WWE SmackDown results, highlights: Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn join forces to fight off The Usos

The Bloodline's battle on two fronts evolves into a larger-scale war

The Bloodline has been fighting a war on two fronts, but now they must contend with the united strength of Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Two of WWE's most popular heroes took the fight to The Usos on WWE SmackDown.

Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the undisputed WWE universal championship at WrestleMania 39. Reigns narrowly left Elimination Chamber in Montreal, Quebec with his titles after a back-and-forth battle with Zayn. The two challengers joined forces and went after The Usos on Friday night.

The first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2023 was also announced on Friday. In a rare move, WWE named a regularly active performer to their Hall of Fame. Legendary masked luchador Rey Mysterio will be inducted the night before WrestleMania 39.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Rhodes and Zayn spring an attack on The Usos

The Usos arrived at the arena and were immediately greeted by Paul Heyman. The special counsel informed Jey Uso how proud Roman Reigns and he were that Jey Uso sided with The Bloodline. Heyman hugged Jey Uso but backed off when he read Jey Uso's body language. Jey Uso told Heyman to inform Reigns that he had arrived.

Heyman, in a subsequent interview, expressed his frustration with Cody Rhodes for getting involved in The Bloodline's business when he rescued Zayn on Raw. Heyman confessed that Rhodes was a stylistic nightmare for Reigns, but was put to ease after Reigns brought up Rhodes' past failures. 

An angry Jey Uso explained why he chose The Bloodline over Zayn. Jey Uso said that family always looks out for family. Jey Uso insisted that he did not want to hurt Zayn, but that he must side with his own blood. Jey Uso shunned the crowd for judging him, telling the audience they have no idea what he is going through. Jey Uso blamed Zayn for his troubles and called him selfish. 

Jimmy Uso turned his attention to Cody Rhodes now that The Bloodline has allegedly rid themselves of Zayn. Rhodes confronted The Usos. The distraction allowed Zayn to slide into the ring unnoticed and attack Jey Uso. A brawl subsequently broke out around the arena between the two parties. Rhodes and Zayn sent The Usos packing to close out SmackDown. 

The mystery and intrigue in the story of Jey Uso, The Bloodline and Zayn are officially gone, but all good stories must reach their end. The lines have been drawn in the sand as WrestleMania begins to take shape. It may not be the most inspired story, but Rhodes and Zayn teaming up is the most logical step for two good guys who are outnumbered by the villains. Jey Uso continues to grow into one of the most authentic, compelling performers on the microphone. He seemed genuinely pained by his decision to betray Zayn, but his commitment to family through thick and thin is relatable. It was a shame that we didn't get an encounter between Reigns and Jey Uso, especially since it was teased. Grade: B+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Xavier Woods vs. Karrion Kross vs. LA Knight ended in a draw when both McIntyre and Sheamus scored pinfalls. The match was to determine the next challenger for GUNTHER's intercontinental title at WrestleMania 39.
• Rey Mysterio was announced as the first inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2023. He was interrupted by Judgement Day.
• Judgement Day (Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor) def. Legado del Fantasma (Cruz del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, & Santos Escobar) via pinfall after Dominik Mysterio rolled up Cruz following a superkick from Priest.
• The Viking Raider (Erik and Ivar) def. Braun Strowman and Ricochet via pinfall after Ivar flattened Ricochet with a top rope splash.
• GUNTHER shunned Adam Pearce for not finding a conclusive title challenger. Pearce announced McIntyre and Sheamus would compete one-on-one next week to determine GUNTHER's opponent.
• Charlotte Flair def. Shotzi via submission after locking in the Figure Eight. Flair and her WrestleMania opponent Ripley had a verbal confrontation post-match.