WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Solo Sikoa ends his month-long absence with attack on Cody Rhodes

Sikoa is back and sets his sights on the undisputed WWE champion

Solo Sikoa is back. The New Bloodline's leader made his first appearance on WWE SmackDown since losing to Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat. Sikoa, no longer able to claim the title of Tribal Chief, instead turns his attention to the undisputed WWE title.

SmackDown started with a potential WrestleMania 41 showdown between Jey Uso and Rhodes. By night's end, the main event picture shifted towards Sikoa and The Bloodline. The world title pictures are still wide open on both Raw and SmackDown. Sikoa's reintroduction could significantly impact how the Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania cards play out.

Two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches also took place on Friday. Drew McIntyre, LA Knight and Jimmy Uso battled in a triple threat match to qualify for the men's match. Alexa Bliss vs. Candace LeRae, and Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven determined two entrants in the women's Elimination Chamber match.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sikoa sets his sights on SmackDown's top prize

Uso and Rhodes started the show. They discussed the potential of facing each other at WrestleMania 41. As Royal Rumble winner, it's Uso's decision. Uso considered how special it would be to headline WrestleMania against his fellow former tag team champion or to stand beside him as Raw and SmackDown's respective world champs. Rhodes welcomed either decision but suggested they should get drinks and celebrate tonight if they'd be rivals by morning.

The Bloodline's Fatu and Tonga interrupted before the conversation could continue. Fatu acknowledged that Rhodes took the undisputed WWE championship from his family last year. A brawl broke out before things could develop more, with the heroes clearing their enemies from the ring.

Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes def. The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga) via pinfall after Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes on Tonga. Fatu was a major factor in Friday's main event. Rhodes, who was still recovering from damage suffered against Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble, took the brunt of the beating in the first half of the match. Uso turned the tide after getting the hot tag but was eventually grounded by Fatu. The Bloodline worked on Uso until Rhodes returned the favor with a hot tag of his own. The undisputed WWE champion hit Fatu with a Cody Cutter, but "The Samoan Werewolf" shockingly kicked out at one. Only once Uso removed Fatu from the ring was Rhodes able to isolate Tonga for a match-winning Cross Rhodes.

Post-match, a hooded individual laid out Rhodes. Solo Sikoa revealed himself, marking his first appearance since losing Tribal Combat to Reigns on Jan. 6.

SmackDown's leading segment was solid. Uso and Rhodes share a believable camaraderie ahead of a potential WrestleMania match. Fatu continues to look like an absolute killer even in defeat. Sikoa's comeback was the night's most significant development. The Bloodline seemed lost without him, and it'll be interesting to see what direction he goes in after losing Tribal Chief status to Reigns. Hopefully, they can drum up interest for another Rhodes-Bloodline story. Grade: B+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Bianca Belair def. Piper Niven via pinfall with a KOD. Belair qualified for the women's Elimination Chamber match.
• Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson) def. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) via pinfall with a rope-assisted O'Connor roll. Pretty Deadly earned a future shot at the WWE tag team championships.
• Drew McIntyre def. LA Knight and Jimmy Uso via pinfall after landing a Claymore kick on Knight. McIntyre qualified for the men's Elimination Chamber match.
• Damian Priest and Braun Strowman discussed next week's triple threat match against Jacob Fatu. The winner will qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match.
• Kevin Owens called Sami Zayn a horrible friend in a pre-recorded video from his car.
• Carmelo Hayes def. Akira Tozawa via pinfall with Nothing But Net.
• Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton traded barbs about potentially facing each other at WrestleMania.
  
• Nia Jax revealed she'd challenge Stratton for the WWE women's championship next week.
• Alexa Bliss def. Candace LeRae via pinfall after hitting a Twisted DDT. Bliss qualified for the women's Elimination Chamber match.