**"WWE SmackDown" Builds Momentum Ahead of Royal Rumble in Riyadh**
"WWE SmackDown" delivered a thrilling go-home show ahead of the Royal Rumble, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as chaos unfolded in Riyadh. The main event saw Drew McIntyre disrupting an 8-man tag match by dragging Sami Zayn out of the ring, leading to a disqualification. Jacob Fatu also made his presence felt, attacking McIntyre, while Bron Breakker closed out the show with a powerful spear on Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.
Earlier in the night, Carmelo Hayes successfully defended his United States Championship against Rey Fenix in an open challenge match. The verbal sparring between AJ Styles and Gunther added tension to their upcoming showdown, and Charlotte Flair teamed up with Alexa Bliss to defeat Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez from The Judgement Day.
The opening segment of the show set the stage for upcoming rivalries and potential storylines. Cody Rhodes hinted at future clashes with the likes of Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre, and even teased a possible feud with CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. Randy Orton's interruption added another layer of intrigue, hinting at a future feud with Rhodes.
The evening culminated in an eight-man tag match that ended in a disqualification, setting the stage for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania hype to build. Amidst the chaos, the crowd in Riyadh showed their love for Randy Orton, with his popularity shining through.
The unexpected moments continued with a comedic small package pinning sequence in the tag-team match between Judgment Day and Flair/Bliss. The match was a crowd-pleaser, setting the stage for potential dissension and drama leading into the Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles' appearance hinted at a possible retirement, adding excitement and unpredictability to his upcoming match against Gunther. The ongoing storylines involving Carmelo Hayes, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, Johnny Gargano, and Tama Tonga continued to develop, providing fans with compelling narratives.
"SmackDown" also featured an impressive matchup between Ilja Dragunov and The Miz, showcasing the talent and chemistry between the two wrestlers. Damian Priest's addition to the Royal Rumble roster added to the anticipation for the upcoming event.
While the show provided entertainment and excitement for fans, it also faced criticism for the portrayal of women in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country's human rights issues. Despite this, the captivating storylines and in-ring action kept viewers engaged throughout the evening.
In conclusion, "WWE SmackDown" in Riyadh succeeded in generating buzz and anticipation for the Royal Rumble, with dynamic storytelling and thrilling matches keeping fans invested in the upcoming events. As the road to WrestleMania unfolds, the show continues to blur expectations and set the stage for captivating rivalries and showdowns in the world of professional wrestling.
