WWE SmackDown Results February 18: New Intercontinental Champion crowned!

WWE SmackDown results from New Orleans, Louisiana. WWE recorded this episode in advance ahead of the company’s trip to Saudi Arabia for the Elimination Chamber event. After the live edition of SmackDown had concluded, they immediately began to record for this week.

Ahead of the show, it was announced that Shinsuke Nakamura would defend the Intercontinental Championship against Sami Zayn. Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, was scheduled to go face-to-face with Goldberg ahead of their colossal clash on Saturday night. Plus, Ronda Rousey & Naomi were due to meet SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair & Sonya Deville in the ring for an Elimination Chamber contract signing. The match was announced after SmackDown went off the air last week.

WWE SmackDown results – February 18, 2022

The opening segment saw Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, and Goldberg come face-to-face in the ring. A verbal exchange occurred, but there was no physicality. This will be saved for Saturday night in Jeddah.

Ricochet vs. Sheamus w/ Ridge Holland

This rivalry continued stemming from when Ricochet broke Ridge Holland’s nose at WWE Day 1 on January 1. On this occasion, it was Ricochet that managed to score the victory to the surprise of the Irishman.

Winner: Ricochet

Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs vs. Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship

Nakamura has held the championship since August 13 and had minimal defences due to an injury. However, it was Sami Zayn who managed to score the victory to become a three-time Intercontinental Champion.

Winner: NEW Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn 

Ivar w/ Erik def. Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso

Ahead of their SmackDown Tag Team Championship match at Elimination Chamber, Ivar managed to score a win over Jimmy Uso to build some momentum heading into the show.

Winner: Ivar w/ Erick

A backstage promo took place between Drew McIntyre, Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin, ahead of Drew and Moss’ Falls Count Anywhere on Saturday.

Video packages were shown previewing Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg and the Elimination Chamber.

Ronda Rousey & Naomi, plus SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlott Flair, and Sonya Deville headed to the ring. Adam Pearce hosted the contract signing. A verbal exchange occurred until Rousey threw the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Charlotte. Flair decided to go after Ronda, however, Rousey managed to smash her head against the contract signing table. Naomi then went after Sonya Deville. Both ladies then turned the contract signing table over on Charlotte and Deville as they stood tall leading into their tag team match at Elimination Chamber.

Full WWE Elimination Chamber 2022 card

• Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Austin Theory vs. Riddle vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match
• Roman Reigns (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Goldberg for the Universal Championship
• Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H. vs. Alexa Bliss in an Elimination Chamber with the winner earning a RAW Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 38
• Ronda Rousey and Naomi vs. Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville
• Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lita for the RAW Women’s Championship
• Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss w/ Happy Corbin in a Falls Count Anywhere match
• The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) (c) vs. The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship
• Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio) vs. The Miz w/ Maryse

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