It is time for the first SmackDown in a Nutshell of 2023, with one big question. Can the Banger Bros win the tag belts?
In case you aren’t in the know, the Banger Bros are Sheamus and Drew McIntyre.
And, the Banger Bros have a chance to win the tag belts, finally getting their shot and Jimmy and Jey.
But, that is not all…probably.
I mean, last week most of us didn’t expect Charlotte Flair to end 2022 as the SmackDown Women’s Champion…but she did.
Plus, now that the calendar says January, 2023…we are getting much closer to the Royal Rumble.
To that point, we have a match to determine an entrant in the match. Specifically, Ricochet battles Top Dolla for one of the 30 spots.
There will surely be much more in the two hour show. Hopefully no Vince, of course.
So with that…it is time for…
Let’s crack open this Nutshell and find out!
That main event was it for me.
Banger Bros and The Usos was a really solid match. The interference at the end of things was to be expected.
Knowing that we are rumored to get Sami and KO against Jimmy and Jey for the titles at ‘Mania, no shock here.
Would not have hated an outcome where the Banger Bros win the belts, but we can’t always get what we want.
To be fair, it was not truly bad…but I generally don’t love the mixed tag matches.
So, I didn’t like having the mixed tag.
But, nice to get Emma and Scarlett in the ring. One ask…can we FINALLY ditch “Madcap”?
I mean, Emma even called him Riddick in that backstage segment…so….
I have to go with all involved in the main event.
Is it lazy? I don’t think so.
Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns were also rock solid, as always, plus Sami.
But Drew, Sheamus, Jimmy and Jey lived up to their main event position tonight.
I suppose I will go with the Hit Row double team on Ricochet.
Hmm…decisions decisions.
I think Top Dolla did a bit of a job, losing to Ricochet.
But, in response for getting the Rumble spot, Ricochet also got a beating.
The backstage segment joking about his botch effectively started a heel turn, but tonight’s actions solidified it.
Hit Row was certainly upset…but then again, tell me you couldn’t see that definitive turn coming a mile away.
Do I go with the attack by Hit Row?
Or do I go with Sonya Deville being the first to challenge new champ Charlotte?
And…man oh man did Flair have a nice reaction…and fans were all over Sonya.
If there was one, nothing jumped out at me.
The crowd at Lawler’s bar (complete with “Jerry Lawler Museum” banner) joining Drew and Sheamus screaming “banger”.
A couple.
It was reported earlier this week, but this is my chance to say…I am excited to see Money In The Bank hit London this summer.
Like, we finally got a big show with last year’s Clash At The Castle…and now Europe is getting one of the already established big shows.
And…we are officially getting Kevin Owens versus Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble.
Given the drama with The Bloodline and Sami Zayn…and Zayn’s match with KO next week…it won’t be too much longer before the Honorary Uce isn’t an Uce anymore.
For me, the lowlight had nothing to do with the show.
I can’t help but dislike seeing McMahon’s power play.
Yes, he never gave up his majority stake…but…he retired for a reason, and no one wanted him back except…him.
Kevin Owens
Sami Zayn
The Bloodline
Banger Bros
All good stuff from these Superstars tonight.
All in all, a pretty solid show for the start of 2023.
So far, and I mean, it’s barely been a thing, no negative impact from Vince’s return.
Perhaps his word about not changing leadership will stick…but we’ve known Vince long enough to know him better than that.
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