WWE SmackDown
December 8, 2023 | Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
The show opened with a number of US Troops were shown in the crowd. War and Treaty sang God Bless America. There was a big firework display. Michael Cole and Kevin Patrick were on commentary they introduced us to JBL who was joining commentary for the show. They highlighted CM Punk’s appearance on the show. They hyped Randy Orton & LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa and the two United States Champions Number One Contender tournament matches.
WWE United States Champion Number One Contender Tournament Match: Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar
Santos Escobar received a strong heel reaction. Dragon Lee received a solid babyface reaction. The crowd booed as NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio came out to watch the match. Dragon Lee shined early hitting a Tope Con Hilo to the floor. Dragon Lee followed rocking Escobar with a slingshot corner dropkick. Dragon Lee rocked Escobar with a super kick for a two count.
Escobar stopped Dragon Lee’s momentum draping him onto the ropes. Escobar connected with draping neck breaker for a two count. Escobar went for a running double knee but Dragon Lee got his boots up. Dragon Lee went for a flying hurricanrana. Escobar caught Dragon Lee and planted him with a powerbomb onto the ring apron.
Dragon Lee rocked Escobar with strikes as they returned from break. Dragon Lee followed with a corner dropkick for a two count. Dragon Lee caught Escobar with a snap German suplex. Escobar responded rocking Dragon Lee with a superkick for a two count. Escobar called for the Phantom Driver but Lee countered into a rollup for a two count. Dragon Lee planted Escobar with a jumping powerbomb for a two count. Dragon Lee confronted Dominik at ringside who was just watching. Escobar draped Dragon Lee on the ropes. Escobar delivered a Phantom Driver for the win.
WINNER: Santos Escobar
Amin’s Thoughts: I really enjoyed watching this match. The wrestling was great as both Dragon Lee and Escobar worked a really good match. You don’t want to see Dragon Lee lose before challenging for the North American Title at the NXT Deadline show. WWE was placed in a tough spot. They announced this match with Escobar before Dragon Lee was announced as Wes Lee’s replacement for the North American Title. Escobar winning was the right move to keep his momentum going as a rising star on SmackDown.
Dominik Mysterio entered the ring and held the NXT North American Title up. The crowd booed.
They showed highlights of Randy Orton signing with SmackDown and giving Nick Aldis an RKO.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was in his office. Randy Orton appeared and gave Aldis a check. Orton tells Aldis he doesn’t know who LA Knight is and wonders why he’s teaming with him against Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa. Aldis told Orton that both he and Knight have issues with Bloodline. Aldis noted the fans wanted to see the match. Aldis told Orton he’s giving him a higher amount fine than he was for the RKO. Orton tells Aldis “that’s for next time.” That was a good and funny line.
Cody Rhodes Promo
Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction and nice firework display. The WOAHHHH are getting louder and louder. Huge Cody chants from the crowd. He asked the crowd what they wanted to talk about? He spoke about tonight being a special night and that’s why he wanted to be on SmackDown. He’s spoke about this night being Tribute to the Troops show. He thanked the men’s and women’s on behalf of WWE for their service. He thought to a Tribute of the Troops video package with John Cena speaking about their service. He thanked the troops again for their service. He called out the United States Army Drill Team which did a presentation.
Amin’s Thoughts: Cody Rhodes is the perfect person for WWE to have for these special tribute shows. Cody does a great job presenting himself as the new face of the WWE.
Brad Nessler joined Cole, Patrick and JBL on commentary. Nessler will be calling the Army vs. Navy football game Saturday on CBS.
Bobby Lashley made his entrance as he got a big reaction and firework display. They showed an inset promo of Lashley speaking about Tribute to the Troops holding a special place in his heart. He spoke about his father serving in the US for 26 years. He spoke about following in his father’s footsteps and joining the army. He thanked the troops for their service. He said “GOD Bless America.”
Montez Ford spoke about being in the United States Marine Corse from 2008-2012. He spoke about joining right after high school. He spoke being honoured to serve this great country. He wished everyone Happy Holidays.
WWE United States Champion Number One Contender Tournament Match: Bobby Lashley vs. Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett)
Karrion Kross came out with Scarlett to a strong heel reaction. Kross entrance with Scarlet is awesome. Lashley and Kross began exchanging strikes. Lashley went for the Hurt Lock but Kross broke free. Kross took control rocking Lashley with a forearm smash. The action moved the floor as Kross launched Lashley who leaped off the ring steps in a neat spot. Lashley caught Kross with a flying clothesline on the floor.
Lashley sent Kross flying with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Kross took control rocking Lashley with a running clothesline as they returned from break. Kross called for the Kross Hammer but Lashley caught him with a flatliner. Lashley made a comeback planting Kross with a suplex. Lashley caught Kross charging with a spinebuster. The crowd cheered as Lashley rocked Kross with a spear for the win.
WINNER: Bobby Lashley
Amin’s Thoughts: I enjoyed the match as Kross and Lashley worked great together. Nice to see Kross back as he had a good showing. Kross right now is someone who’s stuck in the middle of pack on a stacked roster. The entrance and presentation of Kross still rules. I would just like to see Kross so something better on SmackDown. This is the second straight week where the crowd treated Lashley like a huge babyface star. WWE fans really like Street Profit as well. They should keep Lashley & Street Profit together but just turn them babyface. Overall, a good match and win for Lashley.
Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford came out to celebrate with Lashley after the match.
Asuka was warming up backstage with Damage CTRL. Asuka gave everyone energetic high-fives. Asuka hesitantly gave Bayley a high-five. Bayley spoke about Damage CTRL being ejected from ringside last week. Bayley taught Kairi Sane needed help so she came out to help. Bayley spoke about learning her lesson and stayed back. Bayley suggested all of Damage CTRL stay backstage. Bayley hyped up the WrestleMania rematch with Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair. Bayley told Asuka she got this. Iyo Sky told Dakota Kai something in Japanese. Kai told Bayley that Damage CTRL will be ringside for the match. Bayley stayed back.
Amin’s Thoughts: The split between Bayley and Damage CTRL is coming. They are doing a really great slowly building to Bayley’s babyface turn. I’m wondering if this is leading to Sasha Banks (Mercedes Mone) returning back to WWE and helping Bayley against Damage CTRL.
CM Punk Promo
CM Punk came out to a huge reaction from the crowd. Punk gave fans high-five at ringside. He stopped and saw fan holding a replica of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. A nice tease. Punk wore his new t-shirt “Hell Froze Over” The “O” was replaced with his logo. Huge chants of “CM Punk” from the crowd. He spoke about having good news. He said he was placed at the 9:00pm hour and wasn’t at the end of the show. He said he wasn’t going to get his time cut. He told the crowd they could chant his name. This led to huge CM Punk chants. He spoke about Adam Pearce wanting to sign him to WWE Monday Night Raw. The crowd booed. He mentioned the crowd being louder on Raw. The crowd booed again. He had a smile. He was playing with the crowd. He spoke about signing with either Raw or SmackDown. He spoke about leaving his decision partly with the crowd. He asked about signing with Raw? The crowd booed. He said SmackDown. This got huge cheers.
He asked the crowd if they wanted to see him throw 29 other superstars over the top ropes, climb the turnbuckle and point to the WrestleMania sign. He looked into the camera while saying main event WrestleMania. This led to huge chants of CM Punk. He spoke an old friend welcoming him back to WWE with open arms. He spoke about him saying “What do you want to talk about? Cody Rhodes reference. He spoke about being famous for taking. He spoke about hearing that a few people don’t like the happy-go-luck CM Punk. He spoke some people not liking that he tells the fans he loves them and that he’s back to be home in WWE. He said he’s glad to be home. He spoke about listening to what they said. He said he was going to turn it up to 11 and be “the spicy CM Punk you all know and love.”
He asked who do you want him to talk about? He said he could tell them some stories about Cody Rhodes. He said he speak about someone who’s not here. He called out Roman Reigns and the place just went nuts. He said he acknowledges the Tribal Chief and put over all of Reigns success. He told Reigns to not forget who the OG Paul Heyman guy is. This got a huge mixed reaction. He spoke about Heyman being his wiseman first. He spoke about Reigns cousins here. He spoke about not knowing who Solo Sikoa was but mentioned how big he was in a good way. He mentioned knowing who Jimmy Uso is. He gave a shout out to Jey Uso which was cool. This got YEET chants from the crowd. He spoke about hanging with Jey Uso? He spoke about possibly scrapping what Jimmy Uso. He spoke about The Bloodline having a list of cousins. He wondered if he could trust someone he has history with and hears voices in his head. He wondered if would get along with Randy Orton. He said it would be entertaining. He mentioned Orton’s partner would team with him. He did LA Knight’s taunt as the crowd chanted Knight’s name. That was pretty cool to see.
He spoke about someone mentioning Kevin Owens name. He spoke about possibly fighting Owens. He said they should pump the breaks. He spoke about being a bit “prickly” and noted they are somewhat alike. He said he doesn’t know who would feel comfortable working with someone who randomly just punches people in the face backstage. He pulled on his shirt and made a funny face. He said it’s 2023, you can’t be doing stuff like that. It’s insane. He has a smile on his face. Nicely done. The crowd didn’t react at first but then broke out into a CM Punk chant.
He spoke about everyone being happy to see CM Punk including JBL. He spoke about everyone welcoming him back to WWE. He said expect for that one guy. He said “he’s not even The Man in his own household.” The crowd began singing Seth Rollins theme song. He mentioned that’s all Rollins has and encouraged them to keep singing.
He spoke about having fun and being on a journey with the fans. He spoke about listening and hearing what the fans think. He said he’s going to listening to Nick Aldis. He even spoke about having a phone call scheduled with Shawn Michaels. He spoke about listening to Michaels about NXT. That was really cool of him putting the NXT brand over as well. He said he would listen to Adam Pearce on Monday about Raw. He spoke about making his decision almost 10-years to the day in the same city he walked out on the company. He spoke being back and being the monkey wrench in all the names he mentioned. He spoke about he’s back to finish to what he started. He spoke about finishing his story. “Main eventing WrestleMania.” That got a huge reaction. He dropped the mic. The crowd cheered as his music played. He did a Home Run swing.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was the highlight of the show. CM Punk delivery was incredible as he hit a home run with this promo. Punk did a great job setting up future programs with Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton and possibly LA Knight as well. He teased a program with Rollins without mentioning his name. Punk also gave his mission statement to be in the WrestleMania main event. Punk also took a funny dig at AEW without mentioning the name. The crowd inside the building didn’t react at much. I’m pretty sure the line will get the wrestling community online talking. Overall, this promo was awesome. Punk’s run in WWE is going to be really fun to watch.
The crowd cheered as CM Punk was walking backstage. He stood outside The Bloodline. He thought about knocking but didn’t. Punk walked away until Kevin Owens stepped into the frame. Owens and Punk had a stare down which got a big reaction. Punk asked Owens if he knows where’s Aldis office is? Owens said now. Punk kept walking. Owens turned back and looked in Punk’s direction.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a nice tease to Punk’s promo mentioning Owens name. A program between Owens and Punk would be awesome.
Asuka made her entrance as she came out with WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai. Zelina Vega and Michin came out as they brawled with Damage CTRL before the match began. Bianca Belair and Shotzi came out as well as they brawled with Damage CTRL to the back
Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair
Asuka shined early rocking Charlotte with combination strikes. Charlotte responded catching Asuka slamming her to the mat. Charlotte connected with a cartwheel clothesline. The action moved the floor. Asuka moved as Charlotte chopped the ring post. Asuka rocked Charlotte with a sliding knee strike. Charlotte responded planting Asuka with a backdrop onto the barricade. Charlotte connected with a flying moonsault to Asuka on the floor.
Asuka rocked Charlotte with a superkick as they returned from break. Charlotte caught Asuka running her into the turnbuckle. Charles Robinson was shown checking on Charlotte if she’s okay to continue. Charlotte was selling her leg. You could tell Charlotte was hurt by how she placed Asuka in the Figure-8-Leg Lock. Bayley appeared ringside breaking Asuka free of the hold. Bayley stood on the ring apron. Asuka almost bumped into Bayley. Charlotte knocked Bayley off the ring. Asuka rolled up Charlotte for the win.
WINNER: Asuka
Amin’s Thoughts: I thought Asuka and Charlotte were having a fine match till the commercial break. I’m not really sure where Charlotte’s injury happened. The commentary went heavy into the injury and you could see also see the referee asking Charlotte if she’s still good to continue. I just want to wish Charlotte a speedy recovery. The other story here is Bayley trying to get back in good grace by helping Asuka get the win.
Bayley celebrated after the match for helping Asuka win.
CM Punk was in Nick Aldis office. They spoke about a bit to each other. Aldis left. The crowd cheered as Cody Rhodes appeared. Cody told Punk he heard what he said inside the ring. Cody spoke about Punk having to win the Royal Rumble for him to finish his story. Cody said it was interesting. Punk said it was interesting. Cody told Punk “It’s good to have you back old friend.” They shook hands.
Amin’s Thoughts: The followup to Punk’s promo on this show has been great. I could see Punk winning the Royal Rumble match. Cody winning the Elimination Chamber so he can still get his rematch with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
Randy Orton was warming up backstage. The crowd cheered as LA Knight appeared. They had a stare down. The crowd cheered as CM Punk appeared. He wished them luck and left. Orton asked Knight if he’s ready for tonight? Knight said YEAH!
Randy Orton & LA Knight vs. The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa)
LA Knight received a huge reaction from the crowd. Randy Orton received a huge reaction from the crowd. Huge Randy chants as the match began. Orton began rocking Jimmy with corner strikes. Jimmy ran Orton into the corner as Knight tagged in. Knight rocked Jimmy with a sliding boot. Orton tagged himself into the match. Sikoa tagged himself into the match. Huge chants for RKO. Jimmy gave Orton a cheap shot.
Jimmy had control over Orton as they returned from break. Orton responded planting Jimmy with a backdrop suplex. Knight got the hot tag planting Sikoa with a swinging neck breaker. The crowd chanted YEAH as Knight rocked Sikoa with a running knee strikes. Jimmy went for a distraction but Knight saw it coming. Sikoa took advantage planting Knight with a belly-to-belly suplex. Sikoa planted Knight with a suplex for a near fall. Sikoa rocked Knight with a running Umaga hip attack.
Knight moved as Sikoa charged into the turnbuckle. Knight caught Sikoa with a flying bulldog. Knight got Orton the hot tag. Orton ran wild planting Jimmy with a snap powerslam. Orton went for a draping DDT but Jimmy pulled him to the floor. Orton planted Jimmy onto the announcers table. Orton planted Jimmy with a draping DDT. The crowd went nuts as Orton called for the RKO. Sikoa returned attacking Orton. Sikoa teased the Samoan Spike. Knight stoped Sikoa with a DDT. Knight called for Blunt Force Trauma on Jimmy. Orton delivered an RKO to Jimmy around for the win.
WINNERS: Randy Orton & LA Knight
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun tag team match with everyone got a chance to shine. The Bloodline are in a really interesting position. They are still keeping Sikoa strong. The Bloodline team can take loses when needed to push programs forward. That’s a good thing. That also shows Bloodline specialness is missing when Reigns isn’t there. Great to see Knight still being featured in the main event scene on SmackDown. The crowd loved Orton who felt like a huge star. Orton winning was the right move. The big program right on SmackDown is Orton and Reigns. This was a good straight forward tag team match. The match felt hot with Orton and Knight’s star power.
Orton and Knight smiled at each other after the match. They shook hands. Orton raised Knight’s hand. Orton and Knight celebrated. Cole hyped Roman Reigns appearance for SmackDown next week. The show ended.
Overall Thoughts
A very enjoyable episode of SmackDown. We got some fun wrestling matches on the show. Charlotte Flair injury was a big bummer on the show. I hope Charlotte has a speedy recovery. This felt like a big show because of all the star power. Cody Rhodes made a special appearance. LA Knight still feels like a huge babyface star. Randy Orton being on SmackDown just adds so much more star power. CM Punk’s promo was the highlight setting the stage for so many future programs. Roman Reigns making his return which should start the build for the Royal Rumble on the SmackDown side. Overall, a really fun episode of SmackDown. WWE right now is hitting all the right notes as the slow build to the Royal Rumble continues on.
