WWE Smackdown results: Ricochet crowned Intercontinental Champion, Ronda Rousey beats Sonya Deville

The broadcast focused on the build-up to Wrestlemania 38, as two additional matchups for the most spectacular Wrestlemania were revealed. 

Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey in frame [Image-Twitter]
By Blesson Daniel | Mar 5, 2022 | 4 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Johnny Knoxville made his feelings clear and assisted Ricochet to win. Knoxville thus himself in position for a grudge match at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas, Texas next month. The title fight was the opener of the evening; SmackDown charged right into the action after a few brief backstage promos to pump up Friday’s event.

Zayn and Ricochet put on a joyful performance as the One And Only looked terrific after regaining a sense of purpose and drive in recent weeks.

Finally Knoxville made his way down to the ring, giving a diversion that proved fatal for Sami’s IC Title reign.

Despite the fact that his major victory aired two weeks ago, the conspiracy theorist now has another incident to complain about.

This is due to the fact that Knoxville enabled Ricochet to score a hurricanrana for the win.

But as much as Sami deserves a lengthier reign with the gold, this is the smartest option going into WrestleMania.

READ MORE: Big E expresses frustration on losing the WWE title to Brock Lesnar

Following a handful of backstage segments later in the evening, he’s now prepared for a major showdown with Knoxville on the Grandest Stage of Them All.

Meanwhile, Ricochet is the ideal titleholder to defend the gold in fast-paced multi-man combat throughout ‘Mania weekend.

Ronda Rousey one-ups Charlotte Flair on Smackdown Live

In the main event, Ronda Rousey made her debut on SmackDown. She faced rival Sonya Deville and defeating her in a dominant victory aimed to promote the 2022 Royal Rumble winner.

Before her WrestleMania opponent, Charlotte Flair entered the ring and labeled her a one-trick pony. But Rousey tore through her opponent and looked terrific doing it.

She proved her competitor incorrect by putting her in an ankle lock and forcing her to tap out. Does this hint at a possible new finishing move weeks before they face off at WrestleMania?

Following the first bout, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee discussed Vince McMahon‘s offer of a WrestleMania match for McAfee. But Raw superstar (and the chairman’s apprentice) Austin Theory appeared at ringside.

The rising star stated he’ll be meeting the former NFL punter next month. He ended the segment by smacking him in the face before exiting backstage.

Naomi made easy work of Carmella in a kind of preview of their upcoming match for the Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.

Unfortunately, matchups like these don’t add much drama to the title battle, since it’s already tough to imagine Carmella and Zelina keeping the gold.

The Bloodline confronts Lesnar

Drew McIntyre defeated his old 3MB partner Jinder Mahal in a quick, entertaining showcase for the Scottish Warrior after some backstage silliness with Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin. After the bell, the former world champion made a fierce attack on his opponent, promising to take him out next month.

During their entrance, the Usos assaulted Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs, while Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman came out for the Bloodline to confront Brock Lesnar and the massive Title against Title unification bout at WrestleMania.

The Tribal Chief was at his usual high level in this bout, as he continues to be on another level in the pro wrestling world with excellent promos and storytelling, whether he’s in a ring or on the mic. Here, he pledged to defeat the Beast and hold both championships over his head, leaving Brock with no option but to accept him – while Roman seemed to lose his cool a little here, implying his adversary had gotten under his skin.

Jimmy and Jey Uso maintained the SmackDown Tag Team Titles in a thrilling match against The Viking Raiders, with Erik and Ivar looking like they may pull off upset many times. The Usos, however, pulled up the important win to keep their belts with WrestleMania fast approaching, when they hit the 1D – their rendition of The Dudley Boyz’s famed 3D move – for the victory.

The planned bout between Big E and Sheamus was called off as the Celtic Warrior and his friend Ridge Holland launched on the attack, completely pounding the former WWE Champion and his New Day partner Kofi Kingston. Sheamus and Holland took their ATV after demolishing the fan-favorite combo and then assaulted it with sledgehammers during the commercial break.

Grade: B+