WWE SmackDown Live was broadcast from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas on January 16, 2018.
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Jinder Mahal def. (pin) Xavier Woods in a semi-final match for the U.S. Championship
This opened the show, as the New Day — along were a barrage of pancakes — were out to promote their guy Xavier as the right man for America.
This match went on forever. Through two commercial breaks, to be exact. Mahal was on top for most of the match, with Xavier getting in little spurts of offense. Eventually Xavier was going for his big elbow drop from the top rope, but Mahal moved out of the way. Mahal then threw Xavier into the bottom rope and then hit the Khallas to get the win.
Mahal went on to face the winner of...
Bobby Roode def. (pin) Mojo Rawley in a semi-final match for the U.S. Championship
GLORIOUS.
Rawley was in full control of this match (WWE really needs a more diverse match formula) until he rammed himself into the post on a spear attempt. This gave Roode the opening, and he was eventually able to hit a spinebuster and the Glorious DDT for the win.
HOWEVER, that was not the key part of what happened here. After the match, Samir and Sunil Singh came to the ring to attack Roode. The Singhs eventually ran away to a laughing Mahal on the ramp, to which Roode challenged Mahal to have the finals of the tournament TONIGHT. Mahal said no, but he's not the general manager of the show; Daniel Bryan is, and Bryan said YES! YES! YES!
This led to...
WWE SmackDown Live main event: Bobby Roode def. (pin) Jinder Mahal to win the United States Championship
Mahal targeted Roode's ribs early, which had been hurt earlier in the night in Roode's first match. This quickly became the focus of the match, as every Roode comeback attempt was eventually thwarted as Mahal went back to the ribs.
Roode was eventually able to get something going, hitting a Blockbuster from the top rope to finally get Mahal down for a long-2 count. The blockbuster proved to be the opening that Roode need though, as a spinebuster and a reversed Khallas into the Glorious DDT led to a 3-count and a NEWWW! United States Champion!
Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, and Sarah Logan def. (pin) Naomi, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch in a tag match
For those wondering who the star in the Riott Squad is supposed to be... it doesn't look like it's going to be Ruby Riott. The entire match, both on commentary and in-ring, was based around Liv Morgan. Morgan was talked up as a potential future star, and she eventually pinned Naomi to win the match for her team.
An emerging contender for the women's Royal Rumble match? Seems unlikely, but the timing is right there.
Best of the rest of WWE SmackDown Live
- AJ Styles was backstage to talk about Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, christening the two as "Kami". Suffice to say, AJ won't be thrilled if "Kami" becomes WWE Championship.
- Randy Orton did an awkward selfie promo on the Royal Rumble... I don't think Randy is a selfie person.
- Shinsuke Nakamura did a similar selfie promo later. He seemed a lot happier to be doing it.
- Trish Stratus was officially announced for RAW 25 next Monday.
WWE SmackDown Live leading up to the Royal Rumble
SmackDown Live results: (1/9/2018)
SmackDown Live results: (1/2/2018)
Smackdown Live results: (12/26/2017)
SmackDown Live results: (12/19/2017)
Results from WWE Clash of Champions
