This week’s SmackDown was WWE’s final show before Saturday Night’s Main Event. The show started with Jimmy Uso being attacked by Drew McIntyre. The action never slowed down as LA Knight took on Solo Sikoa, Chelsea Green and Michin advanced in the United States Women’s Title tournament, Braun Strowman returned and Kevin Owens brawled with Cody Rhodes to end the show.
Here are your winners and losers for SmackDown, December 13, 2024:
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Winner/Loser: Jimmy Uso opens the show
Drew McIntyre ruins Jimmy’s big year star
An injured Jimmy Uso shared how proud he is of each member of The Bloodline, promising a huge year ahead despite their current setback. As he expressed his excitement about regaining his full strength, he was suddenly Claymore Kicked by Drew McIntyre. Any big plans Jimmy had in mind were immediately put on hold.
Even though it was a predictable WWE opening segment, it was still effective. McIntyre appears determined to systematically target members of The Bloodline.
Winner/Loser: Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin
Good match, bad ending
This was a solid match with a tough ending. Stratton attempted his prettiest Moonsault but only partially connected as Michin tried to move out of the way. Michin quickly recovered and delivered Eat Defeat for the win. While it wasn’t ideal that both players didn’t have to sell the sloppy shot, it wasn’t important enough to overshadow the quality of the match.
Michin progressing in the tournament makes sense, especially considering his next opponent in the final.
Winner: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa on Netflix
A huge match for the first show
Roman Reigns has delivered a pre-produced promotional video discussing Solo Sikoa and the aftermath of his loss at WrestleMania. Reigns reflected on the loss of not only The Bloodline but, more importantly, his Ula Fala. He then challenged Sikoa to a singles match early in Monday Night Raw on Netflix January 6. Reigns vowed to reclaim his title in Tribal Combat and reestablish his dominance, forcing everyone to recognize him.
This clash has all the makings of a blockbuster match and is poised to make the Netflix debut a must-see event.
Winner: Braun Strowman returns
The first move of the transfer window
After confidently telling Nick Aldis that he would make “light” work of his mystery opponent, Carmelo Hayes was stunned to discover that his opponent was none other than Braun Strowman. Standing 6’8″ and weighing 385 pounds, Strowman was anything but a “light” challenge. Michael Cole even hinted that Strowman could be the first superstar to switch brands during the transfer window.
Strowman wasted no time in asserting his dominance, catching Hayes mid-air on a top rope move and finishing him off with a devastating power slam for the victory. It was good to see Strowman back and a big win puts him back on track to becoming one of the blue brand’s top stars.
Winner: LA Knight vs. Solo score
The new lineage does not go down quietly
It was a highlight match for Smack down and a great showcase for Solo Sikoa in a dominant singles role. Sikoa looked to finish LA Knight but got caught in an exchange of right hands. Knight gained momentum with a flying clothesline and the action spilled outside the ring, where Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga got involved.
Back in the ring, Sikoa attempted a Samoan Spike, but Knight dodged and unleashed a series of moves, nearly securing the victory with his signature elbow. However, Fatu emerged from behind the announce desk to attack Knight, leading to a DQ finish. The chaos intensified as Andrade and Apollo Crews rushed the ring, only to be eliminated. The New Bloodline stood tall, delivering a brutal beating to Knight.
This segment highlighted a frustrated faction, proving that they remain a dominant force. This was a solid match with a fitting ending to move the story forward.
Winner: Chelsea Green
The Greens reach the final
Chelsea Green narrowly avoided a Bayley-to-Belly suplex in the opening moments of the match. Bayley applied constant pressure with a series of strike attempts, but Green managed to escape each time. Bayley remained in control until interference from Piper Niven turned the tide in Green’s favor.
After the commercial break, the action heated up, with Bayley pulling off several big moves. However, his attempt at the top rope was cut short by a running knee from Green. Green attempted a splash but missed, allowing Bayley to counter with a running knee of her own. Despite Bayley’s near-falls, Green continued to fight, countering another Bayley-to-Belly attempt and hitting a Roughrider, although Bayley kicked out again.
The match reached a chaotic climax when Bayley eliminated Niven with an elbow for interference. Green took advantage of the distraction to push Bayley over the guardrail. She returned to the ring, hoping for a countout victory. As Bayley came back, Green caught her with a knee followed by an Unpretty-her to pick up the surprise victory.
It was a massive victory for Chelsea Green, positioning her as a potential favorite to win the United States Women’s Championship.
Winner: Owens and Rhodes fight
Setting up the Saturday night Main Event
Kevin Owens skipped the final segment of the evening in person, choosing instead to hurl insults at Cody Rhodes from the safety of his car. When Cody went to confront him, he was ambushed from behind, falling into a trap set by his challenger. The two men broke out in a brawl that spilled into the arena and eventually back into the ring.
As authorities rushed to separate them, the crowd erupted in cries of “Let them fight!” » Amid the chaos, Owens took advantage, hitting Rhodes with the title belt while security held him back. Rhodes remained unconscious as Owens stood over his fallen opponent, the image closing the show just 24 hours before their match.
Owens emerged victorious from this brutal exchange. But will he come away victorious on Saturday?
