WWE Smackdown Results returned as Roman Reigns arrived with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa.
And just like that, the second of the two championship matches are next.
Intercontinental Championship – GUNTHER (c) w/Kaiser Wilhelm, Giovanni Vinci) vs. Ricochet
Before the match could get started, Adam Pearce came out and sent Imperium to the back to ensure it’s a one on one match.
Ricochet tried to use his speed early on to take GUNTHER down with holds, but GUNTHER countered and focused on Ricochet’s legs, so he focused on Ricochet’s left arm.
Ricochet caught GUNTHER with a step up kick and then Ricochet picked up the pace, but was caught by a big boot and sent to the floor.
GUNTHER suplexed him onto the ring apron and chopped away.
.@KingRicochet giving it everything he's got tonight as he clashes with @Gunther_AUT for the Intercontinental Championship! 👏👏👏#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/UyvyYkJ5uj
— WWE (@WWE) December 17, 2022
GUNTHER locked in a Boston Crab, but Ricochet kicked his way out of it, but was caught in a back breaker for a near pinfall. GUNTHER went back to the Boston Crab, then locked in a STF but Ricochet got his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold.
Ricochet kept fighting back, but GUNTHER would overpower him again and GUNTHER started to grow frustrated.
GUNTHER missed a chop Ricochet ducked by a mile and GUNTHER acted as though he hit something for Ricochet to get another flurry.
GUNTHER hit a slam and dropkick, and Ricochet took him to the floor with a head scissors when GUNTHER went for a power bomb.
Ricochet hit a series of dives, then hit a running knee. Ricochet bounced up after a big boot, and he ate a clothesline for another near pin.
Ricochet hulked up and hit a suplex for a near pinfall, then hit a shooting star press for another near pinfall.
He pummeled GUNTHER with numerous strikes that rocked GUNTHER, but GUNTHER caught him in mid air with a chop and hit a power bomb but Ricochet kicked out.
#BraunStrowman rushes to the aid of @KingRicochet as #Imperium looks to brutalize him after his #ICTitle match. 😤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Cd7qbmn1d1
— WWE (@WWE) December 17, 2022
Reigns has a surprise
GUNTHER followed it with a powerslam for the win.
This was a fun match, but it went far longer than it probably should have
After the match, Imperium tried to embarrass Ricochet, but Braun Strowman came out and chased them off.
Backstage, Jey sang Zayn’s praises to Reigns, and then Reigns had Heyman summon Adam Pearce.
Heyman pitched a match with Reigns and Zayn against Kevin Owens and any partner of Owens’ choosing, and the match will be on December 30 on that night’s Smackdown.
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