Either LA Knight or AJ Styles will be the first challenger for new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes.
A number one contender’s match between Knight and Styles will take place on SmackDown next Friday. The winner advances to challenge for Rhodes’ title at WWE Backlash in Lyon, France on Saturday, May 4.
Knight vs. Styles is a rematch from WrestleMania 40. In that meeting, Knight got the win.
Knight and Styles both advanced to the number one contender’s match with victories on tonight’s SmackDown. There were two triple threat bouts on the show. Knight defeated Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley in the first match. Styles then defeated Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens.
SmackDown ended with a confrontation between Knight and Styles. They talked trash to each other over who’s going to win next week.
Next Friday’s SmackDown is full of matches with title implications. New WWE Women’s Champion Bayley will make her first title defense on the episode. Plus, there will be a four-way match to decide the first challengers for SmackDown Tag Team Champions Grayson Waller & Austin Theory.
WWE SmackDown (Friday, April 19) —
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship number one contender’s match: LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
WWE Women’s Champion Bayley defends against Naomi
SmackDown Tag Team title number one contender’s match: The Street Profits vs. Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Angel & Humberto vs. The Authors of Pain
WWE has revealed how Cody Rhodes’ first title challenger will be decided.
On SmackDown tonight, two triple threat matches will take place. The winners advance to face each other on SmackDown next Friday (April 19). The winner of that match becomes the number one contender to Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight and Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens are tonight’s triple threat bouts.
Get ready for two huge Triple Threat Matches to determine who will square off one-on-one next week with the winner going on to face the new WWE Champion @CodyRhodes!
WWE didn’t state when the winner will be getting their title shot, but the company’s next premium live event is Backlash in Lyon, France on Saturday, May 4. Rhodes is featured on the poster for that show.
Tonight’s SmackDown will include an appearance by Rhodes. At WrestleMania 40, he dethroned Roman Reigns to become the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Reigns had been a champion for 1,316 days before being defeated by Rhodes.
Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is hosting SmackDown tonight. Here’s what’s been announced for the episode:
New Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes appears
New WWE Women’s Champion Bayley appears
Triple threat match: Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight
Triple threat match: Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens
An angle building up one of the matches for WrestleMania 40 went down on Friday morning.
At WrestleMania media day, AJ Styles and LA Knight got into a brawl ahead of their WrestleMania match. Styles had a bloody nose from the brawl, which was broken up by security.
“I’m going to f*ck you up,” Styles told Knight. “Sunday.”
“Sunday? Tonight,” Knight responded. “Are you going to be at SmackDown, p*ssy? Are you going to be there?”
Styles and Knight have been feuding with each other for months. The story has escalated in recent weeks, including a segment that aired on SmackDown two weeks ago where Knight showed up at Styles’ house and fought with him. It was said that Styles declined to press charges after Knight was “arrested.”
Styles then threatened that he wouldn’t show up to SmackDown last Friday if Knight was there. Knight disguised himself as a staff member and attacked Styles.
Tonight’s SmackDown is being held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Styles vs. Knight is part of the lineup for WrestleMania 40 night two this Sunday.
LA Knight thinks WWE started to become cool again months before The Rock returned to the company.
During his current run as a heel, The Rock has taken credit for making professional wrestling cool again. Rock turned heel for the first time in two decades after fan backlash to the idea of him taking the main event of WrestleMania 40 away from Cody Rhodes. After that backlash, it was made official that Reigns vs. Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship will headline night two of WrestleMania.
Knight appeared on Wednesday’s edition of Busted Open Radio and was asked what he thinks about having a returning legend like The Rock around. Knight said The Rock can add to things, but WWE business has been good both with and without The Rock:
In this regard, I think you could look at it both ways. Because like you said, you’re looking at one of the most recognizable faces in the world as far as television, movies, media in general. So there is something to be added there. I guess at the same time, you do have to look at your audience and say, ‘Hey, look, we’re moving in this direction. The audience wants this [Reigns vs. Rhodes]. And now to do this [Reigns vs. The Rock], is really going to be – it’s going to look self-serving. It’s gonna probably peeve a lot of people.’ So there’s a lot of different ways to look at it.
My personal opinion, without going too deep into it, is that there is some merit to having him there. And at the same time, as you said, we were doing very well selling out and all that stuff even without him. So he can only add to it – or I guess some people could say he could only take away from it, you never know. But as far as business is concerned, business is good. It was good with him. It’s good without him. It’s been good either way. I hear him say wrestling is cool again and he’s right, but I just want to make sure that everybody knows that it started getting cool again, I’m gonna say about six, seven months before he got there.
I’m not saying that he can’t add to that cool factor – and I’m not saying that he won’t. I’m just saying, wrestling is cool again, and wrestling was cool again before he even came back. So I just don’t want it to seem like all of a sudden it happened because of him. Nah nah.
The Rock is returning to the ring for a tag match at night one of WrestleMania 40. It will be Rock & Reigns vs. Rhodes & Seth Rollins. If Rhodes & Rollins win, The Bloodline will be barred from ringside for Reigns vs. Rhodes on night two. If Rock & Reigns win, Reigns vs. Rhodes will be a Bloodline Rules (anything goes) match.
Knight will be facing AJ Styles at WrestleMania. WWE hasn’t confirmed which night that match will be taking place on.
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia is hosting WrestleMania 40 on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7.
Dave Meltzer reported that both Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton and AJ Styles vs. LA Knight would both be taking place at WrestleMania 40, writing in Sunday’s Daily Update:
Coming off the Chamber show, those at WWE have confirmed both bouts, AJ Styles vs. LA Knight and Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton, that yesterday’s show appeared to set up. Both are right now listed for Mania.
WWE set up both matches during Saturday’s Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia. After Bobby Lashley was eliminated in the men’s chamber match, Styles entered the structure and pummeled Knight with steel chair shots, then gave him the Styles Clash on top of the chair, ultimately eliminating him from the match.
The finish of the men’s chamber saw Paul put on a pair of brass knuckles, but ended up taking an RKO from Orton, eliminating him. Once Paul recovered, he struck Orton with the knuckles, allowing Drew McIntyre to recover and score the win, officially setting up McIntyre vs. World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
The final WWE SmackDown episode before Elimination Chamber airs tonight.
With Saturday’s Chamber event taking place in Australia, tonight’s SmackDown was taped a week in advance. It will be headlined by a matchup between Drew McIntyre and LA Knight. They’re two of the participants who will be competing in the men’s Elimination Chamber match. The Chamber winner earns a World Heavyweight Championship shot against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40.
A singles match between women’s Elimination Chamber participants Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton is also set for tonight. The women’s Chamber winner receives a Women’s World Championship shot at WrestleMania.
Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate are challenging The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles on Saturday. Tonight, Dunne & Bate take on Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh.
After being unveiled as the newest member of the SmackDown roster last Friday, Bron Breakker makes his SmackDown in-ring debut tonight. The Street Profits vs. The Authors of Pain is set for the episode as well.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
SmackDown opened up showing LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton arriving to the arena earlier in the day. Bianca Belair then made her way to the ring as they cut to a video package showcasing the Women’s Elimination Chamber match taking place live tomorrow morning on Peacock and the WWE Network.
Tiffany Stratton defeated Liv Morgan
Stratton attempted to gain early momentum but failed and tried to head to the back but Morgan caught up with her as Belair watched the match next to the commentary desk.
We’re back in the ring and it was back and forth but after Morgan landed a crucifix bomb for a two count, Stratton rolled to the outside of the ring as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and Stratton has Morgan grounded and trapped in a chinlock as a concerned Belair watched on. After Morgan made her way back to her feet, Stratton jawjacked her allowing Morgan to fire up and make a comeback.
Morgan nailed a codebreaker off the second turnbuckle but Stratton remained resilient and wouldn’t back down. Stratton attempted to nail the Prettiest Moonsault Ever but Morgan moved and Stratton rolled through. Morgan followed up with a powerbomb from the second turnbuckle but could only manage a two count.
Both women now on the outside and after Stratton tossed Morgan back into the ring, she slapped Belair out of nowhere before heading back into the ring. Morgan was able to get a pin attempt on Stratton back inside the ring but Belair had the referee distracted at this point.
Stratton then seized the opportunity and pushed Morgan into Belair knocking her off of the apron. Stratton rolled up Morgan for the 1-2-3 as a distraught Belair could do nothing but watch Stratton celebrate her victory.
– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with Drew McIntyre. McIntyre stated that he had to win tomorrow night at Elimination Chamber otherwise the past few weeks meant nothing. Bobby Lashley then interrupted and reminded McIntyre that he lost to him at WrestleMania 37 before walking away laughing.
– A video package aired on Ashante “Thee” Adonis and Cedric Alexander collaborating on their new ring gear as a tag team as Alexander tried on different outfits for Adonis.
– Backstage, Roman Reigns was with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. As Jimmy was celebrating what happened this past Monday on Raw, Reigns asked him who told him to go to Raw. Jimmy stated that it was Paul Heyman and Reigns informed him it was actually him and Reigns stated that he executed everything perfectly on Monday. Paul Heyman then entered the room and informed Reigns that Greyson Waller had arrived to see him as we headed to commercial.
Bron Breakker defeated Dante Chen
Breakker was making his official SmackDown debut, however, without his NXT Tag Team title around his waist.
This was your typical old school WWE Superstars squash match with Breakker landing a huge amount of offense, including a Steinerline before finishing Chen off with a massive spear for the victory.
– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with The Judgment Day. Braxton asked about New Catch Republic’s chances at winning the tag team titles tomorrow morning and as Finn Bálor laughed at the question, Damian Priest sent Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh to the ring for their upcoming match.
– Backstage, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro of the LWO were talking strategy before being interrupted by Elektra Lopez. Lopez stated that the LWO was basically dead and they needed to think about their loyalty before being attacked by Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar informed them that this was just the beginning.
New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) defeated The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh)
Bate and McDonagh began the match and both men attempted to gain momentum using speed and their technical skills but it was Bate’s power that proved too much for McDonagh.
A few moments later and Bate was in trouble but after Dunne was tagged in, Mysterio was being turned into a pretzel. After Bate was tagged back in, he got too fancy in the corner and soon found himself on the outside of the ring thanks to McDonagh. Dunne soon joined him on the outside as well as Judgment Day celebrated their antics as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and Mysterio was in control of Bate. Mysterio attempted to land the Three Amigos but failed on his last attempt and Bate overpowered him before making the tag to Dunne.
Bate and Dunne would then put on a clinic, knocking McDonagh down and out. Bate followed up with an airplane spin before NCR nailed multiple double team maneuvers to Mysterio but could only manage a two count as McDonagh was able to make the save.
Mysterio followed up with a 619 to Dunne but Bate interfered and knocked Dominik to the ground with a massive punch. NCR then nailed McDonagh with a huge Tiger Driver ’97 to score the victory leading into their match for the titles tomorrow morning at Elimination Chamber.
After the match, Finn Bálor and Damian Priest came down to the ring and attempted to attack Bate and Dunne but after they both failed, NCR headed to the back thwarting their attack.
– Backstage, United States champion Logan Paul was with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. As they were complimenting each other, they were interrupted by Kevin Owens. Owens made fun of them before requesting that the brass knuckles show up at Elimination Chamber before leaving. Paul Heyman then appeared and informed Waller that Roman Reigns wanted to see him now.
– Backstage, Dakota Kai was being helped to the trainer’s room by a referee and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis with no explanation provided.
Authors of Pain (w/The Final Testament) defeated The Street Profits (w/Bobby Lashley & B-Fab)
Montez Ford and Akam began the match and as Ford attempted to use his speed, Akam was just too powerful and Ford soon found himself looking concerned. Ford tagged in Angelo Dawkins and Dawkins soon found himself on the same end of a beating but would manage to find an opening and as AOP was regrouping on the outside, Dawkins landed a swanton over the top rope as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and Ford was being dominated by the shear size and power of AOP. After enduring punishment by AOP for the next several moments, Ford was able to side-step an attack by Rezar and finally make the hot tag to Dawkins.
Both teams went back and forth until the Profits were able to land a top rope blockbuster but could only manage a two count. Scarlett would then get involved and as Lashley protested, Kross would intercept and end up nailing Lashley’s arm with a steel chair across the ring post.
Meanwhile, back in the ring and Rezar was finally able to finish off Ford to gain the victory for AOP as commentary questioned how effective Lashley would now be tomorrow morning in the Elimination Chamber match.
– Backstage, Dakota Kai was being tended to by a medic and Nick Aldis before Bayley interrupted. Kai says she was jumped and apologized to Bayley for not trusting her. Bayley stated she should have been then for her and Kai followed up by stating that Damage CTRL was going to pay.
– Backstage, Roman Reigns was with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa before Paul Heyman introduced Grayson Waller to them. Reigns stated that he was going to tell him something but it was for his ears only before the camera cut away.
– It was announced that on SmackDown next week, Bayley & Dakota Kai will face The Kabuki Warriors while Carlito will battle Santos Escobar in a Street Fight.
– Backstage, Bobby Lashley was being tended to with The Street Profits and B-Fab looking on before being interrupted by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre stated that he would pray for him before heading to the ring for his upcoming match.
LA Knight & Drew McIntyre went to a No Contest
As the match was just about to begin, Logan Paul’s music hit and he headed to the commentary desk to share his thoughts.
After the bell rang, both men were relentless in trying to capitalize early on to pickup the quick victory but as Knight seemed a bit too cocky, McIntyre nailed him with a Glasgow Kiss to gain momentum before sending the action to the outside.
As McIntyre was laying a beating on the outside to Knight, Kevin Owens arrived on scene with a steel chair and headed to commentary as well. Corey Graves asked the question of what could go wrong as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and back inside the ring now and McIntyre was still laying a beating on Knight as Paul and Owens jawjacked on commentary. Wade Barrett attempted to make things a bit more professional but to no avail.
As McIntyre attempted to continue the assault on Knight, he missed a move in the corner and Knight was now on the comeback and managed to land his trademark superplex but could only manage a two count. McIntyre followed up with his Future Shock DDT but after failing to hit the Claymore Kick, action spilled to the outside.
As Knight and McIntyre battled on the outside, Owens began getting more hostile and as McIntyre went to get back inside of the ring, Owens attacked him and the referee called for the bell.
Shortly after, Paul got involved and then Bobby Lashley ran down to the ring to get involved as well. After each man attempted to establish dominance, McIntyre laid out Lashley and his music began to play. Unfortunately for McIntyre, seconds later the crowd erupted and it was a RKO out of nowhere!
Randy Orton had struck and as the closing logo appeared, it was Orton standing tall going into tomorrow morning’s Elimination Chamber match.
Final Thoughts:
A good show cementing the final pieces going into tomorrow morning’s Elimination Chamber PLE. Will I be watching this live at 5AM ET? Heck no, but I’ll be looking forward to watching this when I do wake up tomorrow morning.
With WrestleMania XL right around the corner and so many questions still out there, even a segment like The Grayson Waller Effect tomorrow morning will likely play huge significance with relation to the storylines for WrestleMania.
With Orton standing tall at the end of tonight’s show, he does have history with Seth “Freakin” Rollins and especially at WrestleMania. As a Canadian, my biased pick would be Kevin Owens but with Logan Paul in the match as well, Owens’s focus isn’t going to be 100%.
On the women’s side, can you imagine Tiffany Stratton going into WrestleMania to fight for the Women’s World Championship? One can dream. With that being said, whoever is victorious tomorrow morning, my pick is they’re going to be facing a nightmare at WrestleMania and I don’t think they’ll be coming out on top.
LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre, plus Bron Breakker’s in-ring debut on the brand have been announced for the February 23 WWE SmackDown.
After a backstage confrontation on this week’s show between Knight & McIntyre, WWE made their match official for next week in an announcement on SmackDown. Both Knight & McIntyre are set to compete in the men’s Elimination Chamber match at next Saturday’s pay-per-view.
After being presented as SmackDown’s newest signing on Friday’s show, Bron Breakker’s in-ring debut has also been announced for next week’s episode.
The feud between The Pride and The Final Testament will continue with a tag team match on next week’s SmackDown as The Street Profits will take on Authors of Pain.
Another tag team bout is also set for next week, with the newly-dubbed New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) taking on The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh. Dunne & Bate will challenge Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & Damian Priest for the Tag Team titles at Elimination Chamber next Saturday.
Next week’s SmackDown is being taped Friday night in Salt Lake City. The announced card for the show airing on Friday, February 23:
LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre
Bron Breakker’s SmackDown in-ring debut
The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar)
New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh)
Three more wrestlers have qualified for the Elimination Chamber.
Bobby Lashley and LA Knight won matches to advance to the men’s Elimination Chamber match on Monday’s Raw, while Liv Morgan advanced to the women’s Chamber match ahead of the February 24 premium live event in Perth, Australia.
Lashley was the first to qualify, defeating Bronson Reed. Morgan made her Raw in-ring return by defeating Zoey Stark. Knight followed up with a victory over Ivar.
Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton qualified on SmackDown Friday to enter the men’s chamber. Becky Lynch qualified on last week’s Raw, while Bianca Belair qualified on SmackDown. The winner of the men’s Chamber match will square off against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, while the women’s Chamber winner will face Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley.
This coming Friday’s SmackDown will feature Shotzi vs. Tiffany Stratton and Naomi vs. Zelina Vega to fill in two more Elimination Chamber spots, with the final spot being determined in a battle royal on next week’s Raw. For the men, The Miz will face Logan Paul and Dominik Mysterio will square off against Kevin Owens on SmackDown to fill the final two spots.
LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa has been added to Friday’s WWE SmackDown lineup, the go-home show for Saturday’s Royal Rumble event.
Knight vs. Sikoa takes place ahead of Saturday’s Royal Rumble where Knight will be part of a four-way Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match with title holder Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton. WWE officially announced the new match on Thursday.
The Knight vs. Sikoa bout is a rematch from the October 13 SmackDown where Knight defeated Sikoa in the build to challenging Reigns for the Universal title at Crown Jewel in November.
Already announced for SmackDown are a Women’s Tag Team title match with Katana Chance & Kayden Carter vs. Kabuki Warriors, Carlito vs. Santos Escobar, Austin Theory vs. Carmelo Hayes, plus a face-to-face segment with The Pride and The Final Testament factions.
The updated lineup for the Friday, January 26 SmackDown:
LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa
Women’s Tag Team Champions Katana Chance & Kayden Carter defend against Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory
The Pride (Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits) & The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Authors of Pain, Scarlett & Paul Ellering) face-to-face
Roman Reigns will be in the house at SmackDown tonight to sign the contract for his fatal four-way title defense at the Royal Rumble.
Reigns is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles at the Rumble on Saturday, January 27. They will meet tonight to sign the contract and make their match official.
Also on tap, Orton will square off against Bloodline member Solo Sikoa. Last week’s show ended with Sikoa and Jimmy Uso being laid out by Orton, Knight, and Styles after a three-on-two handicap match.
The KO Show returns as Kevin Owens welcomes United States Champion Logan Paul as his guest. The two are set to face off at the Royal Rumble for the U.S. title.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Katana Chance & Kayden Carter defend their belts against Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn tonight. Carlito, Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro are taking on Santos Escobar, Angel & Humberto. And Butch & Tyler Bate are facing Pretty Deadly.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– A video recapping last week’s Bloodline developments aired. It included all of the main event (which, again, I apologize for the power outage on my end, thus ruining the end of last week’s review. But, hey: it’s a new week!).
– Jimmy Uso was talking to Solo Sikoa backstage. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman walked into the frame. Reigns said he was there because the rest of his family didn’t fix things like he asked them to. After Reigns walked away, Sikoa said, “I’ll fix everything.”
The Royal Rumble contract signing
It was intriguing in a mild way that Reigns didn’t appear in the opening segment. It makes me wonder if he’s actually physically in the building despite the cold open and if perhaps they produced some pre-tapes for the episode. I’ll probably look foolish for that by the end of the night when he ends up factoring into the Orton vs. Sikoa match, but I digress. Anyway, this was fairly formulaic. My biggest takeaway from the Styles/Knight/Orton stuff all this time is that it really seems like Knight and Styles don’t like each other and that’s the next big feud for both of them once everyone moves past the Rumble. If it ends up playing out like that, everyone involved is doing a very good job heating that up. Orton, meanwhile, comes across as a shelf above both guys in terms of star power, and I’m not so sure about how many favors that might be doing for Styles and Knight.
SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis was in the middle of the ring. Aldis welcomed the crowd in. Aldis introduced AJ Styles, who walked to the ring and signed the contract. Aldis then introduced LA Knight, who played to the crowd and signed the contract as well. Aldis followed all of that up by welcoming Randy Orton to the ring. Once in the ring, Orton signed the contract as well. The crowd chanted “Randy!” Finally, Aldis introduced Roman Reigns, who did not initially appear. Instead, Paul Heyman walked out with a microphone in hand.
Heyman said he and Reigns had just arrive and they had not had the chance to submit the contract to an attorney beforehand. Heyman said he didn’t even have a chance to get his eyes on the agreement. As a result, Heyman said Reigns will not sign the contract. Aldis it’s fine if Reigns won’t sign the contract because he already has three signatures on the contract, so if nothing else, a triple-threat match for the “vacant” WWE Universal Undisputed Championship will take place.
Heyman marched back to the ring and said he cared deeply about Aldis. Heyman said he respected and admired the mediocre job he’s done as the person in charge of SmackDown. Hey complimented Aldis’s suits and said there would be no way Aldis could sell that scenario to anyone, including the Tribal Chief. Heyman said Reigns should be defending his title in a one-on-one match at the Royal Rumble. Heyman tried to go on, but Knight told him to “shut the hell up.” Knight said he’d “cut bacon off” Heyman’s back if he says another word. Knight said it should have been his match, but Orton and Styles came back to skip the line.
Styles chimed in and said the Bloodline tried to end his career and Knight walked over Styles’s dead body to get his match with Reigns and Knight lost. Styles said Knight was lucky to be in the match. Knight said Styles should watch the bass in his voice when he talks to Knight and Styles should turn his attention to Reigns. Knight told Styles he’d leave Styles laying and did his catchphrase. That kicked off a brawl between Styles and Knight until WWE officials broke them up. The crowd, meanwhile, chanted “Randy!” as Orton stood and did nothing. Left in the ring was Orton and Heyman and Orton grabbed Heyman’s tie. Orton said what Heyman tried to do won’t work because he’s going to drop Sikoa later in the show. After that, Orton said he would reintroduce the “RKO” letters to Reigns. Orton’s music played the segment out.
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– Aldis was shown walking backstage and was stopped by Styles, who told him he wants LA Knight in a match for later. Aldis told Styles he’s got it.
This was fine for what it was. You watch enough WWE, you can’t help but get the formula down as a viewer and that’s pretty much what this match turned out to be. You had to think the heels would get a cheap win and they did. Here’s my biggest question: What happened to the Wilde leaping spot from NXT? That was nuts. Why can’t they re-create that on the big stage? My hopes were high as the match went to a commercial break and the heels were on the outside, but it was not to be. The initial NXT moment was a fun, viral memory and it’s one Del Toro and Wilde could use on the main roster. Also, I may be in the minority, but can we start to move away from these six guys and these two factions and have them all move on to something perhaps bigger? I feel like everyone involved here has been working together in one way or another for months (yes, I know Angel and Humberto are relatively new to the equation, but … damn, guys, let’s try to branch out a little).
Angel and Carlito started the match as Angel took Carlito’s knee out. Carlito quickly rebounded and chopped Angel to the ground. Del Toro tagged in and traded blows with Angel. Wilde tagged in and worked a double-team move that resulted in a springboard moonsault on Angel. Humberto tried to interfere, but Wilde got the best of them. From there, Del Toro and Wilde completed stereo dives onto Angel and Humberto, who were on the outside. Escobar stared at the babyfaces as the show went to a commercial break.
Back from the break, the heels had control as Angel landed an assisted neck-breaker. Escobar ultimately tagged in and Humberto and Angel threw Wilde onto Escobar’s knee. Angel tagged in and bullied Wilde before Humberto tagged in and worked a chin-lock. Wilde eventually worked his way out of it and hit a spike DDT. Ultimately, Carlito received the hot tag and he cleaned house on the three heels. Carlito slammed Humberto, but Escobar broke things up. Things broke down and a lot of super-kicks were traded amongst the wrestlers. Escobar got in a blind tag and after Carlito hit a back-stabber, Escobar ran into the ring and rolled up Carlito for the win.
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– Kayla Braxton interviewed Pretty Deadly backstage. They said they had been studying tapes on Butch and Tyler Bate and they are “pretty smart boys.” The two then made their entrance.
– Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits cut a vignette. They called out The Final Testament and said they just need to name a time and place and when that happens, they will show the Final Testament “what real intimidation looks like.”
Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) [7:20]
I said in the last few weeks that I have a soft spot for Dunne and Bate, so I enjoyed this. Dunne returning to Dunne was really neat and he even showed more fire and less of that goofy, wild, crazy stuff he was asked to do with the Brutes. This feels more authentic and I’m here for it. My only concern is that the live crowds still don’t seem to be all that behind Dunne and Bate. Maybe they are still getting acquainted. But maybe it’s not working, either – and that’s my fear. Levesque seems to give wrestlers a longer rope compared to the previous regime when it comes to getting over, so here’s hoping Dunne and Bate get more of a chance then just a few TV matches. Meanwhile, what’s up with Pretty Deadly? They seemed to be positioned for a push when they first got to SmackDown, but they’ve been taking nothing but losses lately. Both teams are curious cases when it comes to the future, but both cases are interesting enough to keep me caring about them week to week.
Tyler Bate made his entrance first and instead of coming out as Butch, Pete Dunne came out as … well … Pete Dunne, complete with his old gear. Very cool. Bate and Wilson started the match, but Dunne tagged in soon and instantly started going after Wilson’s fingers. Dunne had a ton of fire and aggression as he stretched Wilson. Bate tagged in and spun Wilson around a bunch before Wilson rolled to the outside and the show went to a commercial break.
When the show returned, Prince had control on Bate inside the ring. The heels kept control as Wilson tagged in and landed a gut buster. Wilson leapt at Bate, but Bate caught Wilson and suplexed him. Dunne then received the hot tag and Dunne fired up with a German Suplex and a stomp on Wilson’s hands. Dunne then kicked Prince and suplexed Prince onto Wilson. Dunne ran at Prince, but Prince kicked Dunne. Bate then tagged in and punched Prince and clotheslined Wilson. Dunne then tagged in and did the finger spot on Prince before hitting the Bitter End on Prince for the win.
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– Pretty Deadly was shown walking backstage and they ran into Braxton. Wilson yelled that they weren’t ready. Prince said they were prepared for Butch, but not for who came out. They kept yelling and walked out of the frame.
The KO Show with Logan Paul
Man, the crowd was up for this. A lot more up for it than I thought they would be. Atlanta loves them some Kevin Owens. The two did a good job establishing who they are – Paul as the obnoxious entitled celebrity and Owens as The Guy To Defend Wrestling. It’s an easy story, but it works, and it worked here. So much so that it made me raise my eyebrows even more for their match at the Royal Rumble. Clearly, Owens will have an out with his arm – and my guess is Paul walks out with that title still in his possession – but it should be a lot of fun getting there.
The crowd chanted “KO!” and seemed to love Owens, who thanked them for loving him. Owens said he was about to say something he never thought he’d say: “Please welcome my guest on The Kevin Owens Show, Logan Paul.” Paul made his entrance. There were no chairs in the ring, so the two just stood in the middle of it while holding microphones. Paul mocked The KO Show and said he wasn’t honored to be there. Paul called it a bottom of the barrel show. Paul said he is the show. Paul said he owed Owens a thank you because Owens is the reason Paul is in WWE. Paul threw to a clip, which showed Owens giving Paul a Stunner at WrestleMania 37 in 2021 in Tampa.
The crowd chanted “one more time!” Paul told the crowd to direct their anger at Owens because he’s the reason Paul became a WWE superstar. Owens responded by saying he’s been wrestling for almost 25 years and to him, Paul was just another celebrity he Stunned. Owens gave Paul credit for putting in the work as a wrestler. Owens said as good as Paul is, he’s not “one of us,” referring to other wrestlers on the roster. Paul said thank God for that because he’s “one of one.” Paul used a ton of superlatives to say who he is. Paul followed that by saying Owens is just Owens. Owens funnily responded by saying he didn’t know what any of that meant. The crowd chanted “Logan sucks!”
Owens said he heard all the put-downs Paul lobbed Owens’s way, but Owens said he isn’t allowed to say everything he wants to say about Paul. Owens said Paul is protected and sheltered. Owens said Paul was offered all the tools he needed to win a title once he got to WWE. Owens said Paul holding the U.S. title is a joke and he will put an end to that joke at the Royal Rumble. Paul claimed he wasn’t listening to anything Owens said. Paul noted how Owens’s arm is protected and the only way Owens knocked Paul down was because of Owens’s cast. Paul said it will only take a second to “KO K.O.”
Owens said everyone knows he can take more punishment than anyone else. Owens said there isn’t a punch Paul could throw that could knock him out. Owens then gave his word that he wouldn’t have the cast on the the Rumble. Owens took the cast off and out of nowhere, Paul sucker-punched Owens, who was knocked down. But Owens got up and yelled at Paul and speared Paul. The action spilled outside and Paul rammed Owens’s hurt hand into the ring post. Paul stood over Owens, holding the U.S. title to end the segment.
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– Roman Reigns was shown talking to the Bloodline backstage. Reigns was lecturing Jimmy Uso, but Solo Sikoa stepped in and said last week was on him. Sikoa said tonight, he’ll show Reigns that he can fix everything. Sikoa walked out of the frame and Jimmy followed him.
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defeated Unholy Union (Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn) to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship [2:56]
Not much to this. So much so that I feel bad for all four women involved. Shoot, I feel bad for all nine women involved – throw the Damage CTRL ladies in there, too. In a different world, Chance, Carter, Fyre and Dawn could have a very good 12-minute match. SmackDown, these days, isn’t that works. As a result, this was just sort of there. The slow match to Asuka and Sane holding those belts continues.
Damage CTRL stood at ringside for the match and Bayley sat in on commentary. Unholy Union jumpstarted the match and attacked Carter. Chance eventually tagged in and tried to fire things up by working over Dawn. Things broke down early as the four women brawled. Fyre tagged in and traded roll-ups and pin attempts with Carter. Ultimately, Carter landed a Destroyer on Fyre and from there, Carter and Chance hit their finisher for the win.
After the match, Asuka and Kairi Sane taunted the champions by holding the women’s tag titles. Chance and Carter grabbed them away from the Damage CTRL duo and asked them if “they want some.” Bayley said it looks like we know who the next challengers for the women’s tag titles will be.
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– The OC was shown backstage and AJ Styles walked in. Luke Gallows told him that no matter what, they still have Styles’s back. Styles walked away.
– A Final Testament vignette aired. From there, a recap of the Austin Theory/Carmelo Hayes match aired. That included the way it abruptly ended. HAyes was then interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Hayes said thankfully, last week, both guys were able to walk away. Hayes said even though he didn’t win, he also didn’t lose. Theory walked into the frame and said Hayes tried to end Theory’s career last week. Hayes challenged Theory to a match on next week’s SmackDown. Grayson Waller accepted the challenge on behalf of Theory and Theory looked unhappy about it.
– Next week, Carlito will wrestle Santos Escobar. Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits will go face-to-face with The Final Testament. Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory will happen. Plus, the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & and Kairi Sane) will go up against Carter & Chance for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
La Knight defeated AJ Styles via DQ (I think?) [4:48]
There was never an official announcement on the winner, but Sikoa attacked Knight first, so one could only assume he’s the winner despite AJ taking the bulk of the attack after the bell rang to end the match. The match screamed “angle alert” and wouldn’t you know it, the thing turned out to be little more than an angle. I maintain that Styles and Knight will work a program coming out of next Saturday, but only time will tell for sure. As for this, there wasn’t much to say. They got in what they could while they could.
The two brawled to begin the match. Knight ran Styles into the second turnbuckle. Knight followed that up with a vertical suplex and a cover attempt. The two trade chops amid a tiny bit of miscommunication. Styles won that war and and hit a back-breaker. Knight fought back and slammed Styles for a two-count. Styles rolled to the outside and Knight followed him, only to run into a knee from Styles. Styles threw Knight into the barricade and Knight returned the favor by dropping Styles on a barricade. Knight slammed Styles’s head onto the commentary table.
Jimmy Uso then walked out. Knight addressed Uso and Uso backed off. When Knight returned to Styles, Styles landed an enziguri. Out of nowhere, Solo Sikoa appeared and gave Knight the Samoan Spike. Sikoa ran Styles into the ring steps. Sikoa then hit a Samoan Spike on Styles. Sikoa grabbed a microphone and said “Two down, one to go.” Sikoa called out Randy Orton.
Randy Orton defeated Solo Sikoa [5:12]
… And speaking of “angle alert” … . The main event was not really a main event – and as I wrote elsewhere this week, can we please start talking about how Sikoa has taken almost 20 straight losses since that dominating win over John Cena in Saudi Arabia? That said, there was nothing to the actual match here on this night. The set up for Roman ultimately signing the contract and running into an RKO was fairly predictable, but entertaining, nonetheless. How they go home next week should be interesting because I’m not sure what else they could do between the four wrestlers involved in the title match to make it more interesting. Still, go-home week is typically a lot more fun than just a regular, old week. We’ll see.
Sikoa took control early, hitting a hip attack before Orton rolled to the outside, where Sikoa slammed Orton on the commentary table and ran Orton into the ring steps. Sikoa posed as the show went to its final commercial break of the night. When the show returned, Orton suplexed Sikoa onto the commentary table, but the table didn’t break. Sikoa bounced back, landed a few strikes and rolled Orton into the ring. From there, Orton hit the draping DDT and fired up the crowd. Jimmy Uso walked to the ring, but Knight attacked Uso from behind. Uso tried to leave, but Styles attacked Uso, too. Back inside the ring, Orton hit the RKO for the win.
After the match, Orton, Styles and Knight stood in the ring. Knight hit Styles. Orton RKO’d Knight and mocked Knight’s catchphrase. Orton then RKO’d Styles. Orton posed, but Reigns appeared out of nowhere and Superman-Punched Orton to stand tall (so much for my pre-tape theory). Nick Aldis, who was at ringside, gave Reigns the contract and Reigns then signed the contract while smiling. Reigns geared up for a spear on Orton, but instead, Reigns ran into an RKO. Orton’s music hit and Orton stood up, much to the delight of the crowd. Orton was the only one standing to end the show.
On SmackDown last night, all three of Roman Reigns’ next challengers worked together to decimate The Bloodline,
Reigns didn’t appear on the episode, but Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman attempted to hijack the show. The Bloodline were upset that SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis has booked Reigns to defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble.
Despite The Bloodline trying to disrupt things, Aldis declared that he isn’t changing his mind. Reigns vs. Orton vs. Knight vs. Styles is still on for the Royal Rumble.
Aldis announced that Uso & Sikoa would have to face Orton, Knight & Styles in last night’s main event. If Uso & Sikoa could not find a partner, it would be a handicap match.
Uso & Sikoa weren’t able to get a partner for the match. They attempted to even the odds by attacking Orton during his entrance, but Orton returned before the match ended. Orton got the win by pinning Uso after an RKO.
Following the match, Orton, Knight & Styles decimated Uso & Sikoa. They struck Uso with the steel steps and powerbombed Sikoa through the announce table.
Reigns will be back on SmackDown next Friday for a contract signing with Orton, Knight, and Styles.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will be in the building for next Friday’s SmackDown.
After not appearing on this week’s show, Reigns will make his return to SmackDown next Friday. WWE has announced that there will be a Royal Rumble contract signing on the episode with Reigns, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles.
Reigns is defending his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Orton, Knight, and Styles in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 27. The match was announced by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis last week after Reigns and The Bloodline disrupted a triple threat number one contender’s bout.
Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman attempted to hijack SmackDown tonight. In response, Aldis booked Uso & Sikoa in a tag match against Orton, Knight & Styles.
Uso & Sikoa weren’t able to find a partner for the match. They tried to even the odds by attacking Orton while he was making his entrance, but Orton returned during the match and pinned Uso after hitting an RKO. The show ended with Orton, Knight, and Styles laying out Uso and Sikoa. They hit Uso with the steel steps and then put Sikoa through the announce table.
Next week’s SmackDown is the second-to-last episode of the show before the Royal Rumble. United States Champion Logan Paul is set to make an appearance ahead of his Royal Rumble title defense against Kevin Owens. Paul will be Owens’ guest on The KO Show.
WWE SmackDown (Friday, January 19) —
Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles contract signing
United States Champion Logan Paul appears on The KO Show
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defend against Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn
Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble challengers are set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Lincoln, Nebraska.
Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles are all slated to be featured after SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced last week that the three will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble. Aldis made the decision after Reigns and The Bloodline disrupted a triple threat number one contender’s match.
Also on tap: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley. Last week, IYO SKY, Bayley’s Damage CTRL stablemate, told Bayley to take out Belair after Belair confronted the faction.
The LWO’s Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro are set to face off against Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo. Wilde & Del Toro are still seeking revenge on Santos Escobar for turning against the LWO.
Grayson Waller will also wrestle Cameron Grimes after the two interacted backstage last week.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– Kevin Patrick welcomed viewers into the show. Grayson Waller’s music hit and Waller came to the ring with Austin Theory. Patrick then threw to a video recapping last week’s main event, including the development that the fatal four-way match was made for the Royal Rumble. Cutting back to the show, The Bloodline was shown attacking Cameron Grimes as he made his way to the ring.
The Bloodline segment
I’m a fan of switching up the WWE formula, so I can’t complain about how the show began, with the attack on Grimes and all. My only complaint is that … well, come on. When will Cameron Grimes ever get any booking love? Anyway, I got a kick out of how Waller and Theory bailed so quickly when The Bloodline got into the ring. And I like selling Jimmy and Solo as badasses, but at this point, they are getting to the point where they take too many losses to be taken seriously. Quick poll (that will be obsolete and make me look stupid by 10:01 p.m. EST): Do we think the Bloodline gets a third man? And if so, who will it be?
Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa were the main attackers and they ran Waller and Theory off. Paul Heyman then got a microphone and called Nick Aldis a “James Bond wannabe.” Heyman said it’s practically guaranteed that Roman’s title will be lost at the Royal Rumble because of the stipulation. Aldis walked to the ring as Heyman said Aldis was the bad guy. Aldis then grabbed the microphone out of Heyman’s hand.
Aldis started by saying Heyman is not Aldis’s equal. Aldis then said the four-way match at the Royal Rumble is a done deal. Aldis said The Bloodline will not ruin anymore matches because they will be in the main event of tonight’s show. Aldis then announced Sikoa, Uso & Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles, LA Knight & Randy Orton as the main event. Heyman was fuming and tried to grab the mic back, but Aldis wouldn’t let it go. Heyman told Aldis that Reigns wasn’t in Nebraska for the show.
Aldis said Reigns started something he can’t finish. Aldis said Heyman has until the main event of the show to find a third man. If he can’t, Aldis said it will be a 3-on-2 handicap match. Patrick and Corey Graves then ran down the card for the night.
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– Heyman was talking to Solo and Jimmy backstage and Heyman told them not to worry and he would find them a tag partner for later.
And here I was convinced that we were going to get the LWO launch spot we got from NXT in some way. Sad. That aside, these four guys worked really hard and I thought they looked very good together – so much so that I wouldn’t oppose a rematch at some point because this was overshadowed by the Carlito/Escobar brawl. This incarnation of the Garza/Carrillo team feels the strongest it’s been in WWE, so here’s to high hopes for them moving forward.
Santos Escobar sat in on commentary. Del Toro and Wilde had control early, complete with a stereo dive onto the heels on the outside. Quickly, the heels got the upper hand as Garza held the roped and Del Toro fell to the outside. Garza then landed a running knee on Del Toro and the show went to a commercial break.
Back from break, the heels landed a pair of impressive double-team moves to get a two-count on Del Toro. Eventually, Garza tagged in, but Del Toro got the hot tag to Wilde and worked over Garza, including a spike DDT for a two-count. Carillo and Garza threw Wilde off the top and Carrillo hit a nice-looking sit-out powerbomb for a two-count. Garza tagged in and super-kicked Wilde.
The LWO trio regained control with a corkscrew plancha from Del Toro onto Carillo on the outside. Carrlito’s music then hit and Carlito brawled with Escobar through the crowd. Garza then rolled up Wilde and held the ropes to get the win.
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– Aldis and Carmelo Hayes were talking backstage but they were interrupted by Theory and Waller. Hayes mentioned how he beat Waller a lot. Hayes challenged Waller to a match tonight. Waller said he couldn’t, so Aldis made an Austin Theory vs. Hayes match for later.
– Backstage, the LWO was walking backstage and Heyman walked into the frame to offer Carlito a spot in the main event. Heyman even had an apple in his hand. Carlito turned him down, but took Heyman’s apple and walked away.
– Logan Paul cut a promo saying he might sue Kevin Owens because of the black eye he has from the shot he took via Owens’s cast last week. Paul called Owens a cheater. Paul said if he’s going to have a match with Owens, Owens is going to have to do it without his cast.
– A video from earlier today aired with Butch and Tyler Bate. They were sharing coffee. Butch said he can handle himself. Bate said they had fun beating Pretty Deadly last week. Butch told Bate to shut up. Bate pitched meditating with Butch, who said everything they did was in the past and they should do things separately. Bate said they could show the world what British Strong Style is all about. The video ended with Butch staring into the distance and without resolution.
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Bianca Belair defeated Bayley [16:24]
Wow. Nearly 17 minutes for the women. You love to see it. The story between Bayley and Damage CTRL continues, and I’m beginning to wonder if it’s about to jump the shark. We get it. This has been building for a while. When does the next step come? As for the match, it was pretty good. Two professional wrestlers put on a very good professional wrestling television match. The awkwardness with the pins toward the end can be forgiven, if only because of how much weight they were carrying. Good for them, though. They got the time and they delivered.
The two locked up and Belair rolled up Bayley a few times to no avail. Belair had control for a lot of the first third of the match, but Bayley fought back as the crowd chanted “Bayley sucks!” Belair fired up and hit a trio of bodyslams. Belair ran at Bayley, but Bayley tripped her up and draped Belair on the second rope. Bayley was jawing at the rest of Damage CTRL and that allowed Belair to take control. Belair then landed a splash on Bayley, who was on the outside. Belair was pumped and the show went to break.
Back from that commercial, Bayley had control on Belair inside the ring. Bayley pounded on Belair. Belair fought out and hit a spine-buster to even things out. Belair fired up and landed a shoulder-block. Bayley fought back and hit a running knee. Bayley then tied Belair’s braid to the bottom rope. Bayley ran at Belair, but Belair used the braid to trip Bayley and then free herself. Belair stretched Bayley on a ring post, but Bayley came back by running Belair into the ring post.
Belair lifted Bayley for a KOD and instead threw Bayley into a ring post. Back inside the ring, Belair landed a series of shoulder-blocks. Belair hit a vertical suplex on Bayley. Bayley tried to pull on the braid, but Belair used it to her advantage and and punched Bayley. Belair landed a back-breaker for a two-count. Belair went for a springboard moonsault, but Bayley caught her and ran Belair into a corner. Ultimately, Belair bounced back and hit that moonsault and it resulted in a near-fall. Belair lifted Bayley for a KOD, but Bayley countered and went to the top. Bayley landed an elbow drop and that resulted in a near-fall.
Bayley tried to roll up Belair for the win and used the ropes, but the referee stopped her. Belair rolled to the outside and Bayley wanted Damage CTRL to attack Belair, but they wouldn’t and that caused frustration. Back in the ring, Belair hit a spear and the KOD for the win.
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– Kevin Owens cut a promo backstage and said he needs to talk with Logan Paul about stuff next week face to face on SmackDown. Owens then invited Paul onto The Kevin Owens Show next week.
– Dakota Kai talked to Bayley backstage and tried to reassure her. Kai said Bayley would have to win the Royal Rumble match on her own, which is why the faction didn’t interfere. Bayley looked disappointed as the scene ended.
– Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits walked to the ring without suit jackets and meant business. Lashley grabbed a microphone and called out the Kross/AOP faction. Lashley told them they wanted to settle things right here and right now. The lights went out and Paul Ellering walked out to point at the big screen. A Karrion Kross/Scarlett video aired on it. Kross introduced AOP. Kross revealed the group’s name as The Final Testament. That was the end of that.
– Backstage, Pretty Deadly approached Heyman and pitched themselves as the partners for Sikoa and Uso later. Heyman said he needed only one person so Pretty Deadly backed off.
– A Carmelo Hayes vignette aired. Hayes then made his entrance for the next match.
– Lashley and the Profits were shown walking backstage. Heyman approached them and asked Lashley to work out his aggression by teaming with Uso and Solo later. Lashley said the only time he wants to be in the ring with the Bloodline is when he’s standing across from Roman Reigns.
Austin Theory vs. Carmelo Hayes ended in a no contest [9:04]
Umpf. You hate to see the X sign, no matter what. The two were having a pretty good match up until it, but I actually thought Theory’s head-plant on the apron before the commercial break got Theory down. The move that called the match off did not help. Here’s hoping both guys are all right.
Theory backed Hayes up into a corner and jawed at him. Hayes worked multiple head-locks before hitting a standing dropkick. Theory was draped on the second rope and Hayes hit a Fadeaway. Hayes then slammed Theory’s head on the apron and the show went to break. Back from break, Theory landed a rolling shotgun dropkick. Theory tried to suplex Hayes, but Hayes countered with a suplex of his own. Hayes followed it up with a springboard clothesline and a face plant for a two-count. The two traded unsuccessful pin attempts before Hayes landed a super-kick. Theory ran Hayes into a corner and Theory went for something from the second rope, but both guys landed awkwardly and the ref held up the X sign to signal the end of the match.
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– Next week, Dawn & Fyre will take on Chance & Carter for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The contract signing for the Royal Rumble main event will take place. Also, The KO Show with Logan Paul will go down.
– Backstage, Heyman was talking to Uso and Solo. Heyman said there wasn’t any man in the building worthy of standing beside the Bloodline.
– Randy Orton made his entrance, but Sikoa and Uso attacked him from behind as the show went to break.
La Knight, AJ Styles & Randy Orton defeated Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso [maybe 12:00?]
For the first time in my history of covering live wrestling on television, all of everything went out – electricity, internet, television, all of it. But I wanted to get the result up ASAP. The match was going along well enough until everything cut out. Orton, from what I understand, made his triumphant comeback, as was expected, but I can’t lie to you – I can’t speak truth to the full match and I very much apologize. Here’s to thinking this inspires Roman to go full-on a-hole next week because at this point, after all the technology nonsense, I’m happy to side with a-holes.
Because of the attack, Orton went to the back and we got a traditional tag team match. Styles had control over Uso and tagged in Knight, who worked over Uso with a series of kicks and punches. Styles tagged back in and eventually, Knight and Styles hit a bunch of chops on Sikoa, which took Sikoa to the outside. From there, the show went to its final commercial break.
Back from break … well, my internet connection went out. But, from what I understand, the babyfaces got the win.
Roman Reigns will have three title challengers at the Royal Rumble.
WWE has announced that Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble. The match was made after Reigns disrupted a number one contender’s bout on SmackDown’s New Year’s Revolution episode.
Orton vs. Knight vs. Styles headlined tonight’s SmackDown. It was supposed to determine Reigns’ Royal Rumble challenger, but Reigns and The Bloodline interfered in the match and attacked all three competitors.
Reigns stood triumphant at the end of the show after The Bloodline laid out Orton, Knight, and Styles, but SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis informed Paul Heyman that Reigns will now have to defend his title in a fatal four-way match at the Rumble.
A power struggle between Reigns and Aldis has been building in recent weeks. Reigns wasn’t happy that Aldis made the Orton vs. Knight vs. Styles number one contender’s match without running the idea past him first.
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida is hosting the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 27. Here’s the updated card for the event:
Men’s Royal Rumble match
Women’s Royal Rumble match
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles in a fatal four-way match
United States Champion Logan Paul defends against Kevin Owens
SmackDown kicks off 2024 tonight with a special New Year’s Revolution episode.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set to make an appearance on the show. His challenger for the Royal Rumble will be determined tonight when Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles square off in a triple threat match. All three have been staking claim to being the number one contender to Reigns’ belt.
Also on tap is the finals of WWE’s United States title number one contender’s tournament. Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar will face off with the winner advancing to challenge Logan Paul for the US title at the Royal Rumble.
Paul, meanwhile, is also slated to appear on tonight’s show.
Michin will challenge IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship tonight. Michin was part of a team that beat Damage CTRL on the December 22 edition of SmackDown.
Butch must also find a partner to team with him against Pretty Deadly.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– A video recapping The Rock’s return on Raw aired to open the show. An SUV pulled up in the back and Roman Reigns stepped out of it. Reigns was met by Kayla Braxton, whose microphone didn’t initially work, so I’m not sure what she asked. Either way, Reigns just laughed and walked away.
– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Kevin Owens’s music hit and to the first match, we went. The commentary team was Patrick and Corey Graves, so the two were swimming without the lifeboat that is Michael Cole.
Kevin Owens defeated Santos Escobar to win the U.S. title tournament [16:47]
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a welcome change of pace to have the show begin with a match and not some 12-minute promo that sets up an unannounced main event. So, kudos to WWE for that. The match itself was pretty good, but it never kicked into the next gear for me. Both guys worked hard and crowd was fantastic, biting on almost every near-fall, adding great texture to everything that went down in the ring. Still, the outcome felt predictable considering how we had to think they would go with a babyface vs. heel dynamic at the Royal Rumble. Escobar is a heel. Owens is a babyface. The math is easy. Either way, this was a fine opener – good, but not great.
Before the bell rang, Logan Paul’s music hit and Paul walked to the ring, where he sat in on commentary. The LWO’s Del Toro and Wilde ran out and fought Carillo and Garza to the back. Owens capitalized on that and ultimately landed a frog splash for a good early-match near-fall. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Owens had control and stared at Paul. Owens went to the top, but Escobar cut him off and Escobar slammed Owens’s arm into the ring post.
Escobar worked Owens’s arm inside the ring. With Owens on the outside, Escobar landed a tope suicida and posed. Escobar went for Owens’s arm, but Owens kicked his way out and rolled back into the ring, where Escobar went to the top. Owens climbed up with him, but Escobar fought him off and jumped off the top, where Owens caught and planted Escobar with a DDT. The two went back to the top and Escobar set up for a super-plex, but Owens countered into a package suplex of his own. The show then went to another commercial break.
Back from that break, the two were on the top rope yet again and they fought out of it. Owens super-kicked Escobar to the outside and Owens landed a Cannonball before going back to the top, where Owens went for a Senton, but Escobar got his knees up. Escobar then landed a double-knees and a Frankensteiner from the top rope. Escobar landed a splash for a two-count. The crowd chanted “Logan sucks!” and Paul played into it from the commentary table.
Escobar then placed Owens back on the top rope and hit a step-up enziguri. Owens grabbed Escobar and landed a rolling Senton from the second rope for a good near-fall. Owens went for a Stunner, but Escobar rolled Owens up for a two-count. Owens hit a super-kick and then, after one failed attempt, a pop-up powerbomb. Owens then hit the Stunner and got the win.
After the match, Paul got a house mic and told Owens he will face the greatest United States Champion in history. Paul mentioned he’s had his title for 62 days. Paul got into the ring and said, “You thought a Canadian could have the United States Championship?” Paul mocked the idea of the Vancouver Canucks winning the Stanley Cup. Paul tried to say his own name, but Owens knocked Paul out with a punch from his cast hand.
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Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits made their entrance. It’s going to be an All Mighty New Year, they say. As such, the show then went to a commercial break.
– Logan Paul was walking backstage and was interviewed. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller stepped in and helped Paul. Cameron Grimes then came into the frame and laughed at everyone. Waller shoved Grimes and the show went back into the ring, where Lashley and the Profits were waiting.
The Bobby Lashley/Street Profits segment
And so, the rumors were true. I won’t lie: I’m intrigued by the AOP/Kross pairing, if only because I guess this means Ellering feels better about going on the road again and Ellering brought so much to that act before he decided to pull back. Whatever the faction ends up being, it could be dominating, which would be welcome for Kross, as he’s been spinning his wheels on the WWE main roster for what feels like lightyears. The presentation here was pretty good and they’re off to a strong start. I’m cautious, but I’m optimistic for where this group goes.
Lashley welcomed everyone into New Year’s Revolution. Lashley said 2023 was probably the toughest year of his career in WWE. Lashley said he didn’t get the results he wanted in 2023. Lashley said the highlight of the year for him was hooking up with the Profits. Lashley said their resolution is simple – they are going to fight for and take everything they deserve in 2024. Montez Ford chimed in and the crowd chanted “Bobby!”
Ford said they will take full advantage of every opportunity when it comes to capturing championships. Dawkins spoke, too, and said Judgment Day needs to keep their head on a swivel. Lashley added his personal goal for 2024 is to get back to being “The All Mighty.” Lashley then declared for the Royal Rumble Match. On cue, Karrion Kross’s music played and he walked out with Scarlett – as well as Paul Ellering. A returning AOP then attacked the Profits from behind while Kross walked to the ring and attacked Lashley. AOP hit the Super Collider on the Profits and Kross landed his new finisher on Lashley. Kross and AOP stood tall in the ring to end the segment.
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IYO SKY defeated Michin to retain the WWE Women’s Championship [10:19]
This was really very good despite a few moments that gave me pause. I’m all for seeing Michin/Mia Yim get some national TV time and they gave her all the offense and then some throughout this match. In fact, I’d say it was probably 80-85% Michin dominating and 20-15% SKY getting in what she could. I’d love to think this means Michin will stick around the title picture (or for that matter, in some meaningful way on SmackDown), but I have my doubts. Forget the cynicism for now. This was a strong match between two very good wrestlers and the second-rope Styles Clash that Michin pulled off was nuts. Good on WWE (again) for making sure there was no nonsense involved here, too. No interference. No eye rolls. Solid stuff.
Michin made her entrance flanked by The O.C., who then went to the back. Damage CTRL then flanked SKY during her entrance, but they also went to the back. The two started off fast without either woman getting the upper hand. Michin tried a couple roll-ups, but SKY ultimately landed a standing double stomp to slow Michin down. SKY ended up on the outside and Michin hit a dive through the ropes to take SKY down. The show then went to a commercial break.
Back from that break, Michin still had control, and after an odd powerbomb exchange, Michin landed a knee to SKY’s chin and a then Cannonball for a two-count. Michin slapped SKY and then hit a sort of reverse code-breaker. Michin worked a half-crab until SKY made it to the ropes for a break. Michin went to kick SKY, but SKY caught her. Even so, SKY tried a springboard move, but Michin cut her off with a punch to the head. SKY then landed a bridging German Suplex on Michin on the apron to take control.
SKY followed that up with a springboard shotgun dropkick. SKY tried an Over The Moonsault, but Michin got the knees up. Michin followed that up with a Dragon Suplex for a nice near-fall. Michin tried to lift SKY, but SKY countered with a double knees. SKY went back to the top, but Michin cut her off and went to the top herself. SKY cut Michin off, but Michin caught SKY and ultimately landed a wild Styles Clash from the second rope … but SKY got her hand on the bottom rope to break up a pin attempt.
With SKY on the outside, Michin went for another dive, but SKY moved and hit a Meteora on Michin on the barricade. SKY got Michin back into the ring, hit a double knees, and, of course, the Over The Moonsault for the win.
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– Paul Heyman was shown backstage and was remotely interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Heyman said The Rock name-dropped Reigns because The Rock wants to sit at the head of the table. Heyman said The Rock needs to be invited to sit there, but The Rock will not be invited. Heyman said there are two ways to go viral in this world – 1. Date Taylor Swift. 2. Call out Roman Reigns. Heyman mocked Cody for talking about finishing his story. Heyman called out CM Punk for saying he was the OG Paul Heyman Guy. Heyman said the man who wins tonight in the main event will be smashed at the Royal Rumble by the Tribal Chief. Heyman said there isn’t one man on the planet who could beat Roman Reigns.
– SKY was shown walking backstage and Damage CTRL ran up to her to congratulate her on the win. Bayley said she sees greatness in all of Damage CTRL. SKY said IYO’s Era will never end. Bayley kept talking about her plan, which will include Asuka and Sane winning the tag titles and Bayley winning the Rumble match. Bianca Belair walked into the frame and congratulated SKY for winning. Belair said Bayley won’t win the Rumble match because Belair is going to win the Rumble match because Belair just now declared herself in the match. Dakota Kai said Bayley has to take care of Belair and Damage CTRL walked away from Bayley.
– With Pretty Deadly in the ring, the Brawling Brutes music hit. Butch walked out first, and then walked out … Tyler Bate. That was fun.
Hey, look. It’s Tyler Bate! I’m inclined to err toward Butch and Bate because I stuck with that initial WWE UK stint some six, seven years ago, and those two were destined to be absolute stars coming out of their battles with one another. Shoot, just look up their NXT Takeover bout and watch those kids cook. So, seeing them reunited here makes me feel warm, but that sentiment clearly was not shared by the live crowd, which has been very hot at times, but here, was painfully subdued. Still, for those of us who have followed Bate and the former Pete Dunne, this was a ray of hope that both guys will get more main roster love moving forward. As for the match, Bate played the hits while Butch felt overly enthusiastic. What more could anyone want? Now the question suddenly must be asked: What happens to Pretty Deadly? They seemed to be on a fast track to a high spot on the card and now … not so much.
Bate and Wilson began the match. Bate worked a head-lock and executed some of his signature Tyler Bate spots. Bate toyed with Wilson and posed, which got a very mild response. Butch tagged in and so did Prince. Wilson ran in and Butch worked his fingers spot on Wilson. With both of Pretty Deadly on the outside, Bate and Butch landed stereo dives to send the show to a commercial break.
Back from the break, Prince was working over Butch. Butch fought his way out and suplexed Prince. Wilson tagged in, but Bate got the hot tag and cleaned house. Bate landed a European Uppercut from the second rope on Wilson. Bate hit a standing shooting-star press and spun Wilson around and around and around. Butch tagged in and the two landed a double-team move, but Prince broke up the pin attempt. Butch went to the top, but Wilson cut him off. Prince then pushed Butch off the top. Butch tagged in Bate and they hit a double Tyler Driver 97 on Wilson for the win.
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– Nick Aldis was shown backstage and Ashante Thee Adonis walked into his office. Ashante said he feels lost, but he’s been ready and he just needs an opportunity. Aldis said he believed in Ashante. Aldis said he had ideas for Ashante and the scene cut away.
– Next week, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley is booked. Cameron Grimes vs. Grayson Waller will also be on tap. Also, Wilde & Del Toro will square off against Angel & Humberto. The show went back to the ring, where AJ Styles made his entrance for the main event.
Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight ended in a no-contest [19:21 of TV time]
This was a really fun match until the end. Not that the end was bad, because it apparently set up a four-way between everyone involved here, but it would have been far more interesting to see a clean finish between the three advertised wrestlers. I guess this opens up possibilities – maybe The Rock interferes and costs Reigns the title at Royal Rumble and that’s why we get Rock vs. Roman? I don’t think any of us believes that will happen, but it’s a tiny possibility. Anyway, the match was pretty good. The three guys worked hard and I still don’t know what happened to Knight that led to him getting color the way he did. The referee pull-outs were kind of fun (if not a bit trite) in their own way. But while this lasted, it was a strong television main event.
The match was joined in progress and Styles was working over Orton, until Knight attacked Styles and clotheslined Styles over the top. Orton then clotheslined Knight over the top and everyone was on the outside. Knight slammed Styles off the commentary table repeatedly, but then out of nowhere (pun intended) Orton hit a back body-drop on both Knight and Styles. Knight got it twice. Orton tried again with Styles, but Styles countered and did the same to Orton.
Styles ran Knight into the ring steps. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Orton was in the ring and Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Orton cut him off. Orton went for the draping DDT and ultimately hit it on Styles. Orton got the crowd fired up and they were chanting “Randy!” Orton set up for an RKO, but Knight pulled Orton outside and Knight ran Orton into the ring steps. From there, Styles hit a running dropkick on Knight on the outside and all three guys were down as the show went to another commercial break.
The show returned and Styles was in control, landing a running forearm on Knight. Styles hit a knee to Knight’s stomach. Styles landed a back body-drop on Knight for a two-count. Orton climbed back into the ring, but Styles kicked the hell out of Orton. On the outside, Styles ran Orton into the barrier. Styles slammed Orton’s head into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Knight fought back on Styles and hit a series of punches and kicks to take Styles down.
Orton came into the frame, but Knight hit a series of punches on Orton. Knight then hit a side Russian leg-sweep on Orton. Knight fired up, but Orton stopped Knight’s momentum with a snap power-slam. Ditto for Styles, who ate the same move. Orton went for an RKO, but Knight countered into the BFT. The ref was going to count to three, but Styles stopped the referee’s count. From there, Knight and Styles traded blows. Styles landed the Pele Kick on Knight to slow things down.
Styles planted Knight and went to the apron, where he set up for the springboard 450 Splash and he actually hit it. Even so, Knight kicked out at 2.8. Knight was bleeding from his forehead. Styles set up for a Styles Clash, but Orton broke things up. Knight went to the outside and Styles set up for the Phenomenal Forearm on Orton and Styles actually hit it. But as the pin attempt went down, Knight pulled the referee to the outside to break it all up.
Roman Reigns’s music hit and Reigns walked out with the rest of the Bloodline. The faction walked to the ring with purpose. Solo Sikoa attacked LA Knight, who really was busted up. Jimmy Uso and Reigns attacked Orton and Styles. Sikoa rammed the ring steps into Orton’s head. Inside the ring, Reigns powerbombed Styles. Nick Aldis appeared as Reigns threw Styles out of the ring. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Knight. Reigns followed that up with a spear on Knight.
Next up was Orton, who was out on the ring canvas. Reigns hit a spear on Orton as Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Orton as well. Aldis confronted Heyman at ringside and said off mic that Reigns just got himself a fatal four-way with the other three wrestlers at the Royal Rumble. Heyman looked concerned as the show went off the air.
