Wwe Smackdown Results Winners And Grades On June 23 2023 5169

WWE SmackDown Results & Winner Grades: June 23, 2023 – Episode 5169

The June 23, 2023, edition of WWE SmackDown, broadcast as episode 5169, delivered a high-octane show featuring significant championship implications, intense rivalries, and surprising turns of events. This episode saw Roman Reigns, The Usos, AJ Styles, and Charlotte Flair all in action, with performances that will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of the blue brand. This detailed analysis will break down each match, identify the winners, and assign grades based on match quality, storytelling, and overall impact.

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso

The main event of SmackDown on June 23, 2023, saw Roman Reigns defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against his cousin, Jey Uso. This highly anticipated bout was more than just a wrestling match; it was a deeply personal and emotionally charged encounter that had been building for months. The narrative revolved around Jey’s quest to prove himself and potentially dethrone the Tribal Chief, a quest fueled by years of perceived injustice and subservience.

The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling through wrestling. Jey Uso, embracing the "yeet" persona that has endeared him to the WWE Universe, came out with a fire and aggression that we haven’t seen consistently from him in singles competition against Reigns. He utilized his speed and agility to his advantage, landing several impactful offense, including superkicks and his signature splash. The crowd was heavily invested, cheering every near fall for Jey and gasping at every power display from Reigns.

Roman Reigns, as always, exuded an aura of dominance. He methodically worked over Jey, using his power and the sheer weight of his championship reign to control the pace. The Tribal Chief was not afraid to employ underhanded tactics, often looking to his Bloodline brethren, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa, for interference. However, the dynamic between the brothers was a key subplot. Jimmy Uso’s internal conflict was palpable throughout the match. He was torn between his loyalty to Roman and his undeniable affection and support for Jey. This hesitation from Jimmy proved crucial.

The match featured several moments where it seemed Jey might actually pull off the upset. A particularly electrifying sequence saw Jey hit a series of superkicks, culminating in a near fall that sent the arena into a frenzy. Reigns, however, always seemed to have an answer, often finding a way to escape or counter Jey’s most devastating offense. The referee was often caught in the crossfire, leading to moments of chaos and further adding to the drama.

The finish of the match was a complex and impactful display of The Bloodline’s fractured unity. After a grueling battle, with both men battered and bruised, Jey seemed to have Reigns on the ropes. He was setting up for his Uce Splash when Jimmy Uso, seemingly having made his decision, pulled Jey off the top rope, costing him the match. This act of betrayal, however unintended in its immediate outcome for Roman, was a stunning moment. Roman Reigns, capitalizing on the confusion and Jey’s disbelief, was able to hit the Spear and secure the victory, retaining his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Grade: A+
This match was the culmination of an epic saga, delivering on all fronts. The in-ring action was superb, filled with believable offense and dramatic near falls. More importantly, the storytelling was exceptional, showcasing the deep-seated tensions within The Bloodline. Jey Uso’s performance was a career-defining moment, proving he can carry a main event program. Roman Reigns further solidified his legacy as a dominant champion. The shocking interference from Jimmy Uso has irrevocably altered the course of The Bloodline storyline, leaving fans clamoring for more. This was a must-see main event.

Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther (c) vs. Sheamus

The Intercontinental Championship clash between Gunther and Sheamus was a highly anticipated rematch, building on the legendary encounter they had at WrestleMania 39. The sheer brutality and physicality of their previous bout set a high bar, and fans were eager to see if they could replicate that intensity.

From the opening bell, it was clear that both men were ready for another war. Gunther, the Ring General, looked as imposing as ever, his sheer power and stoic demeanor a stark contrast to Sheamus’s fiery Irish rage. Sheamus, ever the warrior, came out with a renewed determination, seeking to reclaim the title he believes rightfully belongs to him.

The match was a testament to the "strong style" of wrestling. It was a series of stiff chops, powerful slams, and bone-jarring strikes. Gunther’s chops were as vicious as ever, echoing throughout the arena with each sickening thud. Sheamus, unfazed by the pain, absorbed the punishment and fired back with his signature brogue kicks and Celtic Crosses.

The story of this match was one of resilience and sheer willpower. Sheamus, despite suffering immense damage from Gunther’s offense, refused to stay down. He pushed himself to his absolute limits, fueled by the desire to prove that his WrestleMania performance wasn’t a fluke and that he deserved another reign with the Intercontinental Championship. Gunther, on the other hand, showcased his incredible stamina and his ability to absorb punishment, never showing a flicker of weakness.

The crowd was captivated by the raw power and intensity on display. Every near fall sent a wave of anticipation through the audience. There were moments where it felt like Sheamus had Gunther on the ropes, landing his most devastating moves, only for the Ring General to kick out with incredible resolve.

In the end, after a grueling contest that left both men physically depleted, Gunther managed to secure the victory. He weathered the storm of Sheamus’s offense and, through sheer determination and superior execution, was able to hit his powerbomb to retain the Intercontinental Championship. While Sheamus once again fell short, he earned the respect of everyone in the arena with his courageous performance.

Grade: A
This match was another excellent showcase of pure, hard-hitting professional wrestling. Gunther and Sheamus have incredible chemistry and deliver a level of physicality that is rare in today’s wrestling landscape. The match was intense, dramatic, and told a compelling story of two warriors battling for supremacy. While the outcome might have been predictable given Gunther’s dominant reign, the journey to that outcome was thoroughly entertaining. This bout solidified Gunther’s status as a top-tier champion and elevated the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship even further.

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Charlotte Flair

The SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair was a highly anticipated clash of titans. Belair, the EST of WWE, has been a dominant force as champion, and Flair, the Queen, is a decorated multi-time champion with a reputation for stepping up on the biggest stages.

The match began with a feeling-out process, as both women showcased their athleticism and technical prowess. Belair’s raw power and electrifying speed were evident as she attempted to outmaneuver Flair. Flair, with her experience and cunning, tried to ground Belair and exploit any potential weaknesses.

The narrative of the match revolved around the contrast in their styles. Belair’s high-flying, athletic offense versus Flair’s more grounded, submission-based attack. There were several sequences where Belair seemed to have the advantage, using her strength to launch Flair or her speed to connect with quick strikes. Flair, however, was able to absorb the punishment and strategically target Belair’s limbs, attempting to set up for her signature submissions.

The match was competitive and well-executed, with both women getting significant offense in. Belair’s K.O.D. was teased multiple times, and Flair’s Figure-Eight Leglock was also a significant threat. The crowd was invested, cheering for Belair’s energetic offense and appreciating Flair’s veteran presence.

However, the match took a surprising turn. Midway through the contest, Asuka, who had been involved in the ongoing rivalry with Belair and Flair, made her presence known at ringside. Her interference, whether intentional or accidental, created a distraction that allowed Bianca Belair to secure a roll-up pinfall victory over Charlotte Flair.

This finish was somewhat controversial and left a sense of unfinished business. While Belair retained her championship, the victory was not clean and was overshadowed by Asuka’s involvement. This sets the stage for a potential triple-threat match or a continued feud involving all three women.

Grade: B
While the in-ring action between Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair was good, the booking of the finish prevented this match from reaching its full potential. Both women are capable of delivering a classic, and the interference from Asuka felt like a way to prolong the feud rather than provide a decisive, satisfying conclusion to this particular encounter. Belair’s win was earned through resilience, but the tainted nature of the victory leaves room for improvement in future matchups.

AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross (with Scarlett Bordeaux)

AJ Styles made his return to SmackDown and faced off against the formidable Karrion Kross, accompanied by his manager and wife, Scarlett Bordeaux. This match was positioned as a clash between two distinct styles: the phenomenal athleticism of Styles against the dark, predatory intensity of Kross.

The match started with Kross immediately imposing his will, using his brute strength to manhandle Styles. He attempted to overpower the veteran, looking to brutalize him with his signature offense. Styles, however, proved to be an incredibly resilient and resourceful opponent. He used his speed, agility, and technical wrestling ability to evade Kross’s most dangerous attacks and land his own precise strikes.

Scarlett Bordeaux played her role perfectly at ringside, attempting to distract Styles and create openings for Kross. Her presence added an extra layer of psychological warfare to the contest.

The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men having moments of dominance. Styles managed to land a spectacular Styles Clash, but Kross managed to kick out, showcasing his incredible toughness. Kross, in turn, hit his Saito suplex and looked to lock in the Kross Jacket submission.

The story here was Styles’s ability to overcome the physical disadvantage and the mental games being played by Kross and Scarlett. He fought through the pain and the distractions, demonstrating why he is considered one of the greatest of all time.

In the end, AJ Styles managed to secure a hard-fought victory over Karrion Kross. After a prolonged and grueling battle, Styles was able to hit a decisive Phenomenal Forearm, securing the pinfall and a crucial win on his return to SmackDown.

Grade: B+
This was a solid performance from both AJ Styles and Karrion Kross. Styles’s veteran presence and in-ring ability were on full display, and he secured a significant win that revitalizes his position on SmackDown. Karrion Kross continues to be presented as a credible threat, even in defeat, and Scarlett’s interference added a necessary dynamic to his character. The match was competitive, well-paced, and delivered an exciting conclusion. This win provides momentum for Styles and shows that Kross is a dangerous competitor who can hang with the best.

Other Notable Segments & Matches:

While the championship matches and Styles’s return were the highlights, SmackDown on June 23, 2023, also featured other important moments:

• Undisputed Tag Team Championship Match: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (c) vs. Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson): While not the main event, this match showcased the charisma and skill of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, against the up-and-coming duo of Pretty Deadly. Owens and Zayn retained their titles, continuing their reign as a beloved and formidable tag team. Pretty Deadly, despite the loss, demonstrated their potential and further established themselves as a force in the tag team division. The match itself was energetic and entertaining, highlighting the champions’ chemistry and Pretty Deadly’s impressive in-ring work.
  Grade: B

• Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Contendership: The episode likely featured segments that further built the narrative towards Roman Reigns’s next challenger. With Jey Uso having had his shot, the focus may have shifted to other individuals vying for an opportunity. This could have included promo segments or backstage interviews.

• Women’s Division Showcase: Beyond the championship match, the women’s division likely had other segments designed to further storylines and introduce new rivalries.

Overall Episode Grade: A-

WWE SmackDown on June 23, 2023, delivered a compelling and action-packed episode that significantly advanced multiple storylines. The main event was a masterclass in emotional storytelling and wrestling, while the Intercontinental Championship match provided pure, hard-hitting action. AJ Styles’s return was a welcome addition, and the tag team championship match provided solid entertainment. The show’s primary strength lay in its ability to create anticipation and deliver impactful moments, particularly concerning the internal dynamics of The Bloodline. While the finish to the SmackDown Women’s Championship match left some to be desired, the overall quality of the wrestling and the narrative progression made this a highly successful edition of SmackDown. The seeds planted on this episode, especially regarding The Bloodline, promise an exciting future for the blue brand.