Braun Strowman and Ricochet have earned a shot at the gold.
On the February 3 episode of WWE SmackDown, Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) battled Braun Strowman and Ricochet in the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s Tournament. Kaiser and Vinci beat The Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) and Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro) to reach the finals. Ricochet and Strowman replaced Drew McIntyre & Sheamus, who voluntarily gave up their spot after the Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) attacked them. They then defeated (Ashante “Thee” Adonis & Top Dolla) to advance to the finals.
Vinci and Kaiser showcased the impressive chemistry that they were known for during their time in NXT, but Strowman used his power to counter them. Likewise, Ricochet’s speed helped give his team momentum; when Imperium isolated Strowman, he tagged in and took control with a flurry of offense. WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther accompanied his stablemates to the ring and distracted Ricochet at one point. The referee ejected him from ringside, but the powerhouse’s involvement helped Kaiser and Vinci take control. Ricochet kept fighting, and he tagged Strowman, who cleared house. Strowman powerbombed Vinci, and Ricochet pinned him for the win.
Strowman and Ricochet earn a #SmackDown #TagTeamTitles opportunity next week on @FOXTV!@Adamscherr99 @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/oZDUEjK71n
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) February 4, 2023
Strowman and Ricochet will challenge The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on the February 10 episode of WWE SmackDown.
