The 01/29/19 edition of WWE SmackDown Live, out of the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, just wrapped up. We’ve got the match results, as well as our overall thoughts on the show, for you to check out below. Let us know what you thought about episode #1015 of WWE SmackDown Live by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
The Man is Ready for Ronnie
“You learned to be #TheMan from the lessons you learned from #TheQueen!”@BeckyLynchWWE doesn’t seem to agree, @MsCharlotteWWE… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/46Wqe3wS81
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
Becky Lynch started the show by giving a recap of the events at the Royal Rumble. She said, unlike Ronda Rousey, she didn’t crumble when she lost (to Asuka), instead, she pulled it together, entered herself in the Royal Rumble match, and earned her ticket to the main event of WrestleMania.
The Man had just finished her fiery promo when Charlotte Flair joined her in the ring. Charlotte said that she made Becky who she is by single-handedly bringing her to the main event and the forefront of WWE.
Becky said nothing, opting to respond with a punch to the face of Flair instead. She then calmly left the ring, but Charlotte wasn’t finished, chasing Lynch down and tackling her to the ground.
This led to an all-out brawl, which was eventually broken up by officials, but Becky got the last strike and left with a smirk.
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. R-Truth
United States Championship Match
United States of Truth. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 #SDLive #USTitle #AndNew @RonKillings pic.twitter.com/KgrYR4AHlB
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
As an apology for being taken out of the Royal Rumble match, R-Truth was given a shot at Shinsuke Nakamura’s United States Championship.
Nakamura went for a quick victory with a Kinshasa, but R-Truth was able to evade the attack. The two continued for a few minutes before R-Truth suddenly (so sudden, he didn’t even realize he had done it) caught Nakamura in a roll-up, becoming the new United States Champion.
Winner: R-Truth
R-Truth (c) vs. Rusev
United States Championship Match
…and we’re getting ANOTHER #USTitle defense RIGHT NOW!
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
NEW #USChampion @RonKillings defends his newly-won gold against @RusevBUL on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/wlCI6QRAu4
Moments after winning the US title, R-Truth was confronted by Rusev. Angry about losing the championship at the Royal Rumble this past weekend, Rusev talked Truth into putting his title on the line.
After a short match, R-Truth again won a match via roll-up, and retained his title. It was not without a price, however, as he was attacked by Nakamura as he left the ring. Rusev joined in on the assault and the two ruthlessly beat Truth down, taking turns attacking him while the other held him in place.
Backstage, Rusev and Nakamura appeared to be forming a team, already challenged by their first opponents: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Winner: R-Truth
Rey Mysterio vs. Samoa Joe
#VivaLaRaza? #SDLive @AndradeCienWWE @reymysterio pic.twitter.com/am7C8lb1wp
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
Rey Mysterio had barely made it to the ring when Zelina Vega appeared on the stage. She said that she understood if he couldn’t focus on his opponent, as he was too distracted by the looming threat of Andrade.
While Mysterio’s focus was on Zelina, Andrade attacked him from behind, presumably “injuring” him enough that he was unable to compete in his scheduled match.
Winner: N/A
Miz & Mac Celebrate
“I love you and I’m proud of you.” – #MrMiz
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
We’re not crying, YOU’RE crying. 😢😢 #SDLive @mikethemiz @ShaneMcMahon pic.twitter.com/nbLOCDoXY6
Shane McMahon promised Miz a surprise in celebration of their newly acquired SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships.
When they got to the ring, there were no streamers or confetti, only a video package Shane put together, showcasing the rise of the world’s greatest tag team. Once the video was over, Shane welcomed their guest of the evening, Miz’s father, to the ring.
Miz’s dad said that he was proud of Miz and that he loved him, while Shane happily danced around them (as Shane does).
The New Day vs. The Usos vs. Heavy Machinery vs. The Bar
Four Corners Elimination Tag Match
They don’t SET The Bar(ricade), they throw Superstars INTO The Bar(ricade)! #SDLive @WWESheamus @WWECesaro @WWEUsos pic.twitter.com/VrEYcJyQ15
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
At the end of the touching father/son moment, Shane announced that there would be a Four Corners Elimination Match, to decide who would challenge Miz & Mac for the tag team championships at Elimination Chamber.
This was a fun match, with all four teams getting even amounts of offense against the other three. A particularly entertaining moment was when Otis Dozovic and Big E briefly went one-on-one.
The New Day were eliminated by Heavy Machinery first (which Xavier Woods probably wasn’t too upset about, as he seemed pretty excited at the idea of going home to play Kingdom Hearts. No shame.)
Otis and Tucker came close to eliminating The Bar as well, but Sheamus and Cesaro are a well-oiled machine and broke up every pin attempt they made. In fact, The Bar eventually got revenge on Heavy Machinery by eliminating them. Shortly after Otis and Tucker left the ring, The Usos got the better of The Bar, winning the #1 contender spot for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships.
Winner: The Usos
Daniel Bryan: Hypocrite No More
THIS is the new symbol of excellence.
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019
Say hello to the new 100% SUSTAINABLE HEMP #WWEChampionship! #SDLive @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/2C8yszzAko
Daniel Bryan came to the ring to congratulate the audience on their win at the Royal Rumble – because when the planet’s champion wins, everyone wins. He then welcomed his new partner in crime, Rowan, to join him.
Bryan went on a tirade regarding his hypocritical behavior in the form of carrying a dead cow around his waist. He named the deceased cow “Daisy” and proceeded to give a lengthy eulogy for his fallen bovine friend.
He took it a step further, grabbing a trash can from ringside and dropping the WWE Championship in it. Hypocrite no more, Bryan asked Rowan to unveil the new title. Entirely made of sustainable materials, Bryan was clearly very proud of his creation.
Before he could go any further, AJ Styles came out from backstage to tell the champ that he was personally insulted by his actions. Shortly behind him were Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Mustafa Ali, and Samoa Joe. All 6 men began arguing, which Triple H put a stop to by appearing on the big screen to announce that Daniel Bryan would be facing all five men at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Daniel Bryan made a quick exit while the brawl between the other five men continued to close the show.
What letter grade would you give tonight’s show? #SDLive
— Rumble Ramble (@TheRumbleRamble) January 30, 2019