5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (30 Jan - Results & Review)

1. Main Event’s Conclusion Makes It Worthwhile

Bit of a house show 8-man tag on SmackDown this week, to be fair, but that’s not necessarily meant as an insult. In truth, the match wasn’t essential until Drew McIntyre ran in to attack Sami Zayn. Jacob Fatu ambushed the WWE Champ after that, then Cody Rhodes started brawling with both before Zayn opportunistically blasted McIntyre with a Helluva Kick.

The sympathy vote babyface later played tug-o-war with Cody over the belt, then the pair ate a spear from Bron Breakker. It proved to be a pulsating finish to the episode, and it was better than the usual (/overdone) Royal Rumble melee where 5-10 guys come out and trade shots as the announcers dribble over lines like, 'This is a preview of the Rumble!'.

WWE achieved that same goal without having to go down that avenue. They didn't need to force it, because practically everyone who matters was already inside the ring or patrolling ringside waiting to pick their moment. In a few sugar rush minutes, the creative squad teased Cody vs. Sami (isn't that unexpected?!), Jacob vs. Drew and Breakker vs. The entire population of the planet.

SmackDown's ending was a disastrous one for the WWE Champ in storyline, but a snarl of intent from one of The Vision's main stars. Now, assuming Bron is #1 or #2 in the Rumble and goes on to become the match 'Iron Man', then he'll go from strength to strength for the rest of the year. Good work, everybody. That's how you book then execute the last thing fans see before a big PLE.

What did you think of this week's episode of WWE SmackDown? For more wrestling, check out WWE Royal Rumble 2026: 5 Things That NEED To Happen and WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Predicting Literally EVERYTHING!