At the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, this week’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown featured several exciting moments leading up to the highly anticipated 2026 Royal Rumble PLE. Highlights included a thrilling triple threat match, the much-welcomed return of Tiffany Stratton, a contest for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, and more notable action from top WWE Superstars.
TheSportster evaluated every bout from the February 6th SmackDown using their rating system to identify the night’s standout matchups as well as those that fell short.
7. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga
Rating: 5.25/10
This match was a stark contrast to Nakamura’s strong showings against AJ Styles, marked by sluggish pacing and an indifferent crowd. The bout failed to resonate, especially with the predictable interference from MFT, and Tonga did not emerge looking significantly stronger despite the win.
6. Jade Cargill & Jordynne Grace vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
Rating: 6/10
Following Liv Morgan’s Royal Rumble victory, tensions flared leading to a tag match highlighting the uneasy alliance between Grace and Cargill, as well as friction between Rodriguez and Morgan. Despite solid wrestling, the bout felt rushed and concluded with Grace pinning Rodriguez in front of a less engaged audience.
5. Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson
Rating: 6.25/10
Though a brief squash match, Femi’s performance was captivating, showcasing his rising star status post-Royal Rumble. With powerful strikes and swift maneuvers, Femi dispatched Wilson quickly, earning a big crowd reaction.
4. Tiffany Stratton vs. Rush Legend vs. Chelsea Green (Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
Rating: 6.5/10
In an entertaining triple threat with a spot at the Elimination Chamber at stake, this contest had minor structural issues but allowed each competitor to shine. Stratton’s return was impressive, Green energized the crowd with high-impact moves, and Stratton ultimately secured the victory with a stunning moonsault.
3. Riyo vs. Kiana James & Giulia (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship)
Rating: 6.5/10
This championship bout featured intense power plays between Ripley and James alongside fast exchanges between Iyo Skye and Giulia. RHIYO’s face energy greatly fired up the crowd, though the match lacked a compelling storyline, ending with the champions retaining after a coordinated finishing move.
2. Randy Orton vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Aleister Black
Rating: 6.75/10
The main event spot for an Elimination Chamber position had solid energy and action sequences, though audience attention was mostly on Orton’s maneuvers. Despite some stretched moments, the match finished enjoyably with Orton using timely RKOs to claim the win.
1. Carmelo Hayes vs. The Miz
Rating: 7/10
Without the U.S. Championship on the line, Hayes and Miz engaged in a heated encounter reflecting their ongoing rivalry. The fast-paced, intense match culminated in Hayes hitting his finisher for the win, offering a satisfying conclusion despite the absence of a title defense.
Fan Take:
This episode of SmackDown matters because it effectively builds momentum toward the 2026 Royal Rumble, showcasing rising stars like Tiffany Stratton and Oba Femi while continuing key rivalries. The blend of fresh talent and veteran storytelling promises to keep WWE fans engaged and eager for what lies ahead in the sport’s evolving landscape.
