WWE SmackDown aired live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 30, presenting the last show before the Royal Rumble the next night.
With the long-running Premium Live Event set to take place on January 31, SmackDown advertised ahead of time a live appearance from Drew McIntyre, who will put his WWE Championship on the line against Sami Zayn at the show. Additionally, Carmelo Hayes put his United States Championship on the line in an open challenge, and Axiom faced Johnny Gargano.
The show aired live from 5 pm in the UK, 8 pm Saudi Arabia time. However, fans in the United States still had to wait until 8 pm their time to catch the show.
Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are on commentary, with Mark Nash serving as ring announcer.
WWE SmackDown Live Results January 30:
- After showing highlights of the stars enjoying Saudi, Gunther, AJ Styles, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn were all seen arriving at the venue. Following a recap of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody Rhodes officially kicked off the show. The fans gave Rhodes a warm welcome by singing his theme song and chanting his name right from the outset. Rhodes admitted he expected to be trading punches with Jacob Fatu, but their fun was ended prematurely by Drew McIntyre. Rhodes called out McIntyre and claimed that The Scottish Warrior dropped the ball before talking about winning the Royal Rumble a third time, which got him booed by the fans. Rhodes also noted that CM Punk is also a champion, adding that they will have to have their match eventually. Rhodes was then interrupted by Randy Orton, who got another great ovation and his graphics flashed up on the giant stage. Orton said he loved the Saudi fans before his turning his attention to Rhodes. Orton acknowledged that Rhodes would be more dangerous now he is no longer champion, but he is more dangerous and is prepared to do whatever it takes to win the Rumble. Orton reminded Rhodes that he also won the Rumble twice before being interrupted by Jey Uso. Uso promised to win and said Yeet before being interrupted by Sami Zayn, who also got a great ovation from the fans. Zayn acknowledged the calibre of men he was in the ring with before speaking about his upcoming match with Drew McIntyre. Zayn admitted he has never beaten McIntyre, but that he has also never lost a match in Saudi Arabia. Paul Heyman and The Vision then interrupted. After arguing with the names in the ring, Nick Aldis made an 8-man tag team match official for the main event.
- Carmelo Hayes put his US Title on the line, which was answered by Rey Fenix. For those keeping track, the first match began 35 minutes into the show. Hayes won the match via pinfall to retain his United States Championship.
- Backstage, Ilja Dragunov and The Miz had a confrontation. Dragunov was angry that Miz cost him his match last week and sent a warning to the former WWE Champion.
- R-Truth was seen talking with Nick Aldis about his balls, not sure if that’s PG! Aldis confirmed that Damian Priest is in the Rumble. Priest was unhappy about the number he drew.
- Drew McIntyre mocked Sami Zayn for taking part in an 8-man tag the night before the biggest match of his career.
- Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY were asked about the Royal Rumble, but were interrupted by other entrants. Arguing ensued, but no physicality.
- Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss appeared live, with both women saying that they would win the Royal Rumble. Flair doubted Bliss’ chances in the match and made it clear that she wouldn’t help Bliss win. Bliss said not everything is about Flair, with both women questioning if either of them would eliminate the other. The Judgment Day interrupted and claimed one of them would win the Royal Rumble. The Judgment Day teased a brawl but thought better of it. However, Nick Aldis made a match between Judgment Day and Flair & Bliss. Back from break and it’s Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez who have chosen to face Flair and Bliss. Stephanie Vaquer attacked Raquel Rodriguez, allowing Bliss and Flair to pick up the win via pinfall.
- Jordynne Grace and Jade Cargill brawled backstage before being separated by security.
- Axiom defeated Johnny Gargano via pinfall and was awarded his mask back per the stipulation of the match.
- AJ Styles appeared live next ahead of his career-threatening match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. Styles told the fans to not worry about tomorrow and promised to knock Gunther’s teeth down his throat. Styles said after the Royal Rumble it would kick off the “Phenomenal farewell tour”, teasing matches against Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and CM Punk. Gunther interrupted from the announce desk. Styles reminded Gunther he tapped out and it looked like a brawl might ensue, but Gunther walked away.
- Ilja Dragunov defeated The Miz via pinfall.
- The MFTs and The Wyatt Sicks both received video packages following the title change last week, implying that their feud is not over.
- The Vision vs. Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Jey Uso ended in DQ when Drew McIntyre attacked Sami Zayn. Jacob Fatu brawled with the babyfaces and a mass brawl ensued. Both Rhodes and Zayn held the WWE Championship before being speared by Breakker.
Featured image: WWE
