WWE SmackDown 5 Takeaways: AJ Styles’ Odds Improve Even In Defeat

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Last night’s WWE SmackDown had historic shoes to fill following Raw 25 the night before, but the blue brand successfully countered the red brand with a solid overall show.

The Jan. 23 edition of WWE SmackDown was a solid show from start to finish with in-ring work and storyline building.  And with the Royal Rumble pay-per-view only four days away, both of those factors are important.

Several Royal Rumble-based developments came out of last night’s show as the blue brand looks for a positive showing on Sunday.  With that being said, let’s take a look at five takeaways from the Jan. 23 edition of WWE SmackDown.

5. Charlotte Flair Puts Sunday’s Historic Women’s Royal Rumble Match Into Perspective

For the first time in WWE history, there will be two Royal Rumble matches at the upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view.  Not only will 30 men battle it out for a title opportunity at WrestleMania, but so will 30 women.

Both Raw and SmackDown will have its best stars in the match and it’s safe to assume NXT call-ups and past stars will be in the mix as well.  But one superstar that won’t be in the women’s Royal Rumble match will be the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair.

There’s a good chance that the winner of the Royal Rumble match will go on to face Charlotte at WrestleMania.  But The Queen made a big statement last night on the mic that helps put the history-making match at the Royal Rumble in perspective.  Following Naomi’s win over Liv Morgan, chaos ensued with many other of the blue brand’s women going at it.

Becky Lynch’s attempt to throw her friend Naomi over the top rope was a sign of what Sunday will bring, and Charlotte said as much.  Her promo was factual, real, and helped sum up what everyone can expect at the Royal Rumble.  It also could be a nice setup for a potential match featuring Charlotte and the Royal Rumble match winner at WrestleMania 34.

The Queen knows best and her promo last night was a fitting way to lead into the historic women’s Royal Rumble match.