WWE Smackdown results (1/16): A thrilling night of action and drama unfolded at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England, as the WWE Universe witnessed the coronation of a new WWE Champion, intense title matches, and unexpected twists. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key moments and matches from Episode 1,378 of WWE Smackdown, brought to you by Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net.
Hour One:
- The show kicked off with Joe Tessitore setting the stage, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the sold-out arena. He introduced the evening's participants, including Randy Orton, The Miz, Damian Priest, The MFTs, Matt Cardona, Trick Williams, Ilja Dragunov, and Sami Zayn.
- The highlight of the opening segment was the introduction of the new WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, who delivered an electrifying speech. McIntyre's emotional journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming the first British WWE Champion, resonated with the London crowd, who chanted his name.
- McIntyre's fiery rhetoric, including his 'screw you' speech directed at the fans, added a layer of complexity to his character. He addressed his past struggles and the lack of support he received during his time as a 'fired' wrestler.
- McIntyre's bold statement about the end of the 'vanilla QB1 era' and the beginning of the 'dangerous, unpredictable Drew McIntyre era' set the tone for the night's action.
Main Event: Randy Orton vs. The Miz
- This qualifying match for the four-way title shot was a display of raw athleticism and strategic maneuvers. Orton dominated early, showcasing his power and precision.
- The match reached its climax when Orton executed a Draping DDT, followed by an RKO for the pinfall victory. The crowd erupted in cheers as Orton secured his spot in the four-way match.
Post-Match Chaos:
- Drew McIntyre's celebration was interrupted by the arrival of Jacob Fatu, who attacked McIntyre and continued the assault on the floor. McIntyre's resilience and quick thinking kept him in the fight.
- The Miz's involvement in the chaos added an extra layer of intrigue, as he later faced Orton in a qualifying match.
Hour Two:
- The second hour of the show featured a variety of matches and segments, including:
- A tag team match between Giulia and Kiana James, who emerged victorious against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
- A backstage interview with Matt Cardona, who expressed his disappointment at Cody Rhodes' title loss and his eagerness to challenge McIntyre.
- A MFT promo video, where Solo Sikoa's quest for the Wyatt Sicks lantern was highlighted, setting the stage for a potential title match.
- The night concluded with a sense of anticipation, as the Royal Rumble loomed on the horizon, with Cody Rhodes declaring himself the first entrant in the men's Rumble match.
