WWE SmackDown Electrifies Riyadh with Go-Home Show Ahead of Royal Rumble
WWE delivered a spectacular January 30 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, broadcast live from the iconic KAPD Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This high-stakes edition served as the final go-home show before the highly anticipated Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, scheduled to take place tomorrow at the same prestigious venue. The night was packed with explosive action, dramatic confrontations, and championship clashes that set the stage for an unforgettable weekend of professional wrestling.
Main Event Chaos and Championship Hype
The show kicked off with a powerful segment as Cody Rhodes entered the ring to generate excitement for his participation in the 2026 Men's Royal Rumble match. He was soon joined by fellow competitors Randy Orton and Jey Uso, creating a formidable alliance. The intensity escalated when Sami Zayn made a bold declaration, vowing to defeat Drew McIntyre and capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. The confrontation deepened as Paul Heyman and The Vision emerged to berate the group, leading General Manager Nick Aldis to sanction an explosive eight-man tag team match for the main event.
Thrilling Title Defenses and Rivalry Resolutions
In a highlight of the evening, Carmelo Hayes issued an open challenge for his WWE United States Championship, which was courageously answered by Rey Fenix. The two dynamic athletes delivered an exceptional bout, showcasing their athleticism and skill. Ultimately, Hayes secured his victory with a devastating combination of the First 48 and Nothin' by Net maneuvers, successfully retaining his coveted title in front of the enthusiastic Saudi Arabian audience.
The women's division also shone brightly as Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss teamed up to face Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez. This match was set up following a heated in-ring segment, and both teams displayed remarkable camaraderie and competitive spirit. Despite interference attempts by Raquel Rodriguez, who was promptly stopped by Stephanie Vaquer, Bliss executed a flawless Sister Abigail DDT on Perez to clinch the win for her team.
Intense Singles Matches and Surprising Outcomes
A deeply personal feud reached its climax in a gripping singles match between Axiom and Johnny Gargano, which had been simmering for weeks over the issue of Axiom's mask. Gargano aggressively tried to remove the mask during the bout, only to discover that Axiom wore another one underneath, leaving him stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Axiom delivered the Golden Ratio to secure a decisive pinfall victory.
Another compelling showdown saw The Miz face off against Ilja Dragunov, following a tense backstage confrontation. Dragunov demonstrated incredible resilience against the seasoned veteran, ultimately triumphing with a powerful combination of the Torpedo Moscow and H Bomb to earn a well-deserved pinfall win.
Explosive Eight-Man Tag Team Main Event
The evening culminated in a chaotic and fast-paced eight-man tag team match, pitting The Vision (Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Bron Breakker, and Logan Paul) against the team of Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn. This thrilling encounter provided a tantalizing preview of the excitement expected at tomorrow's Royal Rumble. The match concluded in a disqualification victory for Rhodes' team after Drew McIntyre interfered, pulling Zayn from the ring and attacking him. The chaos intensified with the arrival of Jacob Fatu, who engaged in a fierce brawl with McIntyre and Rhodes. Zayn retaliated with a devastating Helluva Kick on McIntyre, and in a dramatic moment, both Zayn and Rhodes held the WWE Championship aloft. However, the show ended with Bron Breakker delivering a thunderous spear to both men, standing tall as the final image of the night.
This action-packed SmackDown episode not only delivered unforgettable moments but also perfectly set the stage for the impending Royal Rumble, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the battles to come.
