The Good, the Bad, and the Fabulous: WWE SmackDown 1/30/2026 Review

Welcome to the SmackDown Breakdown

With the anticipation of the 2026 Royal Rumble looming, WWE's Friday night offering took center stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But did it live up to the hype? In this week's column, I dive deeper into three aspects that made me cheer, and three that left me cringing.

Three Things We Hated

1. Lackluster Story Progression

It's become a trend: the go-home shows for WWE events often feel like filler. This time, SmackDown struggled to build any genuine excitement leading up to the Royal Rumble. Outside of some vague teases for the Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn clash and a largely uneventful hype for the Men's Royal Rumble match, we were left wanting. The verbal exchanges between AJ Styles and GUNTHER lacked the palpable intensity we crave before a major showdown.

More frustrating was the minimal storytelling. Where were the dramatic confrontations that have fans on the edge of their seats? Instead, we got what felt like standard match-ups, as if the creativity had taken a vacation.

2. Missed Opportunities to Showcase The Feud

A curiosity was the absence of deeper exploration into the brewing tension between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. Their prior scuffle at Saturday Night's Main Event screamed potential for a fiery follow-up, yet SmackDown fell short. I expected to see these two at each other's throats, but there was hardly a mention, leaving many questions unanswered. It's confounding that WWE would sidestep such an engaging storyline, especially when both wrestlers bring the charisma and athleticism fans adore.

3. Boring Matchups

The Miz faced Ilja Dragunov, a match that sounded intriguing on paper but felt painfully predictable in execution. The Miz's reliable yet uninspiring style clashed with Dragunov's animated skill set, resulting in a lackluster bout. Pro wrestling thrives on storytelling, and while the Miz knows his way around the ring, he often comes off as stale—particularly in contrast to more dynamic talents like Dragunov. It felt like watching a classic paint-drying scenario; disappointing, to say the least.

Three Things We Loved

1. Carmelo Hayes Continues to Shine

No surprise here, Carmelo Hayes once again delivered an electrifying performance, defending the United States Championship against Rey Fenix. Their encounter was a masterclass in pacing and athleticism, proving why midcard titles matter. Fenix brought his thrilling lucha libre style, but Hayes showcased his skill and creativity. Watching these two performers interact in the ring was refreshing, elevating the standard of what fans can expect from WWE's midcard division.

2. AJ Styles' Farewell Tour Announcement

Amid the lackluster storytelling, AJ Styles steps forward with a powerful promo declaring intentions to embark on a retirement tour following the Royal Rumble. Styles' ability to connect with the audience is unparalleled, and this announcement added emotional weight to an otherwise dull show. His exchange with GUNTHER was not just a declaration; it was a heartfelt moment that breathed life into the segment, signaling a potential wrestling era's end while leaving fans excited for what's next.

3. A Tag Team Clash to Remember

The matchup between Judgment Day and the formidable trio of Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Roxanne Perez was unexpected yet captivating. While Judgment Day's antics usually detract from their matches, here it enhanced the drama. The intensity was palpable, and the action flowed seamlessly, highlighting the talents of each wrestler involved. This was a definite highlight amidst an otherwise shaky show.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the January 30 SmackDown, it becomes evident that while there were shining moments, numerous gaps in storytelling left me underwhelmed. The go-home show hasn't made the most of the storylines that earlier episodes had promised. However, with the Royal Rumble just around the corner, there's always the hope that WWE will deliver the excitement we expect, if not demand. Let's see how the anticipation unfolds in the ring this weekend!