• Chaotic SmackDown ended with multiple run-ins and a DQ, raising stakes for the Royal Rumble.
  • Randy Orton was part of the main-event turmoil alongside Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes.
  • Jacob Fatu and Bron Breakker interfered, spearing high-profile stars after the match.
  • Carmelo Hayes, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss picked up key wins earlier in the show.

SmackDown ends in chaos in Riyadh

The go-home SmackDown ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh closed on a chaotic note, with an eight-man tag main event breaking down into multiple run-ins and a disqualification. The finale left several top stars — including Randy Orton — vulnerable heading into Saturday’s big show.

Main event: DQ after brawl

Sami Zayn teamed with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Jey Uso against The Vision and partners. The match ended in disqualification after Drew McIntyre dragged Zayn out of the ring, prompting a brawl. Jacob Fatu then entered the fray and targeted McIntyre, escalating tensions further.

Bron Breakker closed the broadcast, spearing both Rhodes and Zayn, ensuring the show ended on a violent note and giving the Royal Rumble an unpredictable feel.

Other notable results and moments

  • Carmelo Hayes retained the United States Championship in an open-challenge match against Rey Fenix.
  • Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez from The Judgment Day.
  • AJ Styles and Gunther traded words on the mic, maintaining a simmering feud that could carry momentum into the weekend.

Arda Ocal provided a breakdown of the night’s action, highlighting how the run-ins and post-match beatdowns could influence storylines at the Royal Rumble.

What the chaos means for the Royal Rumble

The multiple interferences and surprise attacks on SmackDown make for a volatile Royal Rumble environment. With veterans like Randy Orton caught in the crossfire, the build to the Rumble now includes more potential alliances, vendettas and question marks about who will emerge unscathed.

While the exact fallout remains to be seen, the show’s closing sequence — especially Bron Breakker’s spear and Jacob Fatu’s attack on McIntyre — suggests WWE is positioning several names for high-impact moments on Saturday.

Quick takeaways

Shortly before the Royal Rumble, SmackDown delivered a chaotic finish that elevated multiple storylines. Randy Orton’s presence in the main event and the subsequent beatdowns of other top stars create fresh narrative threads to watch. Carmelo Hayes, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss head into the weekend with momentum.

Expect the Royal Rumble to reflect the disorder seen on SmackDown: more surprise entrances, heated rivalries and potential title implications. WWE’s go-home show succeeded in raising stakes and questions fans will want answered at the pay-per-view.

Image Referance: https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/47746721/wwe-smackdown-live-results-analysis-january-30