WWE SmackDown Grades: The Planet’s Champion Gains Five New Challengers

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The Jan. 29 edition of WWE SmackDown was one of the more out of the ordinary episodes of the blue brand in a while, but it was still an important show that featured plenty of big moments.

The post-Royal Rumble edition of WWE SmackDown saw an unexpected title change, a potential new unlikely tag team formation, A Mr. Miz appearance, and more with things heating up on the blue brand on the road to WrestleMania.

Elimination Chamber is less than three weeks away and there’s a lot to look forward to via Tuesday nights.  Let’s take a look at a few grades from the Jan. 29 edition of WWE SmackDown.

5. Opening Segment

The Royal Rumble pay-per-view didn’t start out like Becky Lynch had hoped for after losing to Asuka in her attempt to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship.  However, The Man didn’t let that loss affect her and she managed to work her way into the women’s Royal Rumble match.

And wouldn’t you know, Lynch won the match and will go on to WrestleMania 35 to challenge Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Championship after a couple months of buildup and anticipation.  Lynch made it official on Monday night, but last night saw her address the Rousey situation on SmackDown.

The Man said that when she looked into Rousey’s eyes, she saw something that Lynch doesn’t have any more of, fear.  Lynch drove home the point that she has worked for everything she’s gotten in the WWE and how she went from the kickoff show of WrestleMania last year to the main event of this year’s WrestleMania.  Charlotte Flair then intervened and made her opinion known about the situation.

The Queen was in a big-time sarcastic mode by congratulating Lynch for finally making it to the main card at WrestleMania.  Charlotte also said the only reason The Man exists now and Lynch is on the wave of momentum she’s been on is because of Charlotte.  Lynch responded by punching Charlotte in the face and walking off, but Charlotte attacked her walking up the ramp and the two would start brawling around the ringside area until referees had to separate them.

This was an action-packed way to kick off last night’s show with great promo work thrown in as well.

Final Grade: A