WWE SmackDown results: Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso have an explosive confrontation, Jey Uso's allegiance unclear

Tension boils over between Zayn and Jimmy Uso on SmackDown

WWE SmackDown played host to an emotionally-heavy encounter between Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso. The close friends-turned-foes remain at odds while Jey Uso's allegiance hangs somewhere in the middle.

The aftermath of Elimination Chamber left many unanswered questions regarding The Bloodline. Jey Uso refused to do Roman Reigns' bidding in Montreal, leading to a physical response by Reigns. Zayn attempted to capitalize on the distraction, but accidentally struck Jey Uso. Both Zayn and Jimmy Uso fought for Jey Uso's support on Friday night.

SmackDown also featured a meeting between SmackDown women's champion Charlotte Flair and Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley. Bray Wyatt, Drew McIntyre, intercontinental champion GUNTHER, Rey Mysterio and Ronda Rousey are some of the other big stars who made appearances.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

Zayn and Jimmy Uso have a loaded conversation, Jey Uso remains split

Jimmy Uso opened SmackDown by telling an interviewer that Jey Uso has not returned his calls or texts since Elimination Chamber. Jimmy Uso informed his twin brother that they could meet in the ring. Jimmy Uso said he would allow Jey Uso to get everything off his chest.

Jimmy Uso confided in Solo Sikoa that Jey Uso appears to be spooked over the split between Zayn and The Bloodline. Jimmy Uso isn't sure where his brother's head is at in the aftermath of Elimination Chamber. Special counsel Paul Heyman recommended that Jimmy Uso deal with Jey Uso by himself while Sikoa remains backstage.

Jimmy Uso headed to the ring to close out SmackDown. Jimmy Uso acknowledged that Jey Uso was conflicted and hurting. Jimmy Uso insisted that he would always be here for Jey Uso. He acknowledged cracks in The Bloodline, the group's ongoing issues with Zayn and Kevin Owens, and Jey Uso's problems with Reigns. 

Zayn interrupted Jimmy Uso, entering the ring through the crowd. Zayn assured he was only here to speak with Jimmy Uso. Zayn reflected on how Jimmy Uso was the one who welcomed him into the fold and stood by him, even when Jey Uso and the rest of the group were hesitant. Zayn said how hurt he was that Jimmy Uso attacked him without hesitation at the Royal Rumble. Jimmy Uso accused Zayn of being selfish. Zayn argued that having his loyalties tested every week by The Bloodline was unfair. 

Both men were distracted by the presence of Jey Uso in the crowd. Zayn offered The Usos a chance to jump ship before The Bloodline sank. Distracted by Jey Uso's arrival, Jimmy Uso blindsided Zayn. The assault would not last. A lapse in attention by Jimmy Uso allowed Zayn to lay him out with a Helluva Kick. Zayn exited into the crowd as Sikoa came to Jimmy Uso's aid. Zayn and Jey Uso exchanged looks before Zayn fled. Jey Uso remained in the audience to close the show.

Heaping praise upon The Bloodline storyline is getting redundant. The ongoing drama between Zayn and The Bloodline continues to be the most consistent, enthralling and well-booked storyline in pro wrestling. Zayn and Jimmy Uso spoke with conviction and they both made valid cases. Furthermore, Jimmy Uso's acknowledgement of friction between Jey Uso and Reigns should not be overlooked. He isn't some buffoonish pro-wrestler, he can see everything happening in front of him. The choice to keep Jey Uso in the crowd was a wise one, allowing the story to breathe. Heyman keeping Sikoa backstage was also consistent with Heyman and Reigns' efforts to distance Sikoa from the more turbulent members of The Bloodline. Grade: A+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Imperium (GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) def. Madcap Moss, Braun Strowman and Ricochet via pinfall after GUNTHER planted Moss with a powerbomb.
• McIntyre tried to confront Imperium post-match but was attacked by The Viking Raiders. McIntyre, Sheamus, Strowman and Ricochet beat down the Raiders.
• Santos Escobar told Rey Mysterio how much he respects him. This led to a confrontation between Escobar and the duo of Dominik Mysterio and Ripley.
• Kofi Kingston def. LA Knight via pinfall after Trouble in Paradise preceded by a distraction from Xavier Woods.
• Flair and Dominik Mysterio had a back-and-forth about their famous fathers. The segment concluded with a staredown between Flair and Ripley.
• Shayna Bazler def. Natayla via submission after snatching a cross-armbar. Ronda Rousey and Tegan Nox had a conversation post-match.
• Wyatt starred in a strange, meta episode of "Firefly Funhouse."
• Karrion Kross def. Rey Mysterio via submission after locking on the Kross Jacket, courtesy of a distraction by Dominik Mysterio.
• Dominick Mysterio provoked his father to hit him post-match, but Rey Mysterio showed restraint and walked away.