WWE SmackDown, the last installment before WWE Royal Rumble 2024, marks WWE’s inaugural broadcast since unveiling a significant streaming deal with Netflix. This broadcast also coincides with the emergence of fresh charges of sex trafficking against Vince McMahon, WWE’s Chairman. The detailed lawsuit outlines particularly disturbing accusations. McMahon, through a spokesperson, vehemently denies these charges, issuing the following statement:
“This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself.”
In the wake of McMahon’s alleged actions, WWE is already experiencing repercussions, notably with longtime partner Slim Jim opting to pause their collaboration with the promotion. Slim Jim, emphasizing values of integrity and respect, declared in a public statement:
“Given the recent disturbing allegations against Vince McMahon, at this time we’ve decided to pause our promotional activities with WWE. This decision reflects our commitment to our brand values and responsibility to our community. We will continue to monitor the situation and base our future engagements on our values and what’s best for our brand.”
Notably, during SmackDown, it was revealed that Vince McMahon has resigned from his role as Executive Chairman of TKO Holdings.
SmackDown’s lineup included matchups such as LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa, a face-off between Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits against the Final Testament, Carlito vs. Santos Escobar, and a Women’s Tag Team Championship clash featuring the Kabuki Warriors against Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
WWE SmackDown Achieves Viewership of 2.408 Million – Results and Highlights | January 26, 2024
The latest edition of SmackDown, broadcast last week, attracted a viewership of 2.408 million, offering wrestling enthusiasts an action-packed show leading up to the upcoming WWE Royal Rumble event.
WWE SmackDown Results | January 26, 2024:
- Santos Escobar defeated Carlito
- Kabuki Warriors secured victory against Carter and Chance, retaining the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles
- Austin Theory emerged victorious against Carmelo Hayes
- LA Knight secured a win over Solo Sikoa via disqualification
WWE SmackDown Ratings:
- January 19, 2025: 2.408 million
- January 12, 2024: 2.424 million
- January 5, 2024: 2.465 million
- December 29, 2023: 1.355 million
- December 22, 2023: 2.108 million
WWE SmackDown Ticket Sales:
- Venue: Kaseya Center (Miami, Fla.)
- Tickets Distributed: 9,233
- Available Tickets: 532
CM Punk And The 2024 WWE Royal Rumble | PWB
SmackDown Winners and Grades:
The show kicked off with Randy Orton’s presence, setting the stage for his upcoming world title match. Eladio Carrion took inspiration from Bad Bunny, crafting a song centered around Randy Orton.
A fiery LA Knight promo added excitement, leading to an interruption by AJ Styles. Just as Styles was about to mention “LA Knight,” Knight’s entrance sparked a lively reaction. The segment concluded with Styles delivering a Pele Kick to Randy Orton.
SmackDown Opening Segment Grade: B
In the ring, Santos Escobar faced Carlito in a spirited match. Despite Escobar’s whistling antics on the stair steps, a kick to Carlito’s face had minimal impact. The match showcased parallels between the new Legado del Fantasma and other stables in WWE.
A surprise distraction from Elektra Lopez resulted in Escobar’s victory amid a brawl between LWO and Legado del Fantasma.
The event provided wrestling fans with thrilling matchups and unexpected twists, building anticipation for the upcoming Royal Rumble.
Kabuki Warriors Triumph Over Carter And Chance Amidst Off-Air Vince McMahon Announcement
In a surprising turn of events during the Kabuki Warriors’ clash against Carter and Chance, WWE made an off-air announcement revealing Vince McMahon’s retirement from the company amid sex trafficking allegations.
The Kabuki Warriors secured victory in this match, driven by two primary motives:
- As part of an unfolding WrestleMania storyline.
- To divert attention from the dominating Vince McMahon controversy, which has swiftly become a focal point on Twitter.
Kabuki Warriors vs. Carter and Chance Grade: C+
Lashley And Street Profits Confront Final Testament
Despite WWE underutilizing Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits, the duo remains remarkably popular. Karrion Kross faced some audience resistance, cleverly responding to a “what” chant with a directive to “shut the hell up,” earning boos in return.
A brawl ensued, with Scarlett joining the fray, targeting Lashley. This allowed Kross and the Final Testament to capitalize, laying out Lashley and the Street Profits.
Austin Theory Overcomes Carmelo Hayes in Impressive Battle
In an engaging matchup between Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes, the audience took an unexpected turn by chanting for Trick Williams, who wasn’t present. Despite this distraction, the match surpassed their previous encounter, displaying improved coordination.
Austin Theory managed to secure a victory, and a subsequent two-on-one assault by Theory and Grayson Waller prompted Trick Williams to intervene. The Miami crowd passionately chanted “whoop that trick,” indicating Williams’ potential as a rising star.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory Grade: B+
LA Knight Emerges Victorious Over Solo Sikoa Despite Chaotic Finish
During LA Knight’s showdown against Solo Sikoa, Michael Cole dared to entertain the notion that Roman Reigns could leave St. Petersburg without the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship.
Amidst fan chants for tables, the match primarily showcased Solo Sikoa, hinting at his unlikely victory. AJ Styles, maintaining his “inferiority complex” character, interfered, culminating in a chaotic sequence. Randy Orton’s entrance led to impactful moves on Styles and Jimmy Uso, concluding with LA Knight executing the Blunt Force Trauma on Orton as SmackDown abruptly went off the air.
LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa Grade: B