WWE SmackDown, from Charlotte, N.C., marketed the return of Triple H as The Recreation addressed the fallout from a highly entertaining WrestleMania 40 Press Conference. SmackDown additionally marketed Bianca Belair vs. Michin in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match, Bayley addressing why she left Injury CTRL, and a Tag Staff Title No. 1 Contender Match pitting DIY towards Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate.
Final week’s broadcast of SmackDown garnered a viewership of two.469 million.
WWE SmackDown Outcomes | February 9, 2024
- Drew McIntyre def. AJ Types | WWE Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
- Bianca Belair def. Michin | WWE Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
- Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate def. DIY | WWE No. 1 Contender’s Match
- Randy Orton def. Sami Zayn | WWE Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
WWE SmackDown Rankings
- February 2, 2024 | 2.469 million
- January 26, 2024 | 2.475 million
- January 19, 2025 | 2.408 million
- January 12, 2024 | 2.424 million
- January 5, 2024 | 2.465 million
- WWE SmackDown Venue: Spectrum Heart (Charlotte, N.C.)
- WWE SmackDown Tickets Distributed: 12,744
- Obtainable Tickets: 94
The Rock Is Precisely Like Vince McMahon | PWB
WWE SmackDown Winners and Grades
Triple H Kicked Off SmackDown
Triple H opened the present with a collection of puns about being on the street to WrestleMania.
In one thing of a parallel universe, Triple H is a babyface as an authority determine who’s backing the primary occasion between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. In the meantime, the Samoan rebels—together with The Rock—are being booed as heels.
Adam Pearce introduced a collection of six matches between 12 qualifiers for the Elimination Chamber, together with Logan Paul, LA Knight, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre.
Drew McIntyre Def. AJ Types
Previous to this match, Drew McIntyre minimize a promo branding himself “DM Hunk.”
LA Knight appeared on commentary to an enormous response. Knight was in uncommon type this WrestleMania season.
Knight requested if Seth’s center identify is definitely “Freakin,” and was knowledgeable that it’s not.
McIntyre related with an superior Glasgow Kiss whereas AJ Types tried to ship a springboard Phenomenal Forearm.
Types and Knight had a showdown at ringside. It led to a visible pinfall for Types, however Knight distracted the referee attempting to get into the ring. Types then walked right into a Claymore Kick and misplaced.
Fairly Lethal appeared in an entertaining section underneath a gazebo, the place Equipment Wilson wore a bandage on his hand on account of that “Pete Doonay [sic]” character.
Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Types Grade: B
Bianca Belair Def. Michin
It was very odd that Bianca Belair and Michin had been on the identical group as not too long ago as final week, and now right here they’re having a match. It makes extra sense that this match is being competed for an Elimination Chamber spot.
This match would have had extra warmth if anyone believed Michin had an opportunity to beat Bianca Belair.
With Love and Hip-Hop upcoming—and closely promoted—there was no method Bianca Belair was going to lose this match.
Backstage, Paul Heyman instructed Reigns he’ll be again subsequent week with Roman Reigns and The Rock.
Bianca Belair vs. Michin Grade: C+
Dakota Kai Confronts Bayley
Within the midst of “Bayley” chants, Bayley mentioned Injury CTRL meant every little thing to her. She mentioned she gave and gave to them, and all they ever did was took from her.
Bayley was interrupted by Dakota Kai, who insisted she didn’t know what was occurring this entire time. Kai was within the Jey Uso position, and swore she didn’t know what was occurring. The Followers in Charlotte didn’t appear to consider her.
As Dakota tried to clarify why she didn’t inform Bayley about Injury CTRL’s shenanigans, followers booed her and gave her the “what” therapy.
Injury CTRL hit the ring to assault Bayley, and Kai chased them off with a metal chair earlier than teasing she was going to hit Bayley. We nonetheless don’t know who’s aspect Kai is on, and that’s an awesome factor.
Bayley and Dakota Kai Section Grade: A
Pete Dunne And Tyler Bate Def. DIY
This was an indie-wrestling styled, high-flying, hard-hitting contest tailored for the Dave Meltzer viewers.
There have been a couple of blind tags, which all led to nice spots, together with the end.
Backstage, Logan Paul berated Nick Aldis earlier than vowing to win the Elimination Chamber and beating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. Paul’s opponent might be The Miz.
DIY vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate Grade: B+
Randy Orton Def. Sami Zayn
It’ll be attention-grabbing to see Zayn’s street to WrestleMania 40 given his final two WrestleManias featured an all-time nice match towards Johnny Knoxville and final hear he appeared in a history-making most important occasion.
Orton hit a uncommon superplex, however then instantly started promoting his again.
After Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a nearfall, he in the end walked into an RKO as Orton superior to The Chamber.