WWE SmackDown results, grades: Karrion Kross ‘chokes out’ Drew McIntyre in chaotic ending after Solo Sikoa debut-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Karrion Kross made an example of Drew McIntyre and cost him revenge against Solo Sikoa on SmackDown (Picture: WWE)

WWE star Drew McIntyre found himself getting choked unconscious by Karrion Kross as SmackDown literally faded to black last night.

Friday’s blue brand broadcast ended with a first-time match up between the Drew and Solo Sikoa as the Scottish Warrior looked to get revenge on The Bloodline’s newest member after Clash At The Castle.

The stars seemed to be aligned for McIntyre to be the one to dethrone Roman Reigns in the main event of WWE’s first UK stadium show in 30 years with the crowd firmly behind him – and Tyson Fury lending a helping hand on the front row – but it wasn’t to be.

Earlier in the evening, Sami Zayn joined The Usos – with Jey typically unhappy to see him there – as they brought out Sikoa, complete with a video highlighting his run in NXT 2.0 thus far.

Sikoa revealed he’s here to stay, and McIntyre charged to the ring with a steel chair, swinging for the man who cost him his chance at the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, but Sami took the shot to save Jimmy and Jey’s brother.

Later, Drew promised consequences to Sikoa getting involved in Cardiff, Wales, with the pair of them meeting in the main event.

This was a solid introduction to the main roster for the third Uso brother, who put on a decent showing under the bright lights and held his own against McIntyre.

In the end, Karrion Kross came out and locked the Scotsman in the KrossJacket, choking out the main event star as Michael Cole screamed for help and the show brilliantly faded to black.

Ronda Rousey punished but still earns Liv Morgan rematch, Imperium battles Brawling Brutes, Braun Strowman returns and more

The first match of the night set a high bar for in ring action as the reunited Imperium – with Giovanni Vinci now joining Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser – took on the Brawling Brutes.

This was everything you’d want from these six men, with Ridge Holland, Sheamus and Butch (in his Bruiserweight gear) matching their physical opponents every step of the way.

The crowd went crazy at every hint of Sheamus and Gunther clashing again, and in the end Imperium picked up the win with plenty left in the tank for this fascinating rivalry.

The Bruiserweight match Gunther’s physicality (Picture: WWE)

In a non-title match originally set to be the semi-final of the Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament, the champions Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah beat NXT 2.0’s Toxic Attraction in a decent showing.

Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne took control with Aliyah in the ring, but Rodriguez was able to get the tag and turn the tide before picking up a good win for her team.

Afterwards, a video aired recapping Ronda Rousey’s attack on Adam Pearce last week, and Michael Cole revealed she has been punished internally with the details not being made public.

Ronda Rousey made Sonya Deville tap out (Picture: WWE)

She clearly hasn’t been suspended though, with the Baddest Woman On the Planet then outlasting Sonya Deville, Xia Li, Lacey Evans and Natalya to earn a SmackDown Women’s Title match against Liv Morgan at Extreme Rules.

Ronda had an interesting exchange with Shayna Baszler backstage, telling the Queen of Spades to let her know when she’s ready to break bones.

Hit Row and the Street Profits teamed up to beat Los Lotharios and Maximum Male Models in a strong, exciting eight-man tag match with a lot of talent given a chance to shine.

Interestingly, Max Dupri would then hint at the return of his LA Knight character from NXT, which would be a shame for Maximum Male Models but a real boost for his own prospects.

Finally, Braun Strowman made his in-ring return to action as he beat Alpha Academy’s Otis and Chad Gable – with the latter being as entertaining as ever both before and after the opening bell – in dominating fashion.

WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.

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