Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the most electrifying, jaw-dropping, and unforgettable moments that SmackDown delivered in 2022. From shocking betrayals to unbelievable victories, SmackDown had it all. So, buckle up and get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we count down the top 10 moments that defined WWE's Friday night show in 2022!

1. Roman Reigns' Undisputed Championship Reign Begins

At WrestleMania 38, Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All match to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. This marked the beginning of a dominant reign that would define SmackDown for the rest of the year. The sheer magnitude of this victory cannot be overstated; it unified the two most prestigious titles in WWE under one man, solidifying Roman's place at the very top of the wrestling world. The match itself was a brutal, hard-hitting affair, with both Reigns and Lesnar leaving everything they had in the ring. The aftermath saw the rise of The Bloodline as an unstoppable force, with The Usos continuing their dominance in the tag team division and Solo Sikoa later joining to add even more muscle. Reigns' swagger and confidence as the champion were palpable every time he appeared on SmackDown, making each title defense a must-see event. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke, and the way he commanded the ring all contributed to making him the most compelling character in WWE. His reign was not just about holding the titles; it was about establishing a legacy, and every week on SmackDown, he added another chapter to that legacy. The fans were captivated by his journey, whether they loved him or hated him, they couldn't take their eyes off him. This single moment at WrestleMania set the tone for an entire year of SmackDown, making it a cornerstone of WWE programming. The impact of this moment reverberated throughout the roster, influencing storylines and creating opportunities for other stars to rise to the occasion. It was a truly defining moment, not just for Roman Reigns, but for the entire SmackDown brand.

2. Brock Lesnar's Tractor Attack on Roman Reigns

In a stunning display of raw power and sheer lunacy, Brock Lesnar used a tractor to attack Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. This wild moment was completely unexpected and instantly became a viral sensation. Who could forget the image of Lesnar, behind the wheel of a massive tractor, lifting the entire ring with Reigns still inside? It was a scene straight out of an action movie, and it perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable nature of WWE. The feud between Reigns and Lesnar had been brewing for years, but this took their rivalry to a whole new level. It wasn't just about wrestling anymore; it was about pure, unadulterated chaos. Lesnar's character had always been portrayed as a force of nature, but this moment cemented his status as an absolute madman. The fans in attendance were on their feet, screaming in disbelief as the tractor lifted the ring, shaking it violently. Social media exploded with reactions, memes, and GIFs, ensuring that this moment would be etched in wrestling history forever. The sheer audacity of the attack was what made it so memorable. It wasn't a simple punch or kick; it was a full-blown assault with heavy machinery. This was Brock Lesnar at his most unhinged, and it was absolutely captivating. The storyline implications were huge, as it raised the stakes for their upcoming match and made it clear that anything could happen when these two titans collided. This moment wasn't just a highlight of SmackDown in 2022; it was one of the most talked-about moments in all of WWE that year.

3. Ronda Rousey Wins the SmackDown Women's Championship

Ronda Rousey's victory over Charlotte Flair to capture the SmackDown Women's Championship was a significant moment, showcasing her dominance in the women's division. The match was a brutal and hard-fought battle, with both women pushing each other to their limits. Rousey's MMA background was on full display as she used her grappling skills to wear down Flair, eventually locking in her signature armbar to secure the victory. This win marked a turning point for Rousey, as she continued to solidify her place as one of the top female performers in WWE. The crowd erupted when Rousey finally forced Flair to tap out, signaling the end of a grueling contest. The title win was not just a personal achievement for Rousey; it also represented a shift in the landscape of the SmackDown women's division. Her presence brought a new level of intensity and competitiveness, raising the bar for all the other female wrestlers on the roster. Rousey's reign as champion was marked by a series of dominant performances, as she took on all challengers and proved why she was considered one of the most dangerous women in sports entertainment. Her matches were always highly anticipated, and she consistently delivered thrilling action that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This moment was a testament to Rousey's hard work and dedication, and it solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.

4. Gunther's Intercontinental Championship Reign Begins

Gunther's arrival on SmackDown and subsequent Intercontinental Championship win marked a new era for the title, bringing back prestige and a sense of dominance. His matches were characterized by their hard-hitting style and intense physicality, reminiscent of old-school wrestling. Gunther's presence on SmackDown instantly elevated the mid-card scene, as he brought a level of credibility and legitimacy to the Intercontinental Championship that had been missing for some time. His imposing physique and no-nonsense attitude made him a formidable opponent for anyone who dared to challenge him. The matches themselves were works of art, showcasing Gunther's technical prowess and his ability to inflict pain on his opponents. His signature powerbomb became a feared maneuver, and his opponents quickly learned that stepping into the ring with him was no easy task. Gunther's reign as champion was a throwback to the days when the Intercontinental Championship was considered a stepping stone to the World Championship, and he carried himself with the same level of seriousness and dedication as the legends who held the title before him. This moment was a significant one for SmackDown, as it signaled a renewed focus on in-ring competition and a commitment to showcasing the talents of its mid-card stars.

5. The Usos Unify the Tag Team Titles

The Usos defeating RK-Bro to unify the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships was a historic moment, solidifying their status as one of the greatest tag teams of all time. This victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, as The Usos had consistently proven themselves to be among the elite in the tag team division. Their chemistry and teamwork were unparalleled, and their ability to adapt to any opponent made them virtually unbeatable. The match against RK-Bro was a classic, with both teams leaving everything they had in the ring. The crowd was on their feet, cheering and chanting as the two teams battled back and forth, showcasing their incredible athleticism and ring awareness. The Usos' victory not only unified the tag team titles but also further cemented The Bloodline's dominance over WWE. With Roman Reigns holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and The Usos controlling the tag team division, The Bloodline had become the most powerful faction in the company. This moment was a testament to The Usos' talent and hard work, and it solidified their legacy as one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history.

6. Karrion Kross's Return

Karrion Kross's return to WWE and immediate attack on Drew McIntyre was a shocking and impactful moment, instantly establishing him as a major threat on SmackDown. His debut was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint, making an immediate statement by targeting one of the top stars on the roster. Kross's intensity and unique presentation set him apart from other wrestlers, and his alliance with Scarlett added another layer of intrigue to his character. The attack on McIntyre was brutal and decisive, sending a clear message to the rest of the SmackDown roster that Kross was not to be taken lightly. This moment was a significant one for SmackDown, as it injected new blood into the main event scene and created a compelling storyline that captivated fans. Kross's presence brought a sense of danger and unpredictability to the show, and his matches were always highly anticipated. This return was a masterstroke by WWE, as it not only brought back a talented performer but also created a buzz that revitalized the SmackDown brand.

7. Braun Strowman Returns to SmackDown

The return of Braun Strowman to SmackDown brought a monstrous presence back to the blue brand, creating chaos and excitement. Strowman's sheer size and strength made him an instant attraction, and his return was met with thunderous applause from the WWE Universe. His immediate impact was felt throughout the roster, as he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Strowman's matches were always spectacles, showcasing his incredible power and athleticism. His ability to toss opponents around like ragdolls made him a must-see attraction, and his presence on SmackDown added a new dimension to the show. This return was a significant one for SmackDown, as it brought back a fan favorite and injected a dose of adrenaline into the program. Strowman's presence was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of WWE, where anything can happen and surprises are always around the corner.

8. Bray Wyatt's SmackDown Return

Bray Wyatt's return to SmackDown was shrouded in mystery and intrigue, captivating the WWE Universe with his new persona. The Firefly Fun House segments were unlike anything seen before in WWE, blending horror and humor in a way that was both unsettling and entertaining. Wyatt's ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level made him one of the most compelling characters in WWE history. His return to SmackDown was met with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, as fans were unsure of what to expect from the Eater of Worlds. This moment was a significant one for SmackDown, as it brought back a creative genius and injected a dose of the supernatural into the show. Wyatt's presence added a new layer of depth and complexity to the program, and his matches were always highly anticipated. This return was a testament to Wyatt's talent and creativity, and it solidified his legacy as one of the most innovative performers in WWE history.

9. Sami Zayn's Honorary Uce Status

Sami Zayn's journey to becoming an Honorary Uce in The Bloodline was a hilarious and entertaining storyline that provided comic relief and drama to SmackDown. His attempts to ingratiate himself with Roman Reigns and The Usos were often misguided but always entertaining, and his interactions with the other members of The Bloodline were a highlight of the show. Zayn's comedic timing and ability to play off the other characters made him an invaluable addition to the group. This storyline was a significant one for SmackDown, as it added a layer of humor and character development to the program. Zayn's presence brought a sense of levity to the show, and his interactions with The Bloodline were a constant source of amusement for fans. This storyline was a testament to Zayn's talent and versatility, and it solidified his legacy as one of the most entertaining performers in WWE.

10. Ricochet Wins the Intercontinental Title

Ricochet's Intercontinental Championship win, while perhaps not as dominant as Gunther's reign, was still a feel-good moment showcasing his incredible athleticism. His high-flying style and innovative offense made him a fan favorite, and his victory over Sami Zayn to capture the title was a well-deserved reward for his hard work and dedication. Ricochet's matches were always exciting to watch, as he brought a level of energy and excitement to the ring that was unmatched by anyone else on the roster. This moment was a significant one for SmackDown, as it showcased the talents of one of its most exciting performers. Ricochet's presence added a new dimension to the show, and his matches were always highly anticipated. This victory was a testament to Ricochet's talent and determination, and it solidified his legacy as one of the most exciting high-flyers in WWE history.

So there you have it, wrestling aficionados! The top 10 SmackDown moments of 2022 that kept us glued to our screens. What were your favorite moments? Let us know in the comments below!