WWE SmackDown Grades: Team Cohesion Building Between The Miz And Shane McMahon

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The Jan. 15 edition of WWE SmackDown moved the blue brand one step closer to the upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view in under two weeks, featuring a match that will have fans talking for a long time.

Last night’s WWE SmackDown saw a little bit of everything, but the biggest up has to be considered a strong match of the year candidate even with 2019 only being weeks old at this point.

It was a night filled with a few key storyline developments as well that are something to keep an eye on.  Let’s take a look at a few grades from the Jan. 15 edition of WWE SmackDown.

5. Opening Segment

The SmackDown Women’s Championship picture has been on fire over the past few months with the rise of Becky Lynch.  She has established herself into arguably the hottest superstar in the WWE, but heading into the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, The Man does not hold the gold anymore.

Asuka’s win at TLC over Lynch and Charlotte Flair in a Triple Threat Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match was a long time coming for the once undefeated force.  However, she won’t have much time to celebrate that win when she defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship at the Royal Rumble against Lynch after Lynch won a Triple Threat Match to become number one contender.

The Man kicked off last night’s show like only she can, in your face and brazen.  Lynch basically said that Asuka isn’t on her level because after she lost for the first time to Charlotte at WrestleMania 34, she fell completely out of the picture for months.  The Empress Of Tomorrow wouldn’t take that lying down, however, and she came out to address Lynch immediately.

The two appeared as if they were about to throw down, but in the middle of it, The IIconics decided to intervene and they came out to speak their opinions like only they can.  This ultimately led to a match between Peyton Royce and Lynch immediately after this opening segment.  It was pretty straight forward, but this was a pretty good way to start last night’s show.

Tensions are high for both Lynch and Asuka, and that was evident last night when these two powerhouses started things off.

Final Grade: B