The **January 8, 2019** episode of **SmackDown LIVE** delivered an electrifying **tag team match** featuring two of WWE’s most exciting high-flyers—**Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali**—going up against two of the most ruthless and dominant forces in the blue brand—**Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas**.
Would the **speed and agility** of Mysterio & Ali be enough to outmaneuver the **raw power and technical brutality** of Joe & Almas? Or would the relentless offense of the powerhouse duo prove too much for the underdogs to handle? Let’s break down the match, the action, and its impact on SmackDown’s ever-evolving landscape
## **🔥 The Road to SmackDown LIVE – How This Match Was Set Up**
### **Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali – A Dynamic Duo Takes Flight**
Both **Rey Mysterio** and **Mustafa Ali** were known for their breathtaking aerial maneuvers and underdog fighting spirit.
– **Rey Mysterio**, a legend in the business, had been redefining what was possible in the ring for over two decades.
– **Mustafa Ali**, a rising star from 205 Live, had recently made his mark on SmackDown by **pinning WWE Champion Daniel Bryan** in a tag team match, proving he belonged with the best.
Teaming up, these two **high-flying daredevils** looked to use their agility, speed, and heart to overcome a brutal challenge.
### **Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas – A Dangerous Alliance**
On the other side, **Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas** formed a **vicious and unpredictable duo**.
– **Samoa Joe**, known as “The Samoan Submission Machine,” was one of the most **ruthless and dominant** superstars in WWE, capable of **crushing opponents with devastating submissions and raw power**.
– **Andrade “Cien” Almas**, a former **NXT Champion**, had been making waves with his **hard-hitting Lucha Libre style**, combining technical precision with unrelenting aggression.
This **unexpected partnership** brought together two dangerous competitors with one goal: **to destroy their high-flying opponents** and send a message to the rest of SmackDown LIVE.
## **💥 SmackDown LIVE 1/8/19: The Battle Begins**
As the match kicked off, the **crowd was on fire**, knowing they were about to witness a **clash of styles**. Would Mysterio & Ali’s aerial artistry prevail, or would Joe & Almas **brutalize their way to victory**?
### **🚀 The Opening Moments – Speed vs. Power**
– **Mustafa Ali and Andrade Almas** started the match, showcasing **fast-paced exchanges**, with Ali’s quick strikes countering Almas’ technical offense.
– Almas, however, **slowed the pace down**, trapping Ali in a **side headlock** before transitioning into a **devastating backbreaker**.
– Ali fought back with a **springboard crossbody**, tagging in Rey Mysterio to a huge ovation
### **🔥 Rey Mysterio Takes Control**
– Mysterio, showing **why he’s one of the greatest luchadors of all time**, unleashed a flurry of moves, including a **tilt-a-whirl headscissors** that sent Almas flying
– Almas managed to tag in Samoa Joe, instantly **shifting the momentum**.
– Joe **overpowered Mysterio with brutal strikes**, delivering a **crushing running senton** that left Mysterio gasping for air.
### **💀 The Powerhouses Take Over**
– Joe and Almas used **quick tags** to keep the smaller Mysterio isolated.
– **Joe locked Mysterio in a vicious Coquina Clutch**, trying to make the legendary high-flyer pass out
– Mysterio, using his veteran instincts, **flipped over Joe’s back** and countered into a **DDT, creating an opening**
### **⚡ Mustafa Ali Turns the Tide**
– **Hot tag to Mustafa Ali** He entered with explosive energy, hitting **a spinning heel kick on Almas** followed by a **stunning tornado DDT**
– Ali attempted a **450 Splash**, but Joe pulled Almas out of the way at the last second.
– Joe then **launched Ali into the barricade with a brutal toss**, nearly knocking him out
### **🏆 The Final Moments – Chaos Erupts**
As the match neared its climax, all four men were in the ring, delivering **high-impact moves** one after another:
– Mysterio set up **Joe for the 619**, but Almas intercepted him with a **sudden running double knees in the corner**
– Ali countered a **Muscle Buster attempt** from Joe and sent him outside the ring
– With Joe out, **Ali & Mysterio turned their attention to Almas**.
– **Ali hit a jaw-dropping 054 Splash on Almas, pinning him for the 1…2…3**
**🔥 Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali win the match**
## **🎤 Post-Match Fallout – What’s Next?**
### **🚀 Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali – The Ultimate Underdogs Prevail**
By defeating two of the most dangerous men in WWE, Mysterio & Ali solidified themselves as legitimate threats in the SmackDown roster.
– Could this victory earn Ali a shot at the **United States Championship**?
– Would Mysterio continue his legendary run by targeting bigger challenges?
### **💀 Samoa Joe & Andrade Almas – Frustration Boils Over**
Suffering a loss didn’t sit well with **Joe or Almas**.
– **Joe’s frustration was evident**, as he attacked Ali after the match, sending a warning that this rivalry wasn’t over.
– **Almas, meanwhile, blamed the loss on Joe**, hinting at possible tension between the two.
The question remained: **Would they seek revenge in the coming weeks?**
## **🔥 Why This Match Was So Special**
This tag team battle wasn’t just a **random match on SmackDown**—it was a **perfect blend of storytelling, athleticism, and raw emotion**.
– **The contrast of styles** (high-flying vs. powerhouse) made for an unpredictable and exciting match.
– **Mustafa Ali’s rising momentum** continued, proving he belonged with SmackDown’s elite.
– **Rey Mysterio’s resurgence** at this stage of his career showed why he’s one of WWE’s greatest of all time.
– **Joe & Almas’ chemistry as a team** created a new dangerous duo that could dominate if they stayed together.
With **Royal Rumble 2019** approaching, this match set the stage for **future rivalries and potential championship opportunities**.
## **🎬 Final Thoughts – A SmackDown Classic**
The **January 8, 2019, episode of SmackDown LIVE** gave us one of the most exciting tag team matches in recent memory.
– **Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali defied the odds** with speed, precision, and heart.
– **Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas showcased ruthless aggression**, proving why they are two of WWE’s most dangerous competitors.
– **The action was fast, unpredictable, and left the WWE Universe wanting more.**
As SmackDown LIVE built towards **Royal Rumble 2019**, one thing was certain—**this was far from the last time these four men would cross paths**
👉 **What did you think of this match? Should Mustafa Ali get a title shot after this win? Let us know in the comments below 👇🔥**