6 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (17 Jan - Results & Review)

Ups…

6. Jimmy & Melo Were Cooking

File this one under 'unexpected thrillers'.

Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes was a real good time before the run in from Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Zero problems with the disqualification finish, by the way. It came after Melo had kicked out of a superkick for a convincing false finish, and it makes sense that Solo Sikoa’s troops would try to regain some lost momentum by targeting perceived weak link Jimmy. Some fans out there hate on DQ endings as a general rule - this one doesn’t have a problem with them on the weekly shows if they’re backed up by some significant story context.

Uso takes a bit of flak for...not being his brother Jey. That can be slightly unfair, so it was lovely to see him go all out to show his wares. Hayes has a lot to prove on blue pastures himself. He's been hit and miss since jumping up from NXT, but the dude always thrives when he's stuck in longer matches against guys who can go. Jimmy sure can. That's never been in doubt.

This pair were cooking before Solo's clan romped out to take centre stage. That led to Sikoa shooting blanks on the mic before walking away, then Jacob spat some threats over the mic. Eventually, he and Tonga brawled with LA Knight and Braun Strowman. Fatu vs. Braun has been announced for SNME, which is cool. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Jacob.

Special mention for Jimmy vs. Carmelo first and foremost. They've got chemistry.