Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 20, 2023

The show starts with The Bloodline making it to the arena. The Usos do their handshake with Sami Zayn, but when Sami goes for a fist bump from Roman Reigns, Roman leaves him hanging, much to Sami's surprise.

Sheamus and Drew McIntyre beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman check on things when Sami Zayn asks for some of Roman's time. Sami asks about the frosty greeting from earlier, and Roman says that Sami is covering things up and tells him to set it straight. Sami admits that he feels a bit slighted after last week's match with Kevin Owens and says that he did not know the plan, but he has put all that behind him. Roman tells Sami to leave, as he does not want to hear Owens' name and feels he does not need to run anything by Sami Zayn.

We hear from Raquel Rodriguez, who says that everything is bigger in Texas and that she is making the women's Royal Rumble the biggest moment of her career, and she is counting down the time until she wins the match and main events WrestleMania in front of friends and family.

Before the next match, LA Knight says Bray Wyatt cannot decide if he is or is not Uncle Howdy, then says that he can tell Bray Wyatt exactly who he is. He then says that he will make Bray Wyatt think that he should not have come back, because it is his game, and that he will end Bray Wyatt whether it is pitch black or in daylight.

LA Knight quickly beats Brent Jones despite the mind games on the TitanTron by Bray Wyatt. After the match, we see the Firefly Fun House, where the puppets suddenly come back to life and Bray Wyatt is back in his kids' show gimmick. Bray Wyatt says he has missed everyone and that he cannot wait to have friends with his friends once again. Rambling Rabbit admits he is cool with LA Knight and that he is scared of the dark. Bray asks who would name their kid "LA Knight," then tells Rambling Rabbit that it is normal to be afraid of the dark, as there are things in the dark that want to eat him, then says LA Knight should be scared of the dark. Uncle Howdy's image then appears on the old television, with Howdy saying "I told you so" and "All you need is a little push." Bray Wyatt then says he hopes LA Knight understands that he is the one who opened the door and that whatever comes out of it is his problem.

Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) beat Los Lotharios (Humberto Garcia and Angel Garza) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament after Adonis distracts the referee and B-Fab distracts Humberto.

We hear from Brawn Strowman, who says that he has made a career out of chucking bodies around and that the men's Royal Rumble was made for him, and that anyone who gets in his way will get these hands.

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte says that Sonya Deville has a real problem with her, and tells Sonya that if she has a problem with her, she can say it straight to her face. Sonya shows up and says she only cares about what she deserves, which is a title opportunity, and says Charlotte thinks she is unworthy. She says that if everyone got off their high horse, they would realize she is a star every time she heads to the ring and that people need to shut up and listen every time she speaks. Sonya says that it took six people to rip her off of Charlotte before asking Charlotte how arrogant she is. Charlotte says she has always told Sonya she is a star, then calls Sonya out for saying the rest of the division is not before saying Sonya tapped out. She then tells Sonya to focus on the women's Royal Rumble, then says that if Sonya wants to fight her, she will fight her tonight. Sonya declines, saying there is no reason for her to do it unless there is something in it for her, and dares Charlotte to put the SmackDown women's title on the line. WWE official Adam Pearce shows up to address Sonya, and as soon as he does this, Sonya attacks Charlotte from behind.

Backstage, Roman Reigns talks with Paul Heyman. Heyman tells Reigns that he has always supported the visions for the island of relevancy, and asks Roman to consider that when it comes to Sami Zayn, it is better to have him in the castle "pissing out than pissing in."

We see a vignette for Lacey Evans.

Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) beat The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Paul Heyman, who tells him that Roman Reigns would like to see him now.

We hear from "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, who tells the fans to imagine being in the Royal Rumble while injured. She says the women's division should stay away from her, because she will not just eliminate them, but tear them apart limb by limb.

We see a video package celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first episode of Raw.

We hear from Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross says that in one week, he will step into the ring with Rey Mysterio. He says that normally, he gets really amped up before a fight, but this time, not so much. He says Rey cannot figure out whether to be a family man or the greatest of all time, and that he cannot be both. He says that he will take Rey out followed by everyone in the men's Royal Rumble match. Kross then says time is running out for everyone.

Zelina Vega guests on commentary for the next match (and declares for the women's Royal Rumble match).

Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) beat Maximum Male Models (Mace and Mansoor) to advance to the semi-finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Roman Reigns again. Roman says it is no secret that he has a temper, and that he puts people in their place to counsel that anger. He says that he did not hear Sami Zayn and that Sami just wanted communication. He admits that Sami is a perfectionist and concentrates about the details, and says that one does not become the greatest without focusing on detail. Sami thanks Roman for understanding, and Roman says that this is on him. Roman says he expects the same love and loyalty that he gives out, but Sami reminds Roman that he is the head of the table and that there is nothing without him, and tells Roman that he will put what is best for The Bloodline first. He asks Roman to tell him what to do, and that he will do it. Roman asks Sami to find The Usos, find out that the SUVs are in place and that the private jets are ready to go while he, Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman head to the ring for the contract signing. Sami says it is done and thanks Roman. Roman says he owes Sami a fist bump, and gives him one.

Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa ahead to the ring for the contract signing for his match against Kevin Owens for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship. WWE official Adam Pearce oversees the contract signing. All of a sudden, Kevin Owens tosses Solo Sikoa out of the ring from behind and hits Roman Reigns with a stunner. The Usos show up, but Owens fends them off as well. Owens then gets back in the ring and puts Roman Reigns through the table in the ring with a pop-up powerbomb, much to the horror of Paul Heyman. Owens then approaches Heyman, takes the contract from him and signs it. Sami Zayn then shows up. Owens smiles and tosses the contact to him, then flees through the crowd to end the show.