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The Royal Rumble is just days away making WWE Smackdown the go-home show leading into the PPV. Both the men and women of Friday Night Smackdown are gearing up towards the rumble, with Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens going face to face before their title match.
WWE: Royal Rumble preview
Daniel Bryan kicks off WWE Smackdown and vowed to win the Royal Rumble. Bryan talks about his accomplishments in the WWE but notes that he doesn’t have many Wrestlemania moments left. Bryan went on to promise that he was in the best shape possible to win this Sunday, but then AJ Styles music hits. AJ Styles, despite being from WWE Raw, appeared on the blue brand. After getting mocked by Styles, Bryan made a challenge for a singles match later in the night. AJ accepted and then pushed Bryan to the ground before hiding behind his bodyguard Omos.
.@AJStylesOrg is BACK in "The House That He Built," #SmackDown, so what do you say about a match with @WWEDanielBryan tonight?
…without @TheGiantOmos. pic.twitter.com/m9iKWMs6kL
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2021
WWE Smackdown: In-ring action
Bianca Belair defeated Bayley
Bianca Blair has picked up steam in recent weeks, so much so that a new documentary has spotlighted her career on the WWE Network. After the obstacle course challenge between the two last week, Blair and Barley met one-on-one in the middle of the ring. The match went back and forth and highlighted how far Blair has come as an in-ring talent. Bayley worked the arm of Blair throughout the match, but Bianca was able to hit the KOD (Kiss of Death) for the win.
biggEST win of @BiancaBelairWWE's career on #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/2LuD0fFa5E
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) January 30, 2021
Match Analysis: Bianca Blair is getting a rocket put on her back. From her new documentary on the WWE Network to her big win against Bayley, Blair seems to be destined to be a top star. While I don’t see her winning the rumble this weekend, she took another step forward on WWE Smackdown. More than a solid match and Worth a Watch. ***1/4
Baron Corbin defeated Dominik Mysterio
The Baron Corbin vs Mysterio family continues on WWE Smackdown. After last week’s beat down, Dominik Mysterio attacked Corbin before the match to gain a quick advantage. Corbin, as expected, was able to use his power and experience to regain the advantage and pick up the win with the End of Days.
With his father @reymysterio at ringside, @DomMysterio35 collides with King @BaronCorbinWWE on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/iVvZncMLWk
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2021
Match Analysis: This seems to be the feud that is just kinda “there” and overstaying its welcome. Dominick continues to improve but slipped up a few times during the match. It looks like it could lead to a father vs son match down the road. Hopefully, we get there sooner rather than later. Take a Pass *1/2
WWE Main Event
Daniel Bryan vs AJ Styles
Two of the two stars in the WWE clashed on WWE Smackdown. The match went back and forth, with both Styles and Bryan gaining and regaining advantage on multiple occasions. The match ended in a no-contest after Sami Zayn, Big E, Nakamura, Cesaro all interfered leading to a 6-man tag.
.@WWEDanielBryan looking to push the pace!#SmackDown @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/sIArd3RgiH
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2021
Match Analysis: Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles are incapable of having bad match, especially against one another. While a clean finish would’ve been nice, it was fun while it lasted. Worth-a-Watch ***1/2
Daniel Bryan, Big E, Nakamura, & Otis vs AJ Styles, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, The Miz, & John Morrison
Each man got their shine and played up the mini-feuds heading into the PPV on Sunday. The original match ended in a no-contest after The Miz and John Morrison interfered causing Otis to save the day. The match was then restarted with the addition of Otis, The Miz and John Morrison. Sami Zayn was highlighted as he took out Bryan until the rest of his team jumped their opponents while they were on the apron.
"Can you imagine @SamiZayn if somehow pulls of a win in the #RoyalRumble?" – @MichaelCole
"I'm imagining it right now and it sounds like a GREAT time." – @WWEGraves #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/UWACzJl5a9
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) January 30, 2021
Sheamus’ music then hit as he was added to the match. Each man hit their finishing moves before Shemus connected with the bro kick on Zayn for the win. Braun Stroman’s music then hit as he returned and cleared the ring to end the show.
A MONSTER is among us. @BraunStrowman is BACK! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/g17YPryTbV
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2021
Match Analysis: As a match to lead into the Royal Rumble, this (eventual) 10-man tag served its purpose and worked well. Various wrestlers got the spotlight with a hot ending and that’s all you can really ask for. As a match itself, it’s Worth-a-Watch, but as a combo with the AJ/Bryan match, it’s a Must Watch. ***1/2
Other Notable Segments
Big E speaks will Sonya Deville about his spot in the Royal Rumble. The Miz and John Morrison clash the party and get into a shouting match with Big E.
Sasha Banks finds herself running into Reginald Sommelier in the lockerroom. Banks hints at flirting with Sommelier as her feud with Carmela moves forward.
THIS is PASSION. THIS is a FIGHTER. THIS is a FAMILY MAN.#UniversalChampion @WWERomanReigns won't be able to turn off @FightOwensFight this Sunday at #RoyalRumble! #SmackDown @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/N7AzTXNuoA
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2021
A side by side virtual war of words between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens. Reigns gets personal by talking about Owens’ father. The Tribal Chief mocks Owens’ father and family, seemingly dismissing Owens’ as a credible challenge. Owens then goes on to call Reigns a “delusional jackass” and who is really an “insecure bully.”