Championship matches have been announced for the first 2 episodes of SmackDown in 2023.

Following Sheamus being defeated by Solo Sikoa on the December 30th episode of the blue brand, The Brawling Brute will team with Drew McIntyre to take on The Usos. The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships will be defended in this match, which originally should have taken place on December 9th, but McIntyre was medically disqualified from competing.

A Royal Rumble qualifier match will also be taking place on the January 6ht SmackDown. Ricochet will face Top Dolla, with the winner advancing to the Premium Live Event on January 28th.

IN TWO WEEKS on #SmackDown@Gunther_AUT defends the #ICTitle against Braun Strowman! pic.twitter.com/MDM1d8mcsO

— WWE (@WWE) December 31, 2022

Also on the December 30th SmackDown, a physical altercation took place between Intercontinental Champion Gunther and Braun Strowman. It has been announced that Gunther will defend the title against The Monster on January 13th.

The line-ups for the respective SmackDowns are as follows:

January 6th:

• Ricochet vs. Top Dolla – Royal Rumble qualifying match
• The Usos (c) vs. Sheamus and Drew McIntyre – Tag team match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships

January 13th:

• Gunther (c) vs. Braun Strowman – Singles match for the Intercontinental Championship

Featured image: WWE