“SmackDown Shocker: WWE’s Thrilling Returns and Missed Opportunities! What You Missed on January 12, 2024!”

WWE SmackDown, January 12, 2024: 2 Highlights and 2 Areas for Improvement

The recent episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a compelling show, advancing storylines and building anticipation for the Royal Rumble 2024 premium live event.

Keeping with WWE SmackDown’s tradition, the episode had its share of standout moments, but there were also aspects that left fans wanting more. In this article, we’ll delve into 2 positives and 2 areas that could have seen improvement from the WWE SmackDown episode.

1. Highlight: Bianca Belair vs Bayley Match

The clash between Bianca Belair and Bayley on WWE SmackDown was riveting, featuring remarkable moves and creating suspenseful moments. Despite several instances hinting at the match’s conclusion, the kickout in the final moments added to the excitement. Bianca Belair secured a significant victory with an RKO, advancing a promising long-term storyline.

1. Area for Improvement: Bloodline’s Tag Team Dynamics

After an early attack on Cameron Grimes in WWE SmackDown, Bloodline, represented by Paul Heyman, delivered a promo. They announced a main event match, pitting Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles against Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and a mystery partner. While the Bloodline showcased dominance, the absence of a suitable tag team partner underscored the need for more quality tag teams on the Blue Brand’s roster.

2. Highlight: Return of WWE Veteran Carlito

WWE SmackDown witnessed an unexpected return during the match between Humberto Carrillo, Angel Garza, LWO’s Del Toro, and Joaquin Wilde. Out of nowhere, Carlito’s theme played, and he made a stunning entrance, attacking Santos Escobar. The ensuing brawl highlighted the impactful return of the seasoned wrestler and his bold confrontation with an adversary.

2. Area for Improvement: Cameron Grimes Denied Opportunity to Prove Himself

In the scheduled match between Cameron Grimes and Grayson Waller following last week’s backstage segment, Waller entered first, and Grimes soon followed. However, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso intervened, attacking Grimes and leading to the match’s cancellation. Cameron Grimes has received limited opportunities since joining SmackDown, and having this week’s chance to prove himself taken away added to his struggles in showcasing his potential.

 

“Sasha Banks’ Shocking WWE Return: Homecoming Drama, Bayley Reunion, and Royal Rumble 2024 Surprise Entry Teasers Revealed!”

Sasha Banks, the former Women’s Champion in WWE, has been the subject of intense speculation regarding her return. Several reports have surfaced in this regard. Amidst this, Sasha posted a message on social media.

Nineteen months ago, in 2022, Sasha Banks and her tag team partner Naomi abruptly left a live program during an episode of Raw. Following this, both stars were suspended, and later, they bid farewell to the company. Sasha then joined the prominent wrestling company, New Japan Pro Wrestling, where she successfully defeated Kairi Sane, becoming the IWGP Women’s Champion.

Sasha Banks was seen among the audience during last year’s premium live event of All Elite Wrestling. In real life, known by the name Mercedes Varnado, Sasha Banks claimed on Instagram that her ring gear worn during the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match remains her favorite to date.

The most intriguing aspect of this post was the caption hinting at her potential ‘return home’ to WWE.

Amidst the news of Sasha Banks making a comeback, a reunion between Sasha Banks and Bayley was spotted, showcasing both their friendship and rivalry. Fans are well-acquainted with the on-and-off relationship between Sasha and Bayley, both in and out of the ring. Sasha, using her Instagram account, shared a photo with her former tag team partner.

Bayley and Sasha Banks, former two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions, are currently on different paths. Bayley is part of the Damage Control Group. According to some reports, discussions have taken place regarding Sasha’s return to WWE. However, there has been no positive update due to disagreements over financial matters. With only two weeks remaining until the premium live event, Royal Rumble 2024, it remains possible that Banks might surprise everyone with an entry.

“WWE Raw Bombshell! 4 Shocking Challengers Set to Unleash Chaos in Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal Title Showdown! Don’t Miss the Epic Battle!”

Jinder Mahal has announced a major championship match for the next episode of WWE Raw. Seth Rollins is set to defend his World Heavyweight Title against Jinder Mahal in the upcoming episode. The rivalry between these two superstars has intensified, leading to this championship clash.

This championship bout has garnered considerable excitement, with many fans hoping for Jinder’s victory. In this article, we discuss four superstars who could potentially enter the Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal World Championship match on WWE Raw.

4- Drew McIntyre:
Seth Rollins recently defended his World Heavyweight Title against Drew McIntyre, resulting in McIntyre’s defeat due to interference from Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio. Despite this setback, McIntyre has showcased resilience, and there’s a high possibility he might enter the World Championship scene once again. With both Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal as his adversaries, McIntyre’s involvement in the match could determine the outcome.

3- Damian Priest:
Damian Priest aimed to cash in his Money in the Bank contract during Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre’s World Heavyweight Championship match. However, McIntyre’s relentless attack prevented Priest from seizing the opportunity. Considering Priest’s determination, he might attempt to cash in his contract during the upcoming World Championship match on Raw, adding an intriguing element to the contest.

2 & 1- Indian WWE Superstars Veer Mahaan & Sanga:
Seth Rollins is a resilient champion, and defeating him in the ring is no easy feat. Jinder Mahal recognizes this challenge, and it appears that Veer Mahaan and Sanga, part of the faction “Indus Sher” in Jinder’s faction, could play a significant role. Their potential involvement in the World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth Rollins might tip the scales in Jinder’s favor. The addition of Veer and Sanga could potentially lead to Jinder Mahal becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion.

In summary, the upcoming World Heavyweight Championship match on WWE Raw promises excitement and unpredictability, with several superstars vying for a chance to dethrone Seth Rollins and claim championship glory.

“Explosive Plot Twist! Paul Heyman’s Shocking Plan to Dethrone Roman Reigns Revealed!”

Veteran Mark Henry has closely observed the dynamics between current WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and his wise-man Paul Heyman. Sensing challenges for Reigns, Heyman is actively working to address the situation. Reigns is set to defend his championship in a Fatal Four-Way match at the Royal Rumble against Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight – adversaries he confronted during the SmackDown New Year’s Revolution main event. Henry hinted that Heyman might strategically intervene, aiming to prevent Reigns from retaining the title, possibly leading to a managerial change. Recently, Heyman shared on social media how he plans to overcome this challenge and guide Reigns through this significant match. As the countdown to the match continues, Heyman has ample time to navigate the situation and potentially reshape his managerial allegiances.

“Jinder Mahal’s Shocking Revelation: The Rock Feud Escalates! Title Match Showdown on Raw – WWE Drama Unveiled!”

Jinder Mahal, the WWE superstar, has been generating considerable buzz lately. He returned to Raw on the Day 1 episode and faced a confrontation with The Rock, with the veteran ultimately getting the upper hand. Jinder has now addressed this on WWE’s The Bump show, emphasizing that The Rock seemed displeased with him taking the spotlight. He expressed,

“He (The Rock) wanted to take away my spotlight. He noticed that I was in the spotlight. I was speaking the truth. I was stating facts. I believe I didn’t say anything wrong, but The Great One got involved.”

The Indian superstar hinted at a potential future match against The Rock, suggesting they might cross paths in the ring again. He stated,

“I have a feeling that this won’t be the first time The Rock and I are in the ring together.”

Watch Jinder Mahal’s interview below:

In the upcoming episode of WWE Raw, Jinder Mahal, targeting The Rock, will participate in a championship match.
In the last episode of WWE Raw, the segment featuring Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal was intense, leading to a subsequent brawl. WWE made a significant announcement, disclosing that Seth Rollins is set to defend his World Heavyweight Title against Jinder Mahal.

Both wrestlers share a noteworthy history, making their face-off particularly intriguing. Jinder Mahal has been on a positive streak since his return. Following his confrontation with The Rock, he now has the opportunity for a World Title match. Additionally, he became a talking point for delivering a strong response to Tony Khan. The performance of Mahal in the title match is eagerly awaited.

“Drama Unleashed: Shocking Showdowns, Unexpected Twists, and Triumphs in This Week’s WWE Raw!”

WWE Raw Recap:

**Drew McIntyre’s Opening Segment:**
Drew McIntyre addresses last week’s championship loss, criticizing Damian Priest for his cash-in attempt. CM Punk interrupts, leading to a heated exchange where McIntyre calls Punk a demon and asserts his commitment to winning the Royal Rumble.

**Finn Balor vs Tommaso Champa:**
Tommaso Champa impresses in a match against Finn Balor, with Damian Priest’s interference playing a role. Champa converts a suplex into a pin, securing a victory.

*Winner: Tommaso Champa.*

**Becky Lynch on Nia Jax:**
Becky Lynch downplays her defeat against Nia Jax, speculating on Nia’s strength. She suggests either Nia is weakening or getting stronger.

**Kofi Kingston vs Ludwig Kaiser:**
Kofi Kingston faces Ludwig Kaiser in a hard-fought match ending in a double count-out. Post-match brawl intensifies, with Ludwig blaming Kofi for Giovanni Vinci’s injury.

*Winner: Double count-out.*

**Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax’s Face-off:**
Nia Jax boasts about her victory over Becky Lynch and eyes a WrestleMania spot through the Royal Rumble. Rhea Ripley interrupts, warning Nia to stay away if she wins the Rumble. Nia challenges Rhea for WrestleMania.

**Backstage Attack:**
Cody Rhodes is ambushed by Shinsuke Nakamura backstage, prompting officials to intervene.

**Women’s Tag Team Championship Match:**
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance dominate the match against Piper Niven & Chelsea Green. The match ends with a double team finisher, securing victory for Carter & Chance.

*Winners: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance.*

**R-Truth’s Humorous Segment:**
R-Truth delivers a comedic segment reminiscing about his time at Judgment Day.

**Judgment Day Faction Threat:**
A backstage segment showcases members of the Judgment Day faction issuing warnings to their rivals.

Stay tuned for more WWE Raw action next week!

“SHOCKING TWIST: WWE Superstar Threatens to LEAVE After Stunning Defeat! Unraveling Drama Inside the Ring!”

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In this week’s episode of WWE Raw, some interesting developments unfolded. World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins faced a new challenger in the form of Jinder Mahal. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes put an end to his rivalry with Shinsuke Nakamura by defeating him. The episode also featured a title match, and after the loss, the former champion has issued a threat to leave the company.

Superstar Chelsea Green, who returned to the company last year, forming a tag team with Piper Niven, faced Kaitanna Carter and Kayden Carter in a Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Despite a successful finisher in the closing moments of the match, Green was successful in securing the win. Following the loss, Chelsea Green expressed her frustration and has now announced her departure from WWE. Green posted on social media with Piper Niven, stating, “If I don’t win, I’m leaving WWE.”

It’s worth noting that Chelsea Green currently portrays the ‘Karen’ gimmick, and her character often expresses grievances on both television and social media. This might indicate that her announcement to leave WWE could be part of her ongoing storyline rather than an actual departure. Chelsea Green had a rough start in her initial run with WWE, but during her second run, she has showcased impressive performances. After her return at the Royal Rumble last year, she has been a regular presence on WWE television, and her character has garnered fan appreciation.

Chelsea Green Opens Up About Her Current WWE Character
Speaking about her present character in WWE, Chelsea Green has shared insights into her portrayal.

“Triple H Drops Teaser! Fans Buzzing as WWE Faction Might Make a Sensational Comeback with Jinder Mahal’s Dominance 🔥”

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Fans are expressing their desire for Triple H to revive a cherished WWE faction.

Amidst the Twitter feud between Tony Khan and Jinder Mahal, The Bollywood Boyz, formerly known as The Singh Brothers in WWE, shared a nostalgic post about their time with Jinder Mahal when he held the WWE Championship. Social media reactions from fans indicate a collective wish for the trio’s return to WWE programming.

 

Is Triple H hinting at a resurgence of Jinder Mahal’s dominance? Jinder Mahal, known for his association with factions like 3MB, secured a notable WWE Championship victory in 2017. In early 2023, during an NXT stint, Mahal aligned with Indus Sher, consisting of Sanga and Veer. Triple H teased a former WWE Champion’s return on RAW Day 1, which turned out to be a ruse as Mahal made his entrance.

Despite an unsatisfied crowd, Jinder Mahal engaged in a feud with Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. Their title clash is scheduled for next week on RAW. The duration of Mahal’s current push remains uncertain.

“Roman Reigns’ Shocking Fate: Will He Break Hulk Hogan’s Record or Succumb to The Rock’s Challenge?”

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Roman Reigns: WWE Champion Eyes Record-breaking Reign

As WWE Superstar Roman Reigns gears up to defend his championship in a Fatal 4-Way Match against AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight at the upcoming Royal Rumble, he stands on the brink of surpassing Hulk Hogan’s historic championship run of 1,474 days.

Recent discussions by wrestling veteran Kevin Nash on the Kliq This podcast revolve around Reigns and fellow WWE star Seth Rollins potentially holding onto their titles for an extended period. Nash believes the return of legends like The Rock poses no threat, stating, “Do you think they want Roman Reigns to break Hulk Hogan’s streak? There’s no benefit to The Rock winning.”

Meanwhile, WWE legend Mark Henry has a different perspective, predicting Reigns might lose his title on the second day of WrestleMania due to exhaustion. The ongoing speculation surrounding Reigns and potential challengers, coupled with The Rock’s hints at a future match, adds intensity to the unfolding narrative.

The wrestling world eagerly awaits to see if Reigns can solidify his legacy or if the challenges ahead, both from within and outside WWE, will alter the course of his championship reign.

 

“Royal Rumble 2024 Shocker: Big Swole Demands WWE Debut for Cedric Alexander – Is a Surprise Entry on the Horizon?”

The WWE Royal Rumble 2024 Premium Live Event is just around the corner, promising a year filled with captivating storylines and feuds. Wrestlers eagerly vie for a coveted spot on the Royal Rumble match list, with the anticipation of surprise entrants and legends adding to the excitement.

Former AEW signee Big Swole is advocating for her husband, Cedric Alexander, to make his mark in the 2024 Royal Rumble match. Expressing her discontent on Twitter, she emphasized that Alexander has never had the opportunity to experience the thrill of a Royal Rumble.

 

It’s worth noting that, despite never participating in a Royal Rumble match, Alexander has previously graced the Premium Live Event. In 2018, at the Greatest Royal Rumble, he successfully defended his Cruiserweight Championship against Kalisto.

Cedric Alexander, with a wrestling background spanning six years in ROH from 2010 to 2016, has faced challenges during his tenure with WWE. Reports suggest a potential risk of his release from the roster, as indicated by Dave Meltzer of WON.

In a dark match in 2023, Alexander faced defeat against Gable Stevenson, typically a sign that creative is refining a wrestler’s direction. Notably, Alexander gained recognition as part of The Hurt Business stable in 2020, but his current status on the RAW brand and future wrestling engagements remain uncertain.

The WWE roster’s depth sometimes leads to the underutilization of talents, and budget cuts have been a common occurrence. The future of Cedric Alexander in WWE remains uncertain, with only time revealing the path ahead for the seasoned wrestler.