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Hey there people, time for another episode of WWE Smackdown. Last week was a pretty dismal show, granted it was complicated by weather conditions wrecking a bunch of travel plans, so we’re really hoping for a bounce back in terms of quality. They’re taping next weeks show tonight as well, so if you happen to be in New Orleans for this event you’re in for a long one. Tonight we’ll have appearances by Ronda Rousey and Bill Goldberg, Goldberg to try and hype up his title match with Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber and Ronda to start the build towards her WrestleMania match wit Charlotte Flair. Speaking of old Poochie, she’ll be defending her title tonight against Naomi so expect another screwy finish and entirely too much Sonya Deville talking. We’ve also got another match between Natalya and Aliyah, so I guess that’s something. Elimination Chamber is coming up quick so anything they’re going to do for that event needs to get ramped up rather quickly. That’s enough previewing from me, let’s get to the action.

We’re in New Orleans, Louisiana for tonight with the duo of Michael Cole and fill in commentator Corey Graves on commentary.

Sonya Deville opens the show in the ring, she wants to acknowledge the unprofessional and unprovoked attack on her by Ronda Rousey last week. People like Ronda and Naomi think they can do whatever they want without consequences, but Sonya doesn’t care who you are, there will be consequences for your actions. I swear I can see the loud “Boo now” flashing sign going off. Sonya recommended that Ronda be fined and suspended. Adam Pearce is here to interrupt her, and tell her that upper management has responded to her recommendation and Mr. McMahon objects to how much of her power Sonya has abused. If there’s one thing Vince can’t stand it’s a WWE official abusing their power. Vince declines Sonya’s request for fining. Sonya is also banned from physically interfering in any way with Naomi’s title match, and if Sonya disobeys Mr. McMahon her job will be in serious jeopardy. That brings out Naomi who gets a mic. Naomi taunts Sonya, and notes that Vince only said Sonya couldn’t touch Naomi, not the other way around, then Naomi slaps Sonya and walks off. Not the strongest opening segment, but if it draws this interminable Sonya and Naomi thing towards a close I’ll take it.

Here comes the New Day for our first match, they’ll take on Los Lotharios in a rematch after this break.

Post break Kayla has Los Lotharios at the gorilla position for an interview. Angel thanks her for the introduction, then they both move in front of her to talk. Last week they almost beat New Day, tonight there wont be an almost. Because they are lethal lovers. Humberto is still not a good promo, Angel only looks good by comparison. Oh, there’s a Los Lotharios “Kiss Cam”. It’s really nothing until they get to the obvious plant in the first row and both give her a kiss on each cheek.

Match #1 – Tag Team Match: New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) vs. Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel)

Big E and Angel start things off, Big E gets a side headlock while Graves tries to sell Big E as more comfortable teaming with Kofi than he was as WWE champion. That’s just insulting to everyone. Kofi tags in and hits a leapfrog senton for a 1 count. Angel starts landing strikes to Kofi then tags out. Humberto continues the beat down. Kofi slips to the outside and lays in strikes then tags in Big E who hits the big splash on the apron. Angel gets low bridged, Kofi tags in and dives onto Angel and Humberto on the outside to send us to break.

We come back as Big E is getting worked over by Angel. Big E fights to his feet but takes a drop kick. Angel removes the pants then eats a belly to belly suplex from Big E. Both men tag out and Kofi starts running wild. Boom drop to Humberto and Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise, but Humberto avoids it and rolls him up for 2. Drop kick from Kofi then he tags Big E. They set for the Midnight Sun, but Angel distracts Kofi and breaks that up. Humberto lays in rights to Big E but Kofi kicks him, tags, then a double stomp assisted powerbomb connects but Angel breaks up the pin. Backstabber from Angel to Big E, then Angel moonsaults onto Big E on the outside while Humberto hits Kofi with a moonsault for a near fall. Angel tags back in, Kofi fights off the shoulders of Humberto and floors him with Trouble in Paradise. Angel avoids a susnset flip attempt and then catches Kofi with a jackknife pin to get the win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Los Lotharios won

Rating: 3 stars

Solid enough closing stretch to warrant the rating, but the ending was about as anticlimactic as you can get. I’d be curious to see what these two teams could do if you really let them cut loose.

In the back Megan interviews the Viking Raiders. She asks how they’ll rebuild momentum after losing last week, and the Usos then jump the Raiders. They steal the helmets and head out. Roman Reigns is in his dressing room getting set up for an interview after this break.

We get a recap of last week when Goldberg challenged Roman Reigns for Elimination Chamber.

In the back Cole sits down with Roman, with Heyman in the background. Heyman jokes about being more of an icon than Goldberg. Cole runs down Goldberg’s resume, Roman mocks the winning streak and says if he’d been in WCW everyone would have been winning because they’d still be in business. Nice line. Cole brings up Goldberg winning the Universal title from Brock Lesnar in 86 seconds back in 2016, Roman laughs and says Brock is old news and no one even cares about Brock anymore, Heyman agrees and professes his love to his Tribal Chief. No one cares about Goldberg’s accomplishments because Roman is here, Roman is the greatest Universal champion of all time and even in Goldberg’s prime he’d have smacked him. Cole asks about the loss of the WrestleMania match between these two and if that adds more pressure. Roman says the pressure is on Goldberg, 2 years ago Goldberg might have had a chance but now Roman is untouchable, he’s smashed everyone and will do the same to Goldberg. Heyman tells us the following isn’t a prediction, it’s a spoiler. Roman looks into the camera and promises to “Goldberg” Goldberg. I kind of hope he does. Solid stuff from Heyman and Roman here, nothing exceptional but these two could do something like this in their sleep.

We get a recap of the Aliyah and Natalya issue, because we just need more filler I guess. Anyway that leads to Aliyah coming to the ring, her next match with Natalya can only be won by pinfall or submission. That match will be up after the break.

Post break here comes Natalya.

Match #2 – Pinfall or Submission Only: Aliyah vs. Natalya

Side headlock from Natalya and she starts working that before Aliyah escapes with a headscissors then they stand off. Natalya hits a shoulder block and trash talks Aliyah a bit. Aliyah heads into the ropes and mocks Natalya, more rope running spots then Natalya kicks out of a sunset flip and lands a kick to the head. Michinoku Driver from Natalya hits but that only gets 1. Aliyah with a roll up for 2, then removes her shirt and hits a Thesz press. Wheelbarrow bulldog from Aliyah connects for a 2 count. Aliyah grabs a half Boston crab, Natalya easily escapes, locks up the Sharpshooter and Aliyah starts trying to crawl to the ropes. Unfortunately for Aliyah there are no rope breaks in effect for this match, and Aliyah taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Natalya won

Rating: 1 star

Well that happened. Post match Xia Li heads down to save Aliyah from a beat down, she lays in kicks to Natalya and sends her packing. Li and Natalya have serious timing issues, one hopes they sort those out before a proper match.

Our celebration of Black History Month is a tribute to “Soul Man” Rocky Johnson, narrated by The Rock.

Sami Zayn heads out, he’ll be interviewing Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs on In-Zayn after this break.

Post break Charlotte reminds us she’s the main event. You know, so you can leave early and not miss anything. Back to the ring and here’s Sami with his podcast set up. Then we send to a video bit where Johnny Knoxville defaced Sami Zayn merchandise, which I’m sure there’s plenty of lying around. Knoxville promises this isn’t over. Sami isn’t even going to dignify that with a response, because Johnny Knoxville has spent too much time getting into his head and Sami wants to focus on regaining the Intercontinental title. He promises to discuss the subjective nature of human consciousness tonight, has vegan creole recipes on hand, and this cheap heat segment is interrupted by Rick Boogs with a guitar that works this week. Boogs does his usual introduction for Shinsuke Nakamura then the duo makes their entrance. Sami welcomes Nakamura to the show, and is shocked he even showed up seeing as Nakamura has been ducking him for 6 weeks. But that doesn’t matter because they’ll have a match “next week” for the IC title next week. Nakamura laughs at the notion. Sami accuses Nakamura of working with Johnny Knoxville, Nakamura asks if Sami saw Jackass Defeated, the movie they’re making next week. Sami used to have respect for Nakamura, referencing their past and calling Boogs a downgrade of himself. Boogs tells Sami to shut up, and grabs an “electrified” mic then Sami hits Nakamura with a Helluva kick from behind. Boy, did that segment suck out loud.

We get a recap of Drew McIntyre laying out Madcap Moss last week. Moss has a pretty serious black eye going in the back, and he can’t be ringside with Corbin for his match next. He tells Corbin he can handle Cesaro just fine, and he’s getting his eye checked out and maybe he wont be cleared to wrestle Drew at Elimination Chamber. Here comes Happy Corbin, his match with Cesaro will be up after the break.

Match #3: Happy Corbin vs. Cesaro

We join the match in progress. They gave Cesaro a jobber entrance. Corbin with a Snake Eyes and some body blows. Suplex from Corbin. Cesaro fights up but gets caught in a Deep Six for a 2 count. Cesaro fights back with some punches then a spinning suplex off of the second rope. Uppercuts from Cesaro, then he clotheslines Corbin out of the ring. Corbin drags Cesaro out of the ring but Cesaro sends him into the barricade then hits a charging uppercut. Back into the ring Cesaro hits a corkscrew uppercut for a 2 count. Corbin avoids a Neutralizer then lays in strikes. Boot from Cesaro but Corbin comes off of the second rope with a clothesline then hits End of Days to pin and win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Happy Corbin won

Rating: 2 stars

Cesaro deserves better. That’s all I’m saying about this.

In the back Moss talks with a medical guy, who checks his vision. Drew McIntyre is here though, and intimidates Moss into saying he’s medically fine to wrestle. Drew is relieved, because at Elimination Chamber their match is Falls Count Anywhere. Some more bullying from Drew, including threatening Moss with his sword.

After this break Goldberg will be here, doing something.

Another short Charlotte video, she promises to snuff out Naomi’s glow. Because we just really needed to know where Poochie is.

We get a sit down interview between Goldberg and Cole now. Goldberg knows Cole is doing his job, and loves him like a brother. OK then. Cole brings up Goldberg’s long history of accomplishment, but a lot of people think this might be one comeback too many. The problem for Goldberg is he’s listened to some of those people, now he’s realized he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. This comeback is going to stick, be everlasting, and will call upon the old Goldberg. Cole brings up that this was supposed to happen 2 years ago. Goldberg says this is no different for him, no matter what entourage or moniker Roman wants to use. Goldberg accuses Roman of having a short memory because Goldberg acknowledged him last week, and at Elimination Chamber he’ll take the Universal title then Brock Lesnar will be next. Not terrible, Goldberg stumbled a couple of times but he kept it short enough overall to work.

A recap of the opening segment follows that, then here comes Naomi for our main event. That will be up after the break.

Post break here comes Charlotte Flair to a totally authentic reaction.

Match #4 – Smackdown Women’s Title Match: (c) Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi

They tie up, Charlotte gets Naomi in the corner and we get a clean break. Another tie up, Charlotte gets a side headlock then hits a shoulder block. They run the ropes but Charlotte slams Naomi down by the hair. Naomi slaps Charlotte, then hits a satellite headscissors. Charlotte to the apron, Naomi kicks her off and to the floor then hits a corkscrew plancha to send us to break.

We come back to Charlotte doing some corner offense. Naomi with a Sole Food, then gets sent to the apron and lands a head kick. Naomi up top and hits a cross body, awkwardly timed in a scary way, but the cover only gets 2. Charlotte yanks Naomi off of the second rope then does her usual head scissors spot on the mat. Naomi avoids a big boot and hits a leg kick then a jawbreaker and a school boy for 2. They trade pinning counters before Charlotte lays in chops. Tilt a whirl backbreaker from Charlotte connects for another 2 count. Charlotte drags Naomi to the ring post and starts stretching her around it for a bit. Naomi kicks Charlotte when she gets back in the ring, then another head kick and she climbs back up top for a Blockbuster but that only gets 2. Charlotte rolls out of the ring to buy herself time, then tosses Naomi into the ring steps as we head to another break.

Charlotte is working a neck crank as we come back. The fake crowd noise is legitimately distracting at this point, please stop it. Naomi fights back with a jawbreaker, then hits a cross body for a 2 count. Enziguri from Naomi lands but only a 2 count. Naomi bulldogs Charlotte into the middle turnbuckle, climbs to the top rope but Charlotte avoids the flying nothing then hits a powerbomb for a near fall. Charlotte sets for her double jump moonsault, she’s going to injure someone with that sooner rather than later, but Naomi gets the knees up and hits the Rear View for a near fall. Naomi tries the split legged moonsault but Charlotte gets the knees up and rolls her up for 2. They trade counters, Naomi hits a Bubba Bomb for another near fall. Naomi spikes Charlotte with a seated head scissors but still only gets 2. Again Naomi tries the split legged moonsault, this time it hits but Charlotte kicks out at 2. Charlotte heads to the apron to stifle the offensive flurry. Charlotte snaps Naomi over the top rope, but misses a big boot back in the ring and Naomi unloads with strikes. A kick from Naomi lands, then Charlotte avoids a Rear View, hits a chop block then a Natural Selection to pin and win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Charlotte Flair retained the title

Rating: 3 stars

Tried a bit too hard in terms of overall length, and the closing stretch was hurt by the ending being telegraphed from a mile away, but Charlotte didn’t sandbag Naomi so that’s a step up from her usual matches.

Post match Sonya Deville gets into the ring and mocks Naomi. Naomi lays into her with strikes, Charlotte jumps Naomi from behind then hits a big boot. Ronda’s music hits to break up the beat down, Ronda sprints to the ring and kicks Sonya then unloads on Charlotte until Charlotte bails. That leaves Sonya all alone, Ronda goes to armbar her again but Charlotte pulls her to safety. This leaves Naomi and Ronda in the ring to stare down Charlotte and Sonya on the floor as the episode ends.