WWE visited the XL Center in Hartford, CT, for their final SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show featured the face-off between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens before their highly anticipated match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Mihin and Tiffany faced in the semifinal of the US Title Tournament. Carmelo Hayes was scheduled to face a mystery opponent. Let’s take a look at WWE SmackDown December 13 Results.
Jimmy Uso Returns
In a surprise return, Jimmy Uso reached the ring, leaning on a crutch. The crowd chanted “Yeet” as Jimmy corrected them, saying it was the wrong twin. Jimmy reflected on War Games, saying the event got his big toe. He expressed his pride in being part of the Bloodline, saying they always come together as a family.
Jimmy praised his family members, including Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa. He said he might not like what Solo is doing, but he is proud of him. Jimmy also hinted at his ambitions, saying he’s ready to make a significant impact in the upcoming year. Uso said he can win the Royal Rumble or go after his first singles championship.
Jimmy dropped the microphone, and just as he turned to leave, Drew McIntyre hit a vicious Claymore out of nowhere. McIntyre continued the attack but was quickly pulled away by Nick Aldis and WWE officials.
Grades: B
Analysis: It was a solid start to Friday Night SmackDown. It was reported that Jimmy would be out for a month or so. They created this angle to make his injury more prominent. McIntyre is on a mission to take out The Bloodline, and Jimmy has become his newest target.
Backstage: Drew McIntyre was confronted by Nick Aldis, who expressed his disapproval of his actions and instructed him to report to his office. As McIntyre departed, Bianca Belair and Naomi arrived on the scene. Bianca inquired about the status of the ongoing investigation about Cargill’s mystery attacker, and Aldis revealed that the situation was still under review.
Aldis informed Bianca that she may be required to relinquish the tag team titles. Naomi stepped forward and offered her services as a potential tag team partner. Bianca welcomed the idea. Aldis cautioned the duo that they must be prepared to defend their titles as early as next week.
Tiffany Stratton vs Michin – Women’s US Title Tournament
The Women’s United States Championship tournament match between Michin and Tiffany Stratton finally arrived, and the winner will reach the final. The bell rang, and Michin started strong, unleashing a flurry of moves, including a dropkick, hurricanrana, and shoulder tackle. Tiffany, however, refused to back down and landed double knees on the ring apron. Michin’s tornado DDT off the second rope was a major highlight of the match.
Stratton hit an Alabama Slam for a two-count. Michin escaped the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and delivered Eat Defeat for the win.
Winner: Michin
Grades: C
Analysis: It was a fun little match. Michin came out victorious, which is a surprise considering Tiffany’s recent strong booking. It is good to see talents like Michin making it to the finals of the tournament.
Roman Reigns Issues a Challenge to Solo Sikoa
An intense video package featuring Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman, aired. Roman reflected on a rough year, acknowledging the downfall of The Bloodline and the loss of his titles, allies, and, most importantly, his ula fala. Roman addressed Solo Sikoa, reminding him that he wasn’t here four years ago when Roman earned the right to lead The Bloodline. Roman emphasized that his family is all that truly matters to him.
Roman challenged Solo and scheduled a match for January 6 on the Netflix premiere of WWE Raw. Roman vowed to reclaim his Bloodline, ula fala, and the respect that comes with being the leader. Roman is certain that the entire world will be forced to acknowledge his dominance once he takes down Solo.
Grades: B+
Analysis: It was a solid segment. Raw on Netflix keeps getting bigger. The stage is set for an epic showdown between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, with the fate of The Bloodline hanging in the balance.
Braun Strowman is Carmelo Hayes’ Mystery Opponent
The bell rang, signalling the start of the match between Carmelo Hayes and Braun Strowman. Hayes sprinted towards the ropes and launched himself off the second rope, attempting a crossbody. Although Hayes successfully connected with Strowman, it barely affected the Monster of all Monsters, and Melo crashed to the mat. Strowman charged with the intent of delivering a running powerslam. Hayes landed on his feet and evaded the attack.
Hayes caught Strowman off guard, striking him with a precise elbow to the back of the head. Hayes ascended to the top rope, poised to unleash a high-flying crossbody. However, Strowman caught Hayes mid-air and slammed him to the mat with a thunderous running power slam. Strowman secured the pin, emerging victorious in the encounter.
Winner: Braun Strowman
Grades: C
Analysis: The Monster is back and started with a win. They have no plans for Hayes right now, so he keeps lurking occasionally.
Backstage: Byron Saxton caught up with LA Knight backstage, seeking his thoughts on Solo Sikoa. Knight exuded confidence, asserting that he has always handled his business. Knight revealed that he declined to participate in War Games because it wasn’t his business to get involved in. He made it clear that he doesn’t concern himself with The Bloodline’s internal struggles, particularly the significance of the ula fala.
Knight’s proper focus is on capturing gold. The only member of The Bloodline that Knight claimed to care about is Jey Uso. The whole segment looked hilarious as Knight continued to pronounce Ula Fala as Ufa Lafa.
Solo Sikoa vs LA Knight
Solo came into the ring and told the crowd to acknowledge him. Before he could speak much, LA Knight interrupted him. The match between LA Knight and Solo Sikoa got underway, with both competitors exchanging blows early. LA Knight landed a series of right hands, but Solo replied with a splash in the corner. The action spilt to the outside, where LA Knight slammed Solo face-first onto the announce table.
Knight gained momentum with a boot to Solo’s face, followed by a bulldog from the second rope. Knight attempted a baseball slide, but Solo dodged out of the way, causing LA Knight to hit Tama Tonga instead inadvertently. Solo seized the opportunity and slammed Knight onto the announce table. Solo mocked Reigns by setting up for Superman Punch. LA Knight dodged the attack and countered with a back suplex.
Knight unleashed a flurry of right hands, followed by a jumping clothesline. As Knight prepared to deliver the BFT, Solo slid under the ring, momentarily escaping the attack. Knight took to the ring apron, landing a double clothesline on Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Knight dropped Jacob Fatu onto the announce table. Back in the ring, Sikoa landed a superkick. The Megastar then scaled the turnbuckles, landing a picture-perfect elbow drop for a near fall.
Despite a valiant effort from LA Knight, the interference from The Bloodline ultimately proved too much for him. Fatu grabbed Knight to the outside and hit a headbutt, ending the match in disqualification. In the aftermath, Solo delivered a Samoan Spike to Knight. Apollo Crews and Andrade came out to make the save but suffered Samoan Spikes. The Bloodline stood tall in the ring, raising their fingers in the air to symbolize their dominance.
Winner: Solo Sikoa
Grades: B
Analysis: It was a fun match while it lasted. The New Bloodline is still dominant even after their loss at WarGames. Solo must be portrayed stronger like this before his mega match with Roman Reigns on WWE Raw on Netflix.
Bayley vs Chelsea Green – Women’s US Title Tournament
The bell rang, and Bayley quickly took control, delivering a Bayley-to-Belly suplex. However, Chelsea managed to kick out of the pin attempt. Bayley landed a series of arm drags and clotheslines, including a baseball slide. Niven’s distraction allowed Green to get the upper hand. Bayley soon regained control with an elbow strike and a couple of back suplexes.
Bayley avoided a splash and delivered a sunset flip on the turnbuckle for a two-count. Green hit a Rough Ryder. In reply, Bayley landed a modified Zig Zag, but Chelsea kicked out of the pin attempt. Niven’s distraction came out fruitful for Green again. Chelsea landed the Unpretty Her, securing the pin and emerging victorious.
Winner: Chelsea Green
Grades: B-
Analysis: It is a well-deserved win for Chelsea Green. She will face Michin in the tournament finals to crown the first-ever Women’s United States Champion.
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens Engage in a Heated Confrontation
Michael Cole welcomed Cody Rhodes to the ring for an exclusive interview, but Kevin Owens was absent. Cole asked Cody about the mysterious gift he received from Triple H, which had been making waves on social media. Just as Cody began to respond, Kevin Owens appeared on the Titantron, speaking from his car.
Owens accused Cody of using his friends to further his interests. Owens also brought up Cody’s decision to team with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood, which he saw as a betrayal. Owens said that Cody was far more interesting than Stardust. Cody, visibly agitated, left the ring to search for KO. As Cody made his way to the back, Owens ambushed him.
The two superstars clashed on the entrance ramp, with security and WWE officials struggling to intervene. The brawl continued, with Cody landing a big boot to Owens’ face. Owens grabbed the WWE Undisputed Championship and slammed it into Cody’s chest before throwing it onto him. Finally, the officials managed to separate the two superstars. Owens was escorted away from the ring as an angry and frustrated Cody looked on.
Grades: B+
Analysis: It was a decent segment, proving to be the last nail in the coffin in this already intense rivalry. KO is a different heel with a unique character. The anticipated match is less than 24 hours away, and we are all seated. You can check out the details of the rumored gift Cody received from HHH.
Final Word
This week’s SmackDown prioritized progressing ongoing storylines, but the in-ring action could have been better. The squash match between Hayes and Strowman was over before it could gain momentum, and the women’s US title tournament matches failed to impress qualitatively.
Sikoa and Knight delivered the most compelling match of the evening. The New Tribal Chief’s presentation was excellent. The show did an admirable job setting the stage for Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Raw premiere on Netflix, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come. Did you enjoy WWE SmackDown December 13 Results?
