WWE SmackDown
December 15, 2023 | Resch Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Roman Reigns Promo
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns came out to a huge mixed reaction and firework display. Reigns came out with Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. Reigns soaked in the reaction from the crowd. Reigns told the crowd to “Acknowledge Him” which got a huge mixed reaction. He told the crowd to keep quiet. He said he wouldn’t have to done that if they kept the boos down. The crowd booed louder. Reigns said it’s the Christmas season and here’s to celebrate. Reigns called this promotion season and said he was a fair Tribal Chief.
He mentioned that he lets them know when someone was doing good. The camera cut to Jimmy who was smiling. Reigns said he smashes someone when they aren’t doing good. Reigns spoke about this person knowing what it’s like to represents the family and keep them at the top of the mountain. Reigns spoke this person being next in line. The crowd chanted for Randy Orton. Reigns said he wasn’t speaking about Randy Orton. Reigns said this person is the next the Tribal Chief. Reigns told Jimmy to join him and congratulating his brother Solo Sikoa. Reigns gave Sikoa a hug.
Amin’s Thoughts: SmackDown feels like a more important show whenever Roman Reigns makes an appearance. Jimmy Uso reaction was great thinking Reigns was speaking about but just to find out Sikoa was getting all the praise. It’s interesting to see where this leads with Jimmy who feels like a way distant number three in The Bloodline.
Roman Reigns & Randy Orton Segment
The crowd cheered as Randy Orton came out to a huge reaction from the crowd. They went to commercial break. Huge chants of Randy from the crowd. Orton spoke about thinking this moment for the past 18 months. Orton said he’s coming for Reigns. Orton said he’s going to take everything away from Reigns. Orton said he would go through Reigns whole family. The crowd cheered as Orton challenged Reigns to a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble. Huge chants of Randy from the crowd.
Reigns said Orton deserves it from the sound of the crowd. Reigns said he hasn’t been thinking about Orton at all. Reigns said Orton hasn’t done anything to show he deserves a shot. Reigns told Orton to go the back of the line. Reigns said everyone wants an opportunity against the Tribal Chief. Reigns said it doesn’t work like that. Reigns told Orton to listen to those voices. Reigns said he’s level about everyone right now. Reigns said those voices are telling Orton to run. Reigns said Orton won’t be gone for another 18 months but the match would lead him to retirement.
Orton said maybe’s Reigns is right. Orton spoke about Reigns changing for the better. Orton said Reigns was just not a historical champion but called him a Legend. Orton spoke about changing as well. Orton spoke about always being a Legend Killer. This got a huge reaction from the crowd. Orton teased hitting an RKO but Reigns escaped. Orton said Reigns should start thinking about him. Orton said he’s hearing something from the voices in his head. Orton said the voices told him Reigns might have crapped his pants. Orton said “Daddy Back!” Orton’s music played as he left the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: I really liked how Reigns didn’t accept Orton challenge right away. That’s good because LA Knight has been involved with The Bloodline as well. The RKO tease was nicely done showing Orton could hit it anytime. Orton and Reigns feels like a really big match. Overall, a good opening segment to start the show.
They aired a highlight package for Carmelo Hayes. Hayes spoke about the United States Champion Tournament being his moment. Hayes said Grayson Waller already knows. Hayes said he will show Logan Paul what a generational talent really looks like. Hayes said when he shoots, he doesn’t miss.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good video package to introduce Carmelo Hayes to the WWE main roster audience.
They aired a Logan Paul inset promo. Paul spoke about Waller wasting his time facing Hayes in the tournament. Paul claimed Hayes won an essay contest to earn this match. Paul spoke about Hayes not missing. Paul mentioned he missed Hayes entire career. Paul called Hayes a “random guy” and wished him luck for his match.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller – WWE United Championship Tournament: Carmelo Hayes received a great reaction from the crowd. Hayes and Waller began exchanging strikes. Hayes caught Waller with an inside cradle for a near fall. Waller responded rocking Hayes with a leg lariat. Hayes responded catching Waller with a head scissors. Hayes followed hitting a fadeaway. Hayes rocked Waller with a springboard clothesline. Hayes clotheslined Waller to the floor. The crowd cheered as Hayes stood inside the ring. Hayes went for a springboard but tweaked his leg as they returned from break. Waller took advantage hitting a rolling flatliner for a two count. Hayes battled back catching Waller with La Mistica for a two count. Waller responded yanking Hayes off the ropes. Waller delivered a Super Playmaker for a two count. Hayes battled back catching Waller with a springboard DDT for a two count. Waller stopped Hayes momentum draping him on the ropes. Waller went for a rolling stunner. Hayes intercepted Waller hitting a Codebreaker. Hayes followed hitting Nothing but Net for the win.
WINNER: Carmelo Hayes
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good introductory match for Hayes on the main roster. The decision putting Hayes in a match with Waller who he wrestled on NXT was a good move. I don’t think this was Hayes official call-up to the main roster. The reason being Hayes is involved in a big program with Trick Williams on NXT. I was glad to see Hayes win as he looked like he definitely belongs on the main roster. Hayes came off a big star in this match.
LA Knight approached Randy Orton backstage. Orton told Knight he doesn’t need his help. Knight said he’s not sure if Orton needs his help. Knight said he knows how those numbers work. Knight said he wasn’t sure if Orton could’ve signed the SmackDown contract if he wasn’t there to help. Knight said Orton knows how the numbers work. Orton asked Knight if they are good? Orton spoke about him and Knight beating Solo and Jimmy last week. Orton told Knight to keep it that way. Orton told Knight to stay out of his way. Knight told Orton he was going to take everything away from Reigns. The crowd chanted along to LA Knight’s name. YEAH!
Progressive Match Flo: Highlights of Austin Theory and Grayson Waller injuring Kevin Owens arm.
They aired a Logan Paul inset promo making fun of Kevin Owens.
Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory – WWE United States Championship Tournament: Kevin Owens received a great reaction from the crowd. Owens was wearing a cast on his arm. Owens went for a cannonball but Theory rolled to the floor. Owens connected with a flying cannonball from the ring apron to the floor. Owens went to climb the ropes. Theory rolled to the ring apron. Theory rocked Owens with a rolling dropkick. Theory took control draping Owens with a Death Valley Driver onto the ring apron. Owens knocked Theory off the ropes as they returned from break. Owens battled back hitting a frog splash for a two count. Owens went for a Swanton Bomb but Theory got his knees up. Owens battled back using his good arm rocking Theory with strikes. Owens connected with a DDT for a two count. Owens went for a popup powerbomb but sold his arm injury. Owens caught Theory with a superkick for a two count. Theory stopped Owens from climbing the ropes. Theory connected with a springboard Spanish Fly for a two count. Theory went for a superplex but Owens blocked. Owens planted Theory with an avalanche Fisherman’s Buster. Theory rolled out of the ring. The action moved to the floor as Theory draped Owens onto the barricade. Theory wanted a count-out win. Owens made it back into the ring. Theory connected with a rolling blockbuster for a two count. Owens battled back placing Theory in the Tree of Woe. Owens connected with a running cannonball. Owens followed hitting a Swanton Bomb for a good two count. Owens went for a Stunner but Theory blocked. Theory slammed Owens arm against the ring post. Theory stomped on Owens injured arm onto the ring steps. Owens caught Theory charging rocking him with his cast for the win.
WINNER: Kevin Owens
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good action packed match. A great showing from Theory delivering one of his better matches on TV in quite some time. I’ve been liking the pairing with Waller and Theory together. Neither, Theory nor Waller won their respective matches on the show. I would say the losses didn’t hurt either Theory or Waller because they both had great showings in their matches. I thought Owens looked great in this match and the way he sold his arm was really good. I liked the finish with Owens using the cast showing he can wins matches via KO like Paul. Owens and Paul should be the Royal Rumble match.
The Bloodline were in their locker room. Reigns said Orton ruined Solo’s celebration. Reigns said somebody needs to silence Orton. Jimmy said he could silence Orton. Jimmy said that’s more of a job for the Tribal Heir. Reigns said this was promotional season. Reigns said Jimmy would get anything if he could handle Orton alone. Reigns asked Jimmy if he understands? Jimmy said “YEET!” Reigns had a serious look. Jimmy had a look like he messed up. Reigns turned in Jimmy’s direction. The crowd chanted YEET in the background. Jimmy said “No YEET!”
Members of the Green Bay Packers were shown in the crowd.
They aired a Karrion Kross vignette. Kross wanted to speak to everyone about the current world event that was about to occur. Kross spoke about this place about to be recycled. Kross spoke about everything set into motion when he returned to WWE. Kross spoke about a new beginning. Kross said soon everyone will see it.
Amin’s Thoughts: I’m totally onboard and ready to see Karrion Kross get a proper run on the WWE main roster. Hopefully, this vignette is the start of good things to come.
Cameron Grimes approached Kevin Owens backstage. Grimes noted Owens arm injury sucks but was awesome seeing him punch Theory like that. Owens thanked Grimes.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Owens backstage. Owens spoke about him and Hayes having similar paths. Owens spoke about confronting John Cena in his WWE debut. Owens spoke about Hayes being talented. Owens saw Hayes standing right beside him. Hayes spoke about having respect for Owens. Owens thanked him. Hayes mentioned how Owens done and won it all. Hayes noted he needed this tournament more than Owens. Hayes spoke about being not like Waller and Theory. Hayes said Owens wasn’t going to punch him in the face or little bro him. Hayes left. Owens asked Braxton what little bro ing was?”
Michael Cole, Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves were on commentary. They showed a clip of Charlotte Flair’s injury from week on SmackDown. Patrick noted Charlotte would be miss nine months due to a knee injury.
Amin’s Thoughts: I want to wish a Charlotte a speedy recovery. That just sucks when the announcers mentioned Charlotte’s injury and the time she’s going to miss.
Damage CTRL Promo
They aired a Damage CTRL vignette. Bayley spoke about wanting to create the most dominant women’s faction in WWE history. The spiced in clips of Damage CTRL debut at SummerSlam 2022. Bayley spoke about coming closer to her goal. Bayley spoke about Iyo Sky being special since day one. They showed clips of Iyo winning the Women’s Money in the Bank and cashing in to become WWE Women’s Champion at SummerSlam 2023. Iyo spoke about this being her era now. Iyo spoke in Japanese. They had English subtitles. Iyo spoke about being the most powerful and dangerous champion in WWE. Iyo said no one will stop her. Bayley spoke about Damage CTRL being stronger with the Kabuki Warrior. Asuka spoke in Japanese. They showed English subtitles. Asuka called that a warning to anyone who steps to them. Asuka and Kairi Sane said nobody is ready for Damage CTRL. Dakota Kai spoke about them to raise the bar and change the game. Bayley said “Spoken like a true mastermind.” This was great as they showed a shot of Kai smiling. Bayley said it was time for Damage CTRL to win all the gold. Bayley spoke about the Kabuki Warriors going after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Bayley noted she will be entering the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Bayley said she would be taking Rhea Ripley’s Women’s World Championship. Bayley spoke about her dream becoming a reality. They all laughed.
Amin’s Thoughts: The way they shot this vignette and spiced in clips just looked great. Asuka and Kairi Sane teaming together is a great way to make the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles feel like a bigger deal. The shot of Kai smiling when Bayley said mastermind was really well done. They are setting things in place for Bayley to win the Rumble and face Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Title at WrestleMania. I’m just wondering do they have Damage CTRL turn on Bayley before or after the Royal Rumble?
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) (w/Dakota Kai) vs. Michin & Zelina Vega: Asuka and Kairi Sane came out to their Kabuki Warrior theme song. Michin and Zelina Vega attacked Asuka and Sane before the match began. Asuka rocked Michin with a running hip attack as they returned from break. Sane rocked Michin with a flying forearm from the ring apron to the floor. Sane rocked Michin with a Sliding D. Sane followed hitting a flying forearm for a two count. Asuka and Sane rocked Michin with a combination attack for a two count. Asuka went for a spinning back first. Michin countered into a backslide for a near fall. Michin planted Asuka with a suplex. Michin got Vega the hot tag. Vega ran wild rocking Sane with strikes. Vega rocked Sane with a running knee strike for a two count. Vega planted Sane with a Hammerlock DDT. Vega went for a 619 but Sane ducked. Sane rocked Vega with a spinning back fist. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock. Vega countered into a rollup for a two count. Vega tagged Michin into the match. Asuka went for spin kick but Michin ducked. Michin planted Asuka with the Wing Clipper but Sane made the save. Sane planted Vega with an Alabama Slam onto the announcers table. That looked rough. Michin rocked Asuka with a Pele Kick. Kai distracted the referee. Bayley appeared shoving Michin off the ropes. Asuka rocked Michin with a roundhouse kick. Sane climbed the ropes delivering an InSane Elbow for the win.
WINNER: Asuka & Kairi Sane
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun action packed tag team match. WWE has such a talented roster as there’s no reason why they can’t have a good Women’s tag team division. The way both teams worked this match showed they could have a strong tag team division. I was glad to see Michin and Vega get a chance to shine. It was so great Asuka and Sane team together as they such a fun team to watch. I liked the finish with Bayley getting involved showing she’s on the same page with Damage CTRL. Bayley will become even a bigger babyface once Damage CTRL turns on her. A good win for Asuka and Sane to put them into the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title mix.
Jimmy and Solo Siko were backstage in the Bloodline locker room. Jimmy tells Sikoa this sounds like a setup. Jimmy asked Solo if he would tell him if something were to happen to him? Solo told Jimmy that he’s his brother.
Santos Escobar vignette aired. Escobar spoke about Rey Mysterio ripping away his shot at the WWE United States Title. He spoke about that reason being Rey no longer being around. He spoke about facing Bobby Lashley. He spoke Lashley being all about the appearances. Escobar pointed as his jacket and says he gets it. He spoke about Lashley not showing his face after he’s done with him. He spoke about taking away the WWE United States Title which he gave to Logan Paul.
Amin’s Thoughts: You can just see the confidence Escobar has been showing since turning heel. I really liked the vignette as Escobar came off a star who on the rise.
Bobby Lashley was backstage with The Street Profits. Lately spoke about Paul being the United States Champion. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford together said “Wow!” Lashley spoke about Paul having a tournament with superstars who he thinks he can beat. Lashlety said Paul can’t beat him. Ford and Dawkins noted Lashley would dominate Escobar. Lashley noted Escobar was standing in his way.
Amin’s Thoughts: They did a really good job on the show making the tournament feel important by giving Escobar and Lashley both promo time to hype their match for next week. They did the same with Owens and Hayes with their backstage interaction. Paul’s quick inset promos was a good way to get him on the show cutting promos on the babyface.
Randy Orton vs. Jimmy Uso: The crowd cheered as Randy Orton came out to a huge reaction. Orton took control early rocking Jimmy with strikes. Orton called for a Draping DDT but Jimmy escaped. They went to a quick break. The crowd chanted “One more time” as they returned from break. Orton slammed Jimmy onto the announcers table for a two count. Orton rocked Jimmy with corner punches. Jimmy responded catching Orton with a spinning enzuigiri. Jimmy took control hitting a running hip attack for a two count. Orton responded poking Jimmy’s eyes. Orton went for a Draping DDT. Jimmy countered backdropping Orton to the floor. Orton made a comeback catching Jimmy with snap powerslam as they returned from break. There were huge Randy chants. Orton planted Jimmy with a Draping DDT. The crowd cheered as Orton called for the RKO. Solo Sikoa came out. The crowd went nuts as LA Knight’s music played as he got a huge reaction. Knight brawled with Sikoa. Orton delivered an RKO to Jimmy for the win.
WINNER: Randy Orton
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fine match. Jimmy’s association with The Bloodline will continue to help him. Right now, Jimmy feels like a distant third who’s there to take pins in Bloodline matches. I’m hoping they are just in a holding pattern with Jimmy before things start to heat up at the Royal Rumble when they start the build to a match with Jey Uso for WrestleMania. Just seeing Orton wrestle again and make his babyface comeback is really fun to watch. A good win for Orton building him up for his eventual match with Reigns.
AJ Styles Returns To SmackDown
Knight made his way to the ring after the match. The crowd booed as Roman Reigns appeared attacking Knight from behind. Orton and Reigns had a stare down. Huge chants of Randy from the crowd. Orton and Reigns began brawling. Jimmy attacked Orton from behind. The Bloodline had the number’s advantage. The crowd cheered as LA Knight made the save. Solo returned giving The Bloodline the advantage again. The crowd cheered as AJ Styles music played. AJ Styles appeared from behind rocking Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm which got a huge reaction. Styles was wearing all black. The babyface cleared the ring. Knight and Orton looked at The Bloodline who stood outside the ring. Styles was standing behind Knight. Styles decked Knight with a lariat. Styles left the ring. Styles had a stare down with Reigns before walking to the back. Reigns held up the Undisputed WWE Universal Title. Orton’s theme played.
Amin’s Thoughts: Great to see AJ Styles back on WWE TV. I really enjoyed the show closing angle. It would make sense for Styles to go after The Bloodline since they took him out of action. Styles attacking LA Knight adds an interesting twist to the story. I don’t think Styles turned heel but it does opens the door to go in that direction. This felt like they are setting up a Triple Threat Match between Orton, Styles and Knight to see who faces Reigns. I could also see whoever doesn’t get the title match with Reigns gets put into the Royal Rumble match. They still have time before the Rumble show. I could still see the Rumble match being a 4-Way between Reigns, Orton, Styles and Knight for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.
The announcers hyped next week’s SmackDown card as the show closed. Orton stood on the turnbuckle. Reigns said something into the camera. The show closed.
Overall Thoughts
The news about Charlotte Flair’s injury was such a bummer. I want to wish Charlotte a speedy recovery. I thought this was an enjoyable episode of SmackDown. We had some good wrestling matches on the show. I thought Carmelo Hayes was presented as star in his debut match. Bayley was announced as the first name for the Women’s Royal Rumble. Bayley has to be considered as a favourite to win and face Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Title. We got returns from both AJ Styles and Roman Reigns. Styles returning adds another challenger and more star power to the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship picture. Overall, a strong episode of SmackDown. They have lots of time to fill before the Royal Rumble. I really like how WWE are still making the shows feel important.
