- Published on
WWE Friday Night SmackDown #1213
- Authors
- Name
- Tails Azimuth
XL Center Erupts as Ricochet and Braun Strowman Steal the Show at SmackDown
Hartford, Connecticut - In a night that will be remembered for weeks to come, World Wrestling Entertainment's SmackDown delivered an electrifying show at the XL Center on November 18th. The sold-out crowd was treated to a series of high-flying matches, including several standout performances from some of the company's top talent.
The action kicked off with Ricochet and Mustafa Ali clashing in the opening bout of the SmackDown World Cup First Round. In a match that showcased both men's incredible aerial abilities, Ricochet emerged victorious after a thrilling sequence of near-falls and counter-attacks. The win marked a significant upset for the challenger, as Ali was heavily favored heading into their contest.
Next up, Karrion Kross continued his dominance in singles competition by dispatching Madcap Moss with ease. Despite valiant efforts from the underdog Moss, Kross's sheer power and technical prowess ultimately proved too much to handle. The victory improved Kross's record on SmackDown to a perfect 3-0.
The women's division stole the show in the form of Shotzi, who authored a decisive victory over Shayna Baszler. In a match that saw both competitors push each other to new heights, Shotzi managed to eke out a narrow win despite Baszler's best efforts to ground her opponent.
In one of the most intriguing matchups of the evening, Braun Strowman and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) joined forces to take on Imperium's Giovanni Vinci, Gunther, and Ludwig Kaiser. In a wildly entertaining six-man tag team match, the babyfaces proved more than a match for their formidable foes. Strowman's explosive offense was the decisive factor in securing the win for his team.
Finally, Butch earned his place in the SmackDown World Cup Semifinals by defeating Sami Zayn in a grueling contest. Despite Zayn's relentless pressure and cunning tactics, Butch managed to outlast his opponent and claim the victory.
Zohash.com Match Ratings:
- Ricochet vs. Mustafa Ali (SmackDown World Cup First Round): 4.5/5
- Karrion Kross vs. Madcap Moss: 4.25/5
- Shotzi vs. Shayna Baszler: 4.1/5
- Braun Strowman, The New Day, and Imperium (Six-Man Tag Team Match): 4.35/5
- Butch vs. Sami Zayn (SmackDown World Cup First Round): 3.85/5
Zohash.com Overall Rating: 4.2/5
A highly entertaining card from start to finish, SmackDown's visit to the XL Center will be remembered for its unpredictability and excitement. With several top-notch matches and a few surprise winners, this show has set the stage for an intriguing World Cup tournament in the weeks to come.
Card Details
- Date: 18 Nov 2022
- Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
- Arena: XL Center
- Type: TV-Show
- Broadcast Type: Live
- Broadcast Date: 18 Nov 2022
Matches
Ricochet defeat Mustafa Ali in a SmackDown World Cup First Round Match
Match Time: 10:45Karrion Kross defeat Madcap Moss in a Singles Match
Match Time: 06:48Shotzi defeat Shayna Baszler in a Singles Match
Match Time: 05:01Braun Strowman and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) defeat Imperium (Giovanni Vinci, Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser) in a Six Man Tag Team Match
Match Time: 07:38Butch defeat Sami Zayn in a SmackDown World Cup First Round Match
Match Time: 07:30