WWE SmackDown Results Coverage, Reactions & Highlights For January 26, 2024

It’s Friday night and you know what that means! WWE SmackDown will go down tonight and Ringside News has got you covered with live play-by-play results coverage for the January 26, 2024 episode.

WWE SmackDown will start this week at 8:00 PM EST as always, match-by-match highlights and results from the show will take place on this very page. Feel free to leave any reactions in the comment section below. You can check out the lineup below.

WWE SmackDown Lineup (1/26/2024):

• Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (c) vs. The Kabuki Warriors
• Carlito vs. Santos Escobar
• Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits Face-To-Face w/ The Final Testament

WWE SmackDown Results (1/26/2024):

Your announcers are Michael Cole and Corey Graves.

We witness the arrival of the participants in the Women’s Tag Title match at the venue. Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman are seen walking in the backstage area.

Eladio Carrion makes his way to the ring and extends a warm welcome to the SmackDown audience. He then proceeds to introduce Randy Orton, setting the stage for what’s to come.

In the WWE Smackdown segment:

Randy Orton greets the people of Miami and acknowledges the surprise of him being with Eladio Carrion. He expresses his gratitude to Eladio for featuring him in a music video but quickly shifts the conversation to business. Randy discusses The Bloodline’s remarkable run, primarily due to Roman Reigns’ nearly 1300-day championship reign. He acknowledges that Roman Reigns and The Bloodline have been dominant but hints that he might be the one to stop them. Randy emphasizes that after he defeats Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble, he will become a 15-time World Champion, securing the victory with his signature RKO.

AJ Styles interrupts Randy’s speech, reminding him that there are other formidable competitors in the Royal Rumble match. AJ mentions that he requested a match against Solo Sikoa but was given a match against LA Knight instead. He warns Randy not to overlook him and suggests that he has a score to settle with Orton after the RKO last week. AJ teases that at the Royal Rumble, he will be the one standing tall.

LA Knight enters the scene and confidently interrupts, claiming that AJ Styles was about to name the next WWE Champion. He berates AJ for complaining and expresses his belief that he’s the biggest threat in the Royal Rumble match. LA Knight accuses Paul Heyman of trying to weaken him by arranging a match against Solo Sikoa tonight. Knight promises to hit Solo so hard that he’ll mimic his dad’s dance moves and declares his intention to win the Royal Rumble and become the champion.

As LA Knight leaves the ring, AJ Styles seizes the moment, delivering a thrust kick and a Pele Kick to Randy Orton, leaving a statement of his own.

Carlito (with Zelina Vega, Cruz del Toro, and Joaquin Wilde) versus Santos Escobar (with Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo)

They exchange words as Carlito skillfully blocks a punch and retaliates with a flurry of punches and kicks against Santos. Carlito continues his assault with a series of punches and kicks, while Santos manages to land a punch and some chops of his own. Carlito then delivers a powerful elbow strike, sending Santos crashing into the turnbuckles. Carlito takes Santos on a whirlwind tour around the ring, smashing him into each turnbuckle before delivering a final chop.

Santos fights back with a well-placed kick, but Carlito counters with a body block and more punches. Santos seizes an opportunity to send Carlito face-first into the turnbuckles as he retreats momentarily. Carlito regains his footing on the apron, and they engage in a fierce punch exchange. Santos gains the upper hand, knocking Carlito off the apron. However, Carlito manages to catch Santos with a skillful pescado.

Carlito rolls Santos back into the ring, but his attention is diverted by Angel and Humberto at ringside. Seizing the moment, Santos seizes the opportunity to execute a suicide dive, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. The action intensifies as we head into a commercial break.

We’re back, and Carlito starts the action with a sharp elbow followed by a solid punch. Santos retaliates with a clothesline and nearly secures a pinfall, prompting the referee to check on Carlito. Santos proceeds to aggressively tear at Carlito’s shirt and remove the kinesio tape from his shoulder. He then traps Carlito in a cross arm breaker in the ropes.

Santos continues his assault, delivering a running double knee strike in the corner and setting Carlito on the turnbuckles for a Hurricanrana, which earns him a close near fall. Santos follows up with a series of elbow strikes to Carlito, transitioning into a seated abdominal stretch. Despite Carlito’s attempts to fight back with punches, Santos yanks him down by his hair and proceeds to deliver boots to him along with an arm bar.

Carlito manages to muster some offense, landing a punch and following it up with a clothesline, and then a well-executed dropkick. He goes for a suplex, but Santos counters, forcing Carlito to adapt into a neck breaker for another near fall. Carlito then delivers a spinebuster, trying to turn the tide.

Santos attempts a victory roll, but he’s pulled to his feet by Carlito. Carlito dishes out a boot and a running knee lift, striking Santos with another punch. Outside the ring, Humberto gets on the apron, causing Angel to pull the ropes open, making Carlito fall to the floor. Cruz and Wilde then take matters into their own hands by targeting Angel and Humberto. They send Wilde into the apron, and Cruz executes a swanton onto both Angel and Humberto. Zelina also tries to interfere by getting on the apron, but Elektra Lopez pulls her off.

In the midst of the chaos, Santos manages to roll up Carlito for the three-count.

Winner: Santos Escobar

Cole takes a moment to mention the new Netflix deal and the addition of The Rock to the TKO board of directors, highlighting the exciting developments in the world of wrestling.

AJ Styles strolls through the backstage area, but his path is intercepted by Jimmy Uso, who seems eager to have a conversation. Jimmy starts by saying that everyone knows where LA (presumably a fellow wrestler) is going to be tonight. He then suggests that AJ should assist them in dealing with LA, emphasizing that it would benefit not just AJ but also everyone else tomorrow.

However, AJ doesn’t seem interested in the proposition and declines Jimmy’s offer to shake hands. With a nonchalant shrug, Jimmy walks away, clearly displeased with AJ’s response.

As the tension lingers, Mia, Luke, and Karl approach AJ, curious about the exchange. AJ dismisses their concerns, advising them not to worry about it.

With the scene set, we head to a commercial break.

Nick Aldis is in his office when Ava enters. Nick warmly welcomes her and congratulates her on her new job. Ava, eager to get some advice, asks Nick if he has any tips for her.

Inside the office, we also spot Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford. Bobby reaches for a number from a container, presumably related to an upcoming event.

Legado Del Fantasma makes their presence known, and Lashley makes it clear that he hasn’t forgotten about them. Santos picks a number from the container as well.

The show then cuts to a video package featuring Bayley. In the package, Bayley talks about her journey and how she always found herself back at the PC whenever she needed to take the next step in her career. She mentions moments of doubt and times when she wanted to give up. However, the video also highlights her determination to be the best.

Bayley discusses her injury and her eventual formation of the group Damage CTRL with Dakota Kai and Io Shirai. They achieved great success, and even Kairi Sane and Asuka joined their ranks. Bayley declares her intention to win the Royal Rumble and challenge Rhea Ripley, aiming to hold all the gold in the process. She firmly believes in the destiny of her vision.

The scene shifts to R-Truth, who is seen spinning the balls in a tumbler to make a pick. Truth seems dissatisfied with his selection and asks if this means he’s out of quarantine. Nick Aldis clarifies that it’s his number for the Royal Rumble and expresses his gratitude to Mr. Pearce while making a lighthearted comment about his hair growth.

Kairi Sane and Asuka versus Kayden Carter and Katana Chance for the Women’s Tag Team Championship

Carter wastes no time and unleashes a drop kick on Asuka, following it up with a quick O’Connor Roll and an impressive springboard drop kick. Chance, her tag team partner, tags in and works in tandem with Carter to maintain the momentum. Chance skillfully trips Asuka, creating an opening for Carter to land a kick, and then Chance delivers a slingshot senton for a close near fall.

Chance continues her offense with a series of arm drags, forcing Asuka to retreat to the ringside area. seizing the opportunity, Carter and Chance coordinate their efforts, launching simultaneous drop kicks through the ropes. The high-flying action culminates with Chance executing a remarkable slingshot twisting pescado, taking out both Asuka and any doubt about their tag team prowess.

With the crowd electrified by the action, we head into a commercial break.

Asuka and Kairi Sane are in control as we return from the break. Asuka starts with a powerful kick, followed by an axe kick from Kairi and a bulldog that earns them a close near fall. Asuka dismissively knocks Carter off the apron and delivers a pie-face to Chance, taunting her. Chance retaliates with a barrage of forearms and chops, creating some separation.

Asuka charges, but Chance counters with a well-timed boot, sending Asuka to the floor. Kairi Sane attempts to intervene but is sent to the floor as well when Chance fights her off. Asuka seizes the moment and applies an ankle lock, attempting to wear down Chance. However, Chance rolls through and manages to send Asuka crashing to the outside. Carter seizes the opportunity and ascends to the top rope, hitting a cross body onto both Asuka and Sane. Carter follows up with a series of forearms to both opponents and then lands a splash on Sane.

Carter continues her offense with a running boot to the head against the ropes, followed by a springboard twisting leg drop for another near fall. Asuka counters with a back heel kick and follows up with a Codebreaker, keeping hold of Carter. Kairi Sane joins in with a blockbuster, and they execute a double bulldog. However, Chance breaks up the pinfall attempt.

Sane attempts a spinning back fist and goes up top for the elbow drop, but Carter manages to get her feet up to block Sane. Asuka tags in, but she misses a sliding kick. Carter capitalizes with a hammerlock swinging reverse DDT. Chance tags back in, and they set up for the Keg Stand, successfully hitting it. Sane tries to intervene, but Chance delivers a cross body to thwart her efforts. Asuka sends Chance into the turnbuckles, landing a kick in the process. Sane follows up with an Alabama Slam onto the announce table, leaving Chance in a precarious situation.

Carter manages to roll up Asuka for a near fall, but Asuka responds with a hard-hitting kick. Asuka holds onto Carter for a reverse DDT setup, while Sane executes an elbow drop from the turnbuckles, securing the three-count.

Winners and new champions: Asuka and Kairi Sane

After the match, Bayley, Iyo, and Dakota make their way to the ring to celebrate with the new champions, while pyrotechnics go off in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Paul is in the presence of Jimmy and Solo, engaging in a philosophical discussion. He mentions that the words “fix” and “solve” can often be used interchangeably, as solving a problem is akin to fixing it. Paul then directs his attention to Solo and urges him to address the issue at hand without showing mercy.

Solo, after contemplating for a moment, agrees with a resolute “okay.”

Jimmy, intrigued by Solo’s response, comments on Solo’s seemingly ominous smirk.

Paul proceeds to draw a parallel between Solo’s actions and those of his cousin, who transitioned from being known as the Big Dog to the Tribal Chief by recognizing crucial moments and seizing them. Paul emphasizes that this weekend presents a significant opportunity for Jimmy. On Raw, there is a World Champion who believes he is a visionary, despite having a single functioning leg, and he intends to march into Wrestlemania as a martyr.

Paul encourages Jimmy to grasp this moment, enter the Royal Rumble, emerge as the victor, challenge Seth Rollins, and defeat him at Wrestlemania, thereby bringing the World Championship to the Bloodline. He concludes by asserting that this sequence of events would establish the true Tribal Heir, with the Royal Rumble serving as the starting point for this journey.

Meanwhile, Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford make their way to the ring for a ‘face to face’ encounter, but they are clearly prepared for a confrontation.

The scene transitions to a commercial break, leaving the anticipation of what’s to come in the air.

As we return, Bayley is seen entering Nick Aldis’ number into a device, while Bianca simultaneously selects her own number. Despite Bayley’s curiosity, Bianca chooses to keep her number a secret, confidently stating that she intends to become a two-time winner.

Bayley then goes ahead and picks her number as well.

Bobby Lashley, seemingly unimpressed, comments that they must be chasing cowards. He proceeds to introduce himself and his associates while addressing the Miami crowd, noting that they’ve come for a fight. Bobby then challenges the Final Testament to come out and face them.

The Final Testament makes their dramatic entrance as the lights go out, and the arena is transformed into black and white. Scarlett leads the way, and Bobby Lashley taunts Karrion Kross, suggesting that he’s hiding behind his lady to fight his battles.

Angelo Dawkins expresses his frustration, as the meeting was supposed to be a face-to-face confrontation, and Montez Ford taunts the Final Testament, suggesting that they represent something they could never be—fearful.

Paul Ellering, the manager of the Final Testament, responds, asserting that there is no fear in Karrion Kross. Kross himself chimes in, acknowledging Mr. Ellering’s statement and suggesting that Bobby Lashley is becoming desperate, feeling that things aren’t going according to plan anymore. Kross emphasizes that Lashley won’t be getting the fight he desires tonight.

Bobby Lashley, though skeptical, decides to give Kross the benefit of the doubt and acknowledges his words. However, he makes it clear that they are indeed ready to fight tonight.

The situation escalates as Ford and Dawkins move to the floor, and Scarlett takes action by climbing onto Bobby’s back and raking his eyes. Kross takes charge and sends Lashley into the ring post, while Akam and Rezar target Ford and Dawkins, working them over.

As the chaos unfolds, Jimmy Uso enters the room to pick his number, making his presence known. Jimmy, it seems, is in no mood for any shenanigans, as he declares himself to be in a “No Yeet Mood.”

Austin Theory (with Grayson Waller) versus Carmelo Hayes

In the match, Hayes pushes Theory away, but Theory counters with a series of punches. Hayes retaliates with a well-executed dropkick and follows it up with a barrage of chops. However, Theory manages to gain the upper hand with a knee strike to the midsection.

Hayes attempts to land on his feet during a belly-to-back suplex by Theory, but he stumbles and falls down. Undeterred, Hayes springs back into action with a springboard clothesline, forcing Theory to roll out of the ring momentarily. Theory eventually returns to the ring and strikes Hayes with a forearm, sending him to the mat near Waller.

In a crafty move, Theory signals to the referee about a supposed dental issue, distracting the official. Waller seizes the opportunity to land a punch on Hayes. The unexpected interference leads to a commercial break, leaving the outcome of the match hanging in the balance.

As we return, Hayes gains momentum with a punch and a series of running elbows. He follows up with a reverse DDT and locks in La Mistica, attempting to secure the victory. However, Waller gets on the apron to distract Hayes while Theory pulls him off the turnbuckles and hits Ataxia, coming close to a win.

Theory signals that the match is almost over and attempts to hoist Hayes onto his shoulders for a finishing move. But Hayes manages to free himself and starts punching Waller, who is still on the apron. Hayes rolls Theory into a near fall with a victory roll, but Theory reverses it while grabbing a handful of tights and secures the three-count.

Winner: Austin Theory

After the match, Waller and Theory continue their attack on Hayes. However, Trick Williams rushes to the ring to make the save, driving Theory and Waller out of the ring.

Hayes seems confused by Trick’s actions, questioning why he interfered. Trick explains that he was merely saving Hayes from the assault.

Kayla Braxton then interviews Eladio Carrion, asking him about his feelings after being in a WWE ring for the first time. He expresses his excitement and respect for the moment. When asked about his prediction for the WWE title match, Eladio chooses Randy Orton as the winner.

Solo Sikoa, accompanied by Jimmy and Paul, appears on the scene. Eladio maintains his respectful demeanor, while Paul advises Solo to move on.

LA Knight versus Solo Sikoa (with Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman)

In the match, Knight and Solo exchange punches, each landing blows on the other. Knight gains the upper hand momentarily with punches, but Solo retaliates with his own punches. Solo manages to send Knight over the top rope, but Knight lands on the apron. Knight attempts a slingshot shoulder tackle, but Solo remains resilient, causing Knight to bounce off him. Knight resorts to kicks to send Solo to the floor and proceeds to slam Solo’s hand into the apron and ringside barrier to neutralize his thumb. Knight further inflicts damage by slamming Solo’s hand into the announce table and ring steps, wringing the arm into the ring post, and delivering punches.

During the match, Jimmy distracts Knight, allowing Solo to land a punch when Knight goes for a slingshot shoulder tackle. The action is intense, and the match continues after a commercial break.

As we return, Knight lands punches and clotheslines on Solo, but Solo remains standing. He follows up with another clothesline, but Solo still won’t go down. Solo responds with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Knight retaliates with punches, and Solo answers with a clothesline. Solo tries to set up for a Samoan Spike, but Knight kicks his way out and executes a bulldog off the turnbuckles.

Knight continues with punches and clotheslines, including a side Russian leg sweep. He follows up with kicks to Solo and knocks Jimmy off the apron. Knight uses a kick to halt a potential Samoan Spike, following it up with a DDT and another clothesline to send Solo over the top rope. Knight doesn’t stop there and delivers a dropkick through the ropes, sending Solo into the announce table. He proceeds to slam Solo’s head into the announce table multiple times and finishes with a running knee to the head.

However, the match takes an unexpected turn when AJ Styles interferes by hitting Knight with a Phenomenal Forearm. The referee calls for the bell, and Knight wins the match by disqualification.

After the match, AJ Styles sends Knight into the ring steps. AJ considers using a steel chair that Jimmy holds, but he ultimately decides against it. However, AJ strikes Solo and Jimmy with the chair. AJ then sends Jimmy into the ring and grabs the chair.

Randy Orton’s music hits, and he rushes to the ring at an incredible speed. Orton sends AJ out of the ring and delivers a power slam to Jimmy. Solo pulls Orton out of the ring and throws him into the announce table. Orton blocks a uranage onto the table, counters with a backdrop driver onto the announce table, and throws his shirt into the crowd.

Jimmy tries to exit the ring, but Orton stops him on the apron. Orton sets up for the IEDDT and executes it, followed by another IEDDT on AJ. Orton avoids a Phenomenal Forearm attempt from AJ and prepares for the RKO, connecting with it on AJ.

As Orton surveys the scene, looking for Roman Reigns, Knight delivers a BFT to Orton out of nowhere.

The show concludes with these dramatic events, and we go to the credits.