Hold on tight, wrestling fans! A major spoiler alert is coming your way, and it could completely change how you see the road to the Royal Rumble! Did you know that WWE's recent European tour, including SmackDown from London, has already aired overseas? But here's where it gets controversial... U.S. fans are getting a delayed broadcast. This means the internet is buzzing with results, and if you can't wait, we've got the scoop on what went down!
For those unfamiliar, Sean Rueter, a seasoned pro wrestling analyst since the days of WrestleMania I, has been sharing his insights on platforms like SBNation and Cageside Seats since around WrestleMania 28. He's been deeply immersed in the world of wrestling for a long time, so you know you can trust his analysis.
WWE's European tour, leading up to the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, includes main roster television shows until January 19th. The Raw shows, broadcast live from Düsseldorf, Germany, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, air live on Netflix in the afternoon for U.S. viewers. However, the SmackDown shows from Berlin and London stream live on Netflix for most of the world, except the United States. Instead, U.S. fans get to watch them on tape delay at the usual 8 p.m. ET on USA. And this is the part most people miss... This creates a spoiler situation for those of us Stateside who are impatient or just can't avoid the internet buzz. Some fans even jokingly suggest using a VPN, like Stephanie McMahon's rumored choice, to bypass the delay!
So, what exactly happened on SmackDown in London? Let's dive into the action! The show was advertised to feature the new WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, fresh off his grueling Three Stages of Hell victory over Cody Rhodes. The show was set to kick off the journey to find his first challenger, with four qualifying matches: Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov, Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa, and Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams. Plus, Men's United States Champion Carmelo Hayes was scheduled to issue an open challenge... and a whole lot more!
The event took place at OVO Wembley, starting around 3 p.m. Eastern. Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves welcomed everyone to the show.
- After a recap of last week's show, the sound of bagpipes filled the arena! Drew McIntyre, the champion, made his entrance.
- McIntyre immediately addressed the fans with a blunt "screw you," emphasizing that it wasn't just a character act – he genuinely meant it. He recounted instances where he felt the fans hadn't been there for him. Then, he turned his attention to Cody Rhodes, his former opponent. McIntyre revealed that he'd included a clause in their match contract specifically prohibiting a rematch. Rhodes would have to climb his way back to the top. McIntyre declared that the era of predictable, "vanilla" champions was over, promising a reign filled with danger and unpredictability.
- Randy Orton's music hit, interrupting McIntyre. As Orton reminded McIntyre of his past victories over him, Jacob Fatu appeared, sparking a brawl that spilled to the floor. The Miz seized the opportunity, hitting Orton with a Skull Crushing Finale just before their match began.
- Randy Orton defeated The Miz via pinfall after an RKO. This victory qualified Orton for a 4-way match at Saturday Night's Main Event, with the winner earning a WWE title shot at Royal Rumble. The match started with The Miz in control due to his sneak attack, but Orton rallied, much to the delight of the London crowd.
- Backstage, McIntyre encountered Ilja Dragunov, who declared his intention to defeat Sami Zayn and eventually challenge McIntyre for the title, emphasizing his unpredictable nature. McIntyre responded with trash talk while trying to evade the pursuing Fatu.
- A disturbing Wyatt Sicks VHS played, featuring Uncle Howdy delivering cryptic messages to Solo Sikoa after The MFTs stole Bray Wyatt's lantern from them. This segment was a classic example of the Wyatt Family's mind games, leaving fans wondering what it all meant.
- Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair were shown backstage. Bliss admitted that Nia Jax and Lash Legend had gotten into her head the previous week, prompting her to question Flair's illness. Flair confirmed that she was indeed sick, and they reaffirmed their mutual support. Jax and Legend arrived to continue their psychological warfare, but Flair dismissed them.
- Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Giulia and Kianna James. Bliss played the "heel in peril," while Flair had a strong comeback, teasing a future rivalry with Giulia. Bliss then quickly finished off James with a Sister Abigail.
- Legend and Jax attacked Flair and Bliss after the match. Giulia attempted to intervene with Jax, but James stopped her. This post-match brawl further fueled the ongoing feuds and hinted at potential future matchups.
- Sikoa responded to Howdy, telling Bo Dallas that if he wants the lantern back, he needs to put up the tag titles. He then vowed to take care of Damian Priest so he could win the WWE title for his family. The Bloodline's dominance seems to be a central theme moving forward.
- But first, Cody Rhodes made his way to the ring! He addressed McIntyre, acknowledging that his own run had become "episodic" and reflecting on his loss. He reminded everyone that he's one of the few to win back-to-back Rumbles, noting that only one person has ever won three times. With that in mind, he declared his entry into this year's Rumble.
- Cody then turned his attention to Jacob Fatu, stating that Fatu has "the biggest receipt coming." He challenged Fatu to come out and face him, or he would find Fatu and "break it off in his ass." A pretty strong statement from The American Nightmare! This sets up a potentially explosive feud between Rhodes and the newest member of The Bloodline.
- Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams was set to take place, with the winner qualifying for Saturday Night’s Main Event’s 4-way for a WWE title shot at Royal Rumble.
So, what do you think about McIntyre's new attitude? Is he right to deny Cody a rematch? And how dangerous is Jacob Fatu now that he's unleashed in WWE? Does Cody have a chance to win the Royal Rumble again? Sound off in the comments below!
