WWE Royal Rumble Builds Tension: SmackDown Preview and Match Highlights

Royal Rumble weekend in Indianapolis kicks off with tonight’s SmackDown from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The preliminaries set the stage for the biggest matches of the weekend, with key storylines and rivalries heating up.

Fierce Battle Ahead: Women’s United States Title Bout

On the eve of the main event, Chelsea Green and Michin face off once again for the Women’s United States title. Green recently defeated Michin to claim the inaugural title in December, but their feud has escalated since then. Last week, Michin pinned Green in a tag match alongside B-Fab, further fueling the tension.

Tag Team Showdown Sets Up for Royal Rumble

An eight-man tag match features Motor City Machine Guns and Los Garza taking on DIY and Pretty Deadly. This sets the stage for Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin’s challenge to Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa for the WWE Tag Team titles in a crucial two-out-of-three falls bout at the Royal Rumble.

Further Matches to Watch

Other notable matches include Naomi vs. Liv Morgan and Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes. Joe Tessitore sits down for an exclusive interview with Kevin Owens, setting the scene for his ladder match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on Saturday.

The first hour of tonight’s show streams without commercial breaks. Tune in for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Pat McAfee’s Impact on WWE

Michael Cole welcomed the crowd, showcasing footage of Indianapolis. Liv Morgan, Naomi, Bianca Belair, Michin, Chelsea Green, and Damian Priest were seen around the arena. Cole also introduced Pat McAfee, credited for bringing the Royal Rumble to Indianapolis, emphasizing the city’s world-class reputation and its people.

The Kevin Owens Interview

Joe Tessitore’s interview with Kevin Owens highlights the rivalry between Owens and CM Punk. Owens is upset about facing Punk, who teases a potential match against Owens at WrestleMania if Owens wins the Royal Rumble. Owens emphasizes his confidence in a Royal Rumble victory and his disdain for Punk’s perceived lack of respect for Owens.

Punk, however, counters Owens, asserting his Royal Rumble win record, his reputable performance against Logan Paul, and his integrity compared to Owens. Punk invites Owens back into the ring but Owain exits, taunting Punk.

Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes

Jimmy Uso faces Carmelo Hayes in a match that includes a playful exchange between Hayes and Tyrese Halliburton, a top NBA player. Hayes takes a jab at Halliburton, calling Uso “The Two” and doubting Halliburton’s basketball prowess. Uso, however, prevails in the match with a final pinfall.

Chelsea Green vs. Michin

Michin defeats Chelsea Green in a match marred by a disqualification. Green’s comments backstage reveal her confidence in a Royal Rumble win, against Michin, whom she sees as a threat to her title.

The Damian Priest/Jacob Fatu Segment

Damian Priest faces Jacob Fatu in a significant segment. Fatu accuses Priest of living in Priest’s shadow and challenges him to prove the streets running. Priest on SmackDown. LA Knight then saves Priest, setting up potential future matches between Priest and the duo.

Priest’s dedication to SmackDown and his ambition to win the Royal Rumble and potentially a spot at WrestleMania are clear.

Los Garza vs. DIY and Pretty Deadly

Los Garza (Angel & Berto) defeat DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) and Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) in a competitive tag team match. Ciampa and Gargano grab the tag titles, setting up a pivotal Royal Rumble match for Gargano and Ciampa.

Naomi vs. Liv Morgan

Naomi claims victory over Liv Morgan in a close match, showcasing both women’s skills and competitive spirit. The rivalry between Naomi and Morgan gains momentum, potentially leading to further developments.

Andrade Defeats The Miz

Andrade gains a significant win against The Miz, using his finisher, the Back Elbow Drop, to secure the victory. This victory revitalizes Andrade’s career, enhancing his prominence on the roster.

The Tiffany Stratton Segment

Tiffany Stratton faces Nia Jax and Candice LeRae in an intriguing backstage segment. Jax’s aggression and LeRae’s accusations bring further complexity to Stratton’s character, suggesting a pivotal story might unfold.

Main Event: LA Knight & Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga

The main event features LA Knight and Damian Priest defeating Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. This tag match includes strong performances, complex moves, and a dramatic finish, setting an exciting tone for the Royal Rumble.

Despite concerns about SmackDown’s declining popularity, the main event remains compelling, showcasing talent and intense rivalry.