Welcome one and all to Rajah.com's Friday Night Smackdown live results coverage! Your host is the most electrifying name in sports entertainment live results today, the totally reserved and modest Mike "Humble" Hogan! We reported earlier today on the official Smackdown preview. We're reminded of the two unique matches tonight, the first being Big E defending the Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews. We also know that Bianca Belair will tackle Bayley's Ultimate Athletic Obstacle Course Challenge.
So with all that said, let's get things started! For those of you who want just the results and not the novella, click here!
WWE Friday Night Smackdown Live Results (1/22/2021) - ThunderDome II (Tropicana Field), St. Petersburg, FL
Previously on Smackdown...
We open our program with a video package briefly explaining how Roman Reigns, via Paul Heyman, bullied Adam Pearce into a Last Man Standing match for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble. We see that Reigns was petty over the stipulation for the contract, insisting early on that it be done over. Pearce ended our program signing it and getting Roman's signature, then "injuring" his knee walking up the ramp. And, per WWE's standard contract, the "card (is) subject to change," its up to the producer (Pearce) to find a suitable replacement and that man is...Kevin Owens. Pearce played the Tribal Chief. Owens signed the contract as well and will meet Roman Reigns, again, for the Universal championship.
Welcome to the ThunderDome
The one and only Michael Cole welcomes us to the ThunderDome and Smackdown. I'm sure Corey Graves is hiding off-mic somewhere.
In the Ring Promo: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman
Still only Cole commenting for us tonight. Heyman and Reigns are coming out, presumably to address last week's events. And it's a Roman Reigns entrance, so you've got time to go get some dinner. Eventually, like the slow passing of the seasons, Reigns makes his way to the ring, into the ring, positions to speak...and gives the digital crowd their minute to shine with the piped-in "You suck!" chants galore! Finally he speaks. "So KO said he's gonna deliver a message today?" He pauses and talks to Heyman, then says it's not going to happen--because Roman says so. Reigns addresses the events of last week, specifically the "card subject to change" part. He calls Owens & Pearce clever. Roman says that some folk are saying that he was outsmarted, but he wants to make it clear that "that way of thinking is beneath me. 'Card subject to change' that's how losers think. People scared...and afraid to come to work, that's how they think." Reigns pauses. "It took my health being at risk and a pandemic to keep me out of this ring. So I don't want to hear from anybody that" he's ever missed an appearance. He asks what about if he was a puss (his word) like Adam Pearce, and in a mocking voice says "my elbow hurts." Reigns goes on to tell us that his ankles have been bad since college, his knees hurt, his neck hurts. He grimaces as he moves his shoulders and back, and asks Heyman what else was he complaining about. Heyman says his back. Reigns agrees, and says his back hurts like hell from carrying this damn business all these years. He asks what if he can't make it to the Royal Rumble because his back hurts. Adam Pearce comes out on a mic and tells them they've gone too far and this is too much.
Pearce goes on to say that this thing is spiraling out of control. Roman scoffs and informs Pearce that Roman is in control. What's out of control is that Pearce would put Owens in the title picture, that is out of control. The fact that he favors Owens, that is out of control. Roman then adds that Pearce wasn't doing a favor for Owens, its that Pearce is Owens' bitch. Which that means he's Roman's bitch. But what upsets Roman the most is that he came out and complained about how his body hurt, when he's not had a match in six or so years. Reigns says that he's done it "five days a week, four days a...I've never complained! It never bothered me! I never stopped" busting ass for this place. He really has taken offense to a retiree complaining about aches and pains. He then accuses Pearce of being a wimp and says that this is why Pearce never made it to the WWE. Heyman starts laughing at him. Pearce asks Heyman if he thinks that's funny, and Heyman says he does. Pearce tells Heyman that he has to take the disrespect and bullying from Roman, he doesn't have to take shit from Heyman. Roman interjects and in a Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon kind of way, goes on to connect Pearce's disrespcting Heyman to mean that he's disrespecting Reigns. This, in turn, sets Heyman off on some tangent about disrespecting his tribal chief then tells us that he's from NYC, adopts a half-southern/half-fake northern accept to say that he'll beat Pearce's ass right now. He verbally vomits a volume of vows, then challenges Adam Pearce to a match! Heyman offers his hand. Pearce grabs it and says "your vocal agreement is official." Roman gets in Pearce's face again and stares him down, and mumbles something to him about if he's a man, and I think he asked him if he has any chapstick. Bad audio. Roman and Heyman leave, and it's official: Paul Heyman vs Adam Pearce later tonight!
Fifty Shades of Zayn
After Heyman and co. leave, Sami Zayn comes out with his documentary team. He has long-chain cuffs and begins to cuff himself to something on the barricade halfway up the ramp. We go to the first commercial break of the night. When we return, the Great Liberator is already speaking on a mic. He's cuffed to the barricade. He complains about last week's events in which the ref caught Zayn using the tights in a roll-up of Crews, but didn't catch Crews doing it to Zayn. He continues to protest but is cut off by the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions!
Tag Team Match: Asuka & Charlotte Flair vs the Riott Squad w/ Billie Kay
Asuka and Charlotte come out, both posing at the bottom of the ramp in robes with similar colors. They make their way to the ring, where their opponents--Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan--await them with the "honorary" Riott Squad member. Backstage, Tamina & Natalya are watching this match. Cole questions what Billie Kay's wearing--just...watch or google it later--and the bell rings. We start with Flair and Riott. Flair takes Riott down with a side headlock. Riott gets a vertical base but Flair pushes her back and tags in Asuka. Asuka come sin quick, taking down Riott. Asuka and Riott back into the corner, and Flair comes back in. Flair with two kicks into the gut followed by a high foot choke in the corner as the ref counts. Charlotte stands over Ruby, almost mocking her as Natalya and Tamina look on from the back, and stomps her. Flair is distracted by Billie Kay at ringside and Riott makes a blind tag to Liv Morgan. Flair goes after Billie Kay through the ropes as Cole exclaims that she's not even part of the match. Morgan attacks Flair and we go to break.
Back from the break proves me wrong as, apparently, Corey Graves is present, just a bit quiet. In the ring, Ruby controls Flair, dropping the queen with a suplex. Riott with a quick kick and a back drop. Morgan is tagged in and takes Flair to the corner, then Tags Ruby so that they can both double stomp her in the corner. Ruby tags in Liv and they whip Flair into the ropes, both women bending over for the double backdrop but the Queen has them scouted. Flair nails both women, then takes one down with a lariat. A big fist to Riott. Flair rushes for the tag and Morgan tries to keep her from tagging in, but she fails. Asuka comes in. All four women are in the ring. Flair and Riott are sent outside. Morgan does her best to counter Asuka's offense, but Asuka wraps her up. Suplex, followed by an attempted running punt kick. Asuka looks for the Asuka-Lock but Morgan backs up enough for Riott to tag herself in. Ruby rolls up Asuka for the one, two, three...but the ref is distracted by Billie Kay! Ruby hops up, frustrated, but the Riott Squad never regain control as Asuka brings Flair back in, and the Queen puts them away. Solid match.
Your Winners, Charlotte Flair & Asuka!
Announcements
Still to come tonight: Sasha Banks takes on the Sommelier, Reginald; Heyman faces Pearce; Bianca Belair has a date with Bayley's challenge and more! We head to break.
Backstage #1: the Riott Squad
We return from break with Billie Kay repeatedly apologizing to the Riott Squad. She tells them that she didn't mean to, and Ruby asks her what it is she didn't mean--costing them their chance to get a shot at the tag titles? Morgan and Ruby are both upset at her. Kay tries to win them back over by telling them that she's entered them both into the Women's Royal Rumble. She says that she can get a long ponytail, and starts to imitate Bianca Belair; she then says she can get some champagne like Carmella. The Riott Squad break it to her, though, that she's just not Riott material.
In the Ring Promo: Daniel Bryan
The original Yes Man himself, Daniel Bryan, makes his way out in slacks, a nice dress shirt and sports jacket. He laughs as he walks pass Sami Zayn, who's still cuffed to the barricade near the end of the ramp. Bryan gets on the mic and hypes the Royal Rumble, which is a week from this Sunday. He tells us that it gives him chills down his spine and makes the hairs on his arm stand up. He says its the excitement of not knowing what number you come out, of hearing the buzzer and not knowing who's coming out next. He calls it one of the most "challenging, grueling, difficult things you can do in the WWE and to me...it makes me feel alive. Because despite all the pain, despite not knowing what's going to happen, despite the uncertainties it is absolutely worth it because the winner gets to face the champion of their choosing in the main event of WrestleMania. Now, I'm very proud of my career and I've accomplished a lot. But one thing I have never done is win a Royal Rumble match. And...you know, a lot of the experts, the commentators, Michael Cole especially--will say things like they understand.." He's cut off as Cesaro comes out. Cesaro tells Bryan that he thought he beat some sense into Bryan last week, but here he is out here tonight. Cesaro appreciates Bryan explaining the rules to everyone, but he could've done so...in five different languages, he says with a laugh then speaks French to Sami Zayn as he passes him. Cesaro affirms that he, in fact, will win the Royal Rumble. He touts the fact that he won the first-ever Andre the Giant memorial battle royal. Bryan takes off his jacket and says that they can handle it right now if he wants. Cesaro replies, "how about...nooooo?" He tells Bryan that he's not dressed for the occasion, so Cesaro's going to do an open challenge to anyone else who's declared for the Royal Rumble to come out and face him now. And out comes Dolph Ziggler. He gets on the mic and smirks at Zayn as he passes him, all the while telling them that he's got the Royal Rumble experience and the stamina to go as long as it takes--and you can ask anyone. He tells Cesaro that he (Ziggler) wants to win the Royal Rumble to get paid. He accepts Cesaro's open challenge, and that match is next after this word from our sponsors.
Match: Cesaro vs Dolph Ziggler
This match is underway as we return. Ziggler and Cesaro jockey for leverage, and both men utilize their deep playbook to almost seamlessly between move and counter-move. Ziggler, who will be in his fourteenth Royal Rumble--second only to Kane--leaps on Cesaro's back and attempts a sleeper. Cesaro reaches the ropes, and breaks the hold. Cesaro takes Ziggler down then hits the King of Swing for a very, very long time. Longest King of Swing I've seen. Cesaro covers but only gets a two. Cesaro comes up, squatted over a bit, eying his prey. Cesaro charges but Ziggler side-steps and Cesaro rams the turnbuckle. Ziggler attempts to cover off this but only gets a two. Cesaro and Ziggler go through a veritable sequence of roll-up, counter-roll-up, slight change in stance roll-up. Pretty impressive. Ziggler breaks out the last and hits the Zig Zag on Cesaro, covering for a two. Bryan is on commentary, but hasn't said anything worth writing home about. Sami Zayn is shown, still up the ramp and cuffed, still with his documentary crew and seated with a sign. In the ring Cesaro fends off another attempted sleeper. Cesaro with a standing switch. Cesaro hits the Neutralizer out of nowhere to get the three count!
Your Winner, Cesaro!
Match: Smackdown Women's Champion Sasha Banks vs Reginald the Sommelier
We head straight into our next match. Banks is out first, and stops to laugh at Zayn before heading on to the ring. We go to commercial break and, 56 minutes into our broadcast, I do believe this is the most on-screen/air time that Sami Zayn has had in a single day. When we return, Banks is still posing with her belt and awaiting the Sommelier. Out comes Reginald, accompanied by Carmella and two guys dressed in black, carrying a bucket with champagne on ice and two glasses. Or wine on ice. Whatever. Damnit, Jim, I'm a writer not a sommelier. Reginald gets in ring and Carmella pours a glass of champagne before getting on commentary. Reginald offers Sasha Banks an orange rose, takes of fhis jacket and speaks French to her. It seems he's asked her to kiss his cheek. Banks goes to slap him and he blocks her hand. She then catches him with another, this time knocking the taste out of his mouth. Reginald manages to take Banks down. Reginald gets cocky. Banks comes in and goes after Reginald again, with a switch up and rear grapple. Reginald escapes and as Banks chases him, exits the ring and flips to the floor. Banks follows and whips him at Carmella--but Reginald puts the brakes on. Back in the ring, Both competitors go off the ropes. Banks with a leap frog; Reginald grabs the ropes to put on the brakes. Banks runs up top and kneels on Reginald's shoulders and, after a small struggle, takes Reginald down. Banks yells smack at Carmella. Banks and Reginald are working together very, very well and I'm impressed with both. Banks with a Meteora, then what Cole calls a "Matrix-like kick". Step-up Enziguri. Banks goes up top and goes for the diving crossbody but Reginald catches her! Banks and Reginald engage in another quick exchange that shows off Reginald's incredible athleticism. Banks sends Reginald outside. She smacks the champagne out of Carmella's hand. They go back into the ring. Banks attempts a belly to back but Reginald, again showcasing his athleticism, rolls through to his feet! Another quick exchange ends with Banks locking the Bank Statement on Reginald after another Meteora and picking up the win!
Your Winner by Submission, Sasha Banks!
Backstage #2: Roman Reigns & Paul Heyman
Reigns is in his office/dressing room/suite, seated in his leather chair. Heyman is positive but Reigns tears him a new one, telling Heyman that when he handed Heyman the mic, he wanted Paul to handle it verbally. Not cause a match. Reigns says he didn't hire a stupid chump (or something to that affect) to be his advocate, and goes on to tell Heyman that he best handle his business tonight. Reigns stands up and leaves, and we go to commercials.
Intercontinental Championship Match: Big E(c) vs Apollo Crews
When we return from break, both men are set up for this. As soon as the bell rings, Crews runs into a belly to belly suplex from Big E! Big E hits the Big Splash on the apron. Big E takes it back inside. Crews fires up, hitting two huge kicks that rock then drop the big man, and Crews wastes no time in hitting the Standing Moonsault, covering for two. Crews exhibits his strength as he hits a trio of suplexs without releasing the champion. Crews and Big E brawl to the outside, and Crews flies off onto the champ. Crews and Big E fight into a corner and up. Crews shoves Big E down. We see that Sami Zayn has apparently ended his strike and uncuffed himself. Crews stands on the top turnbuckle in the ring and hits a flying headbutt onto the champ! Zayn hits the ring and hits a Helluva Kick on Crews out of nowhere! The ref calls for the bell. Zayn hits a Helluva Kick on Big E for good measure. Zayn stands over Crews and yells at him, telling him this is because of last week. Zayn heads up the ramp and gestures to it. He yells to his camera crew, "I get an ounce for this." Okay.
Your Winner: No Contest, Double Disqualification
Video Promo: Kevin Owens
Cole tells us that Reigns has left the building, and informs us that Owens isn't here tonight, either. We get a pre-recorded video promo from Owens sitting in his car outside, who informs us that Reigns pulled some strings to keep Owens out of the arena tonight. Owens tells Reigns that he won't stop fighting because Reigns hasn't beaten him--his family helped him beat Owens. Owens shows some tattoos on his knuckles, MSPB (Melvin, his dad's father, and P for Pierre, his mom's father). He states these men had his back all the way and they were his biggest fans. He tells us that the biggest regret he has is that his grandfathers both passed away a couple of years before he made it to the WWE. He tells us that he watched both of these men battle illnesses that should've shortened their lives, but they fought like hell and because of that, KO was lucky to have many great years with them. So how could KO stop fighting? This is why he won't stop fighting, he won't stay away, and why come the Royal Rumble he'll be the last man standing. We go to break.
Backstage #3: the Street Profits and Sonya Deville
The Profits are walking backstage with a huge fruit basket wrapped in cellophane. They come up along Sonya Deville and tell her that they've brought her a gift basket to welcome her to her new job and her new office. She thanks them and goes for it and Dawkins pulls it back. They quickly want to air their grievance with "ED--entertainment dysfunctional" Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode as its been two weeks since they lost their titles to them. Sonya compliments them on their long Smackdown tag title run (technically, almost all of it was as Raw champs). Deville says that they are absolutely deserving of a rematch...but Ford is still nursing an injured leg and she wants them to wait a couple of weeks before getting their rematch. They stare at each other, then overly-excited sell that they're fine with it and give her the basket. When she walked off they stared at each other, exchanging a knowing glance.
Last Week on Smackdown: Ding Dong, Hello
We get a very quick video showing clips of last week's debut episode of "Ding Dong, Hello"--Bayley's new talk show. Bianca insulted her and one thing letd to another, and now we're having an obstacle course built along the ramp, around the ring, including tractor tires and a basketball backboard. We go to break with this up next.
Ultimate Athletic Obstacle Course Challenge
The long-lost father of separated-at-birth twins Vic Joseph and Tom Phillips, Michael Cole, stands at the top of the entrance ramp. He introduces us to the Ultimate Athlete Obstacle Course and welcomes out Bianca Belair and Bayley. Bayley hops on the mic and tells him to shut up and go back to his seat, she's got this. Bayley quickly breaks down the obstacle, which includes flipping tires, ascending some wooden boards, and other obstacles--including Chad Gable of the Alpha Academy who's going to put them in Fireman's Carry, etc. Bayley calls for the clock and says she'll do the honor and go first.
Bayley struggles initially but flips the 400lb tire, then heads down the ramp. She runs along the bottom side of the ring, leaping over small yellow "hurdles" before going up the right side--commentator's side--of the ring. Instead of climbing over the wooden planks set up, she runs around them. She reaches Chad Gable, who stands besides the steel stamps. Bayley has to pick him up and carry him in a Fireman's carry along the top side of the ring, to another red line near the other stairs. She drops him at the end and he exclaims "oh shit," but its barely muted out. Bayley throws the basketball into the hoop and collapses, catching her breath after 1:12 as her total time. She then tells Bianca to hang on as they have to fix the course for her.
Crewmen change out the four-inch high "hurdles" for significantly taller ones, and Bianca easily handles that. She bypasses the boards part of the course easily. When she reaches Gable, Otis comes from out the ring and Bianca is told she has to carry him! Belair easily carries Otis the distance and sets him down. She picks up the basketball and, despite Bayley attempting defense, Bianca hits the jumping shot and beats Bayley by over a dozen seconds. Bianca's music plays as she celebrates, and Bayley snaps, attacking Belair. Bayley wails on Belair's back, then whips her hard into the basketball post, overturning it and leaving Belair holding her arm in pain as the ref checks on her. Bayley stops at the top of the ramp as we cut ot the back.
Backstage #4: Los Mysterios
Rey and Dominick are in the back; Dom's in his ring gear. He's facing King Corbin next. Rey gives him as much advice as he can, and Dominick does what he can to reassure his father that he's got this. We head to break.
Tomorrow's Talking Smack
The guests will be Paul Heyman, Cesaro, Sami Zayn and Bayley will be on the program tomorrow. In case you wanted to know!
Match: Dominick Mysterio vs King Corbin
Corbin is already in the ring and out comes Dominick. Dominick starts off quick, sending Corbin to the outside, but Corbin catches Mysterio with a huge clothesline as he comes out to follow up. Corbin takes it back into the ring and covers for a two. Corbin places Mysterio's neck on the bottom rope and stands on his back as the ref warns him. Corbin takes Mysterio into the corner and hammers his torso and ribs with body shots as the ref warns him yet again. Corbin uses his entire body as a counterweight for a Strong Irish Whip that sends Mysterio into and bouncing off-of the corner. Corbin pulls Dominick up and goes for the End of Days but Mysterio escapes and knocks Corbin across the middle rope. Dominick goes for the 6-1-9 but Corbin counters, catching Mysterio's ankles. He yanks and Mysterio holds onto the ropes, only to be slammed down hard. Corbin quickly hits the End of Days and picks up the win in a very short match.
Your Winner, King Corbin!
Main Event Match: Paul Heyman vs Adam Pearce
We return from break and get yet another video package showing the signing of the contract last week on Smackdown. Please refer to the above, at the top. In the ring is Adam Pearce, and out next is Paul Heyman. Heyman marches down to the ring when announced but trips coming up the steel steps. He starts to hop on his leg and says he's fine. He then trips again and the ref checks on him. Pearce exclaims, "Really? Really? Is this what we're doing?" Heyman, seated against the barricade, yells "you know what they say...card...subject...to change." And out comes Roman Reigns. Roman attacks Pearce as soon as he reaches the ramp and takes off his shirt. This is still pre-match.
Reigns kicks Pearce in the junk, then whips him up the ramp. Roman follows up the ramp and whips him into some screens. Reigns punches Pearce down, then pulls him up only to send him face-first into more ThunderDome screens as the ref sort of just follows and watches. Reigns picks Pearce up and places him on a slight elevation, just as he did KO weeks ago. Speaking of the devil...Kevin Owens runs out to make the save! KO hammers Reigns with fists. Both men begin to exchange blows as they fight their way up the ramp. Reigns slams KO's face into the barricade then whips him into the ring. KO catches Roman with a kick to the gut as Roman hits the ring. Reigns rebounds off the ropes, going for the Superman Punch, but KO reverses it into a Stunner! KO beats Reigns out of the ring and along the ringside area until a group of officials separate them.
But wait, there's more! Owens ignores the refs and runs over to stomp on Reigns. Officials again separate the two. Owens huffs and puffs, then breaks through the group of officials again to hit a Stunner! Kevin Owens pulls Reigns up and hits the Pop-up Powerbomb through the announcer's table! We end our program with the Universal Champion laid out in the rubble of the table as Owens struggles with officials, looking to bring over steel steps. They wrest it from his hands and he yells that Reigns is lucky the officials have his back, and we finally do end.
No Contest (No Match)
In Closing
Another solid episode of Smackdown that was, for the most part, very watchable! Next week's Raw & Smackdown will be go-home editions, which are totally different and special and you should totally come here and check it out and and and stay warm, stay frosty, and stay safe out there. Happy weekend to you all and may your sports team win triumphantly!
Rajah News' Social Media Interaction
* For late-breaking WWE & AEW news & rumors, follow the official Rajah News account on Twitter @Rajah_News
* Follow Rajah owner Rajah Kumar on Twitter @RajahNews
* Follow the official Rajah Instagram account at Instagram.com/RajahNews
* Follow the official Rajah Facebook page at Facebook.com/RajahWWF
* Follow Rajah's smack-talking jabroni, Mike "Hulk" Hogan
* Join the official Rajah Forums by signing up at Forums.Rajah.com
* Chat with other fans about this article in the official Rajah Disqus feed below, or at Disqus.com/home/forums/rajahcom
