s didn’t spear Corbin, but rolled him up for the three count.

After the match, Corbin tried to escape, but the Usos stopped him and put him handcuffs on followed by a massive Spear by Reigns. They then put the handcuffs over the ring post and Corbin was in the exact same position as Reigns one month ago. The Usos and Reigns threw a lot of dog food on Corbin and posed beside him as the show closed.

Opinion: So, I truly hope that this was now the final chapter of this whole feud as it needs to stop. Besides, Corbin hadn’t to eat any dog food as they just threw bowls with dog food at him. Additionally, it’s a bit weird that Ziggler and Roode didn’t try to intervene. I mean, the Usos performed dives to the ringside against them, but because of that move, you aren’t taken out for such a long time. Anyways, the angle and stipulation were horrible and the match was also not that outstanding for a main event, but as long as this feud is over, I’m fine with it.

Rating: D

Summary

All in all, an average episode of SmackDown. The two highlights were clearly that Otis asked Rose out for a date and the first singles title for Strowman. Hopefully, the Monster among Men can make the Intercontinental Championship more relevant again.

Rating: C+