8 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (16 Jan - Results & Review)

3. The Main Event Gets Physical

Triple H and his SmackDown writers likely grinned when they booked Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov in the main event slot on this week's show. Everyone involved had to know that this was an automatic winner. After all, it'd be another helping of the magic both men worked for the United States Title last year. That proved to be the case, but there was a neat twist.

You've got to appreciate how Sami tried his best just to beat Ilja as quickly as possible without getting suckered into a back and forth strike battle, because that’s one of Dragunov’s strengths. He can take a beating and come back stronger. So, Zayn learned from his previous loss and engineered a different strategy, but then had to trade some strikes with Ilja anyway because he couldn't just stand there getting hit.

Sami winning and progressing to the Fatal-4-Way was the right call. Orton, Trick, Priest and Zayn is a good lineup for that match at Saturday Night's Main Event. Would anyone be against Sami winning that and facing Drew at Royal Rumble? The duo set the scene for that with a face to face promo backstage and McIntyre stating that he enjoys beating Zayn whenever he gets the chance.

Oh, and Ilja getting bust open hardway is becoming tradition around here! He was bleeding from the forehead yet again. Who does he think he is? Jon Moxley?! Only kidding. Dragunov's blood isn't deliberate. It comes due to the intensity of his matches. They're some of the most physical around. That protracted series vs. Gunther can't happen soon enough.

Stick it on late in the day 2026 wishlists.