5 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (23 Jan - Results & Review)

3. Triple Threat Tag Brings The Energy

Kiana James and Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax and Lash Legend was all action and kept the tempo up without ever dropping. Together, all 6 women brought the energy of the show right back up after a serious lull. Plus, this proved to be another coming out party for James. WWE better be keeping an eye on her work, because she’s outshining her partner right now.

All going well, Kiana will shine up nicely again vs. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY at some point too. First. RHIYO have to contend with Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez this Saturday. Realistically, they'll blast clean through James and Giulia whenever that match happens (hopefully on an episode of SmackDown 'cause the champs can go anywhere), but that shouldn't dishearten the challengers.

Friday's win was opportunistic for Kiana. Is it outlandish to suggest that she'll be the breakout star of the duo, not Giulia? No-one could've even predicted that as a question when the pair were put together, but it's a valid point. James has been seriously impressive whether she's working singles or tags so far this year. She's become one to watch.

So, energetic matches with purpose that don’t outstay their welcome. That's a big yes! This number one contendership situation was fast-moving, never sloppy, and it had unexpected winners. Going in, some thought for sure that Jax and Legend would get the nod. Nope. WWE went with Kiana and Giulia instead, possibly as a reward for the former's hard graft since becoming Giulia's mouthpiece.

Good match and good segment all round.