WWE SmackDown Notes: Results, Michael Cole Return, Elektra Lopez, Ava, & Trick Williams Surprise Appearances, Kabuki Warriors Wins Women’s Tag Titles

WWE

Steve C.

Jan 26, 2024

WWE SmackDown Results – Jan. 26, 2024

January 26, 2024
Miami, FL – Kaysea Center
Commentary – Michael Cole and Corey Graves

Quick Match Results

Santos Escobar defeated Carlito via Roll-up (pinfall)
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane & Asuka) defeated Kayden Carter & Katana Chance via InSane Elbow (pinfall)
Austin Theory defeated Carmelo Hayes via Roll-up (pinfall)
LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via Disqualification.

Michael Cole Replaces Kevin Patrick for SmackDown Commentary Team for Friday’s Show

As noted before, WWE recently removed Kevin Patrick as the lead commentator for their SmackDown brand over WWE officials’ issues with the quality of his work and was released on Thursday. Michael Cole was expected to take over as the lead commentator for at least this week’s SmackDown show.

At the start of tonight’s SmackDown show in Miami, it was revealed that Cole took over Patrick’s spot as the lead commentator.

It is currently not known if Cole will be replacing Patrick full-time going forward or if he is only filling in until an official replacement is announced.

Elektra Lopez Makes Surprise Appearance at Friday’s SmackDown Show & Reunites with Legado Del Fantasma

Friday’s SmackDown show also featured NXT talent Elektra Lopez making a surprise appearance and reuniting with Legado Del Fantasma.

During the match between Carlito and Santos Escobar, a brawl broke out at ringside involving the rest of the LWO and Angel and Garza. Zelina Vega then went up on the apron only to quickly get attacked from behind by Lopez. This led to Carlito being distracted over what was going on and leaving himself open for Santos to steal a win over him.

Following the match, Lopez ran towards Escobar and reunited for the first time since their days together in NXT.

NO WAY! @elektralopezwwe is here!!! 🫢

She just took out @ZelinaVegaWWE joining @EscobarWWE, @AngelGarzaWwe and @humberto_wwe in their battle against The LWO! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/gTcxON7rnB
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2024

Ava Makes Surprise Appearance at Friday’s SmackDown Show

Friday’s SmackDown show also featured newly named NXT General Manager Ava making a surprise appearance on the show.

In a backstage segment, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was seen in his office and greeted Ava. Aldis then congratulated Ava for becoming the youngest ever GM in WWE history. Ava responded asking if he had tips for the job. Before Aldis could respond, Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits walked in to get their numbers drawn for the Men’s Royal.

Ava Raine, the new GM of #WWENXT, pays a visit to #SmackDown!!pic.twitter.com/VmtnIfxquI
— SEScoops (@sescoops) January 27, 2024

Trick Williams Makes Surprise Appearance at Friday’s SmackDown Show

Friday’s SmackDown show also featured NXT talent Trick Williams making a surprise appearance.

Following Austin Theory’s victory over Carmelo Hayes, Theory and Grayson Waller proceeded to attack Hayes. This led to Williams’ music playing and him running out to save Hayes and clearing Theory and Waller out of the ring.

IT'S TRICK WILLIAMS!!! 🔥 🔥 🔥@_trickwilliams just saved @Carmelo_WWE from what was about to be a BRUTAL beatdown from @GraysonWWE and @_Theory1! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/kTFsDQOtDT
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2024

Kabuki Warriors Win WWE Women’s Tag Titles at Friday’s SmackDown Show

Friday’s SmackDown show also featured the Kabuki Warriors defeating Kayden Carter and Katana Chance to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

The finish to this match involved Kairi Sane attempting an InSane Elbow Drop only for Kayden Carter to counter it by putting her feet up. Asuka then tagged in but was quickly hit with a swinging DDT by Carter. Carter then tagged in Katana Chance and hit a Keg Stand to Asuka for a near fall that was broken up by Sane. Carter and Chance attempted to hit the After Party to Sane that was countered by the Kabuki Warriors. Sane then grabbed Chance on the outside and slammed her onto the commentary table. Asuka laid out Carter with a kick and tagged in Sane who hit the InSane Elbow for the pinfall victory to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

THE KABUKI WARRIORS ARE YOUR NEW WWE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! 💥🔥👏

HUGE WIN FOR #DamageCTRL TONIGHT! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/NOS8HtlXhe
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2024

#ANDNEW WWE Women's Tag Team Champions…@WWEAsuka and @KAIRI_official!

Congratulations to The Kabuki Warriors! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/7kPSKM7QQP
— WWE (@WWE) January 27, 2024