AJ Styles Returns, Major Heel Turn, Roman Reigns Announces Bloodline Heir & More: WWE SmackDown (December 15, 2023) Recap & Results

The latest episode of WWE SmackDown coming live from the Resch Center in Green Bay was highly anticipated. Not only did The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns make his return to SmackDown, but there was also a Viper waiting for him. Would Reigns have a fruitful return to the ring? This and much more awaited the WWE Universe with the latest episode of SmackDown.

WWE SmackDown full show recap 15-12-2023

Opening: This episode of WWE SmackDown opened with Reigns returning to SmackDown. Accompanied by The Bloodline, Reigns began by acknowledging who proved to be the most valued member of the group. Despite getting his hopes up in the background, Reigns did not mention Jimmy. Instead, Reigns crowned Solo Sikoa as the heir to his throne.

The celebration was cut short as Randy Orton made his way to the ring. Orton signed on to SmackDown just to get after The Bloodline and settle the score. It was The Bloodline that put him out of work for 18 months. However, after a back-and-forth with The Tribal Chief, Orton issued his warning. After scaring Reigns, Orton left the ring to prepare for his singles match against Jimmy Uso later on.

United States title #1 contender tournament first match Grayson Waller vs Carmelo Hayes

Winner: Carmelo Hayes won the match as he debuted on the SmackDown roster. Despite coming in with all the confidence, Waller could not deliver on what he claimed he would. Hayes winning the tournament’s first round will see him face the winner between Kevin Owens and Austin Theory. Logan Paul made a small video message for Hayes ahead of the match, claiming he did not know who Hayes was.

Background Segment: Orton was seen backstage running into LA Knight. Knight and Orton teamed up to face Jimmy and Sikoa last week on SmackDown. Orton acknowledged that the two were cool but did not need Knight’s help against Reigns. Knight claimed he was after Reigns, just like Orton, and would take everything from him.

United States title #1 contender tournament first match Kevin Owens vs Austin Theory

Winner: Kevin Owens won despite having a broken hand in the match. While the beginning seemed to favor Theory, Owens was able to turn the tables at the very end. Owens will now face Carmelo Hayes during the next round on the next week’s episode.

Background Segment: We see The Bloodline backstage, with Reigns disappointed by Orton ruining the celebration. While talking about silencing The Viper, Jimmy suggested that Sikoa should do it. However, Reigns claimed that if Jimmy did it, he would get anything he wanted.

Promo Package: Karrion Kross’ promo package is aired. Kross talks about new beginnings as everything is about to crumble.

Backstage Segment: After winning his match, Owens is interviewed by Kayla Braxton. The interview is cut short by Hayes, who expresses his respect for Owens but claims he will do whatever it takes to win the US title. Hayes claimed that he needed the title more than Owens. Despite the warning, Owens shrugged it off with a chuckle.

Announcement: The announcers broke the news that Charlotte Flair would be out for nine months due to her knee injury.

The Kabuki Warriors, featuring Asuka and Kairi Sane, vs Mia Yim & Zelina Vega

Winner: Asuka and Kairi Sane picked up the win after an interference by Bayley. Despite Yim and Vega attacking the duo ahead of the match’s start, the Kabuki Warriors were dominant throughout the match.

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Backstage Segment: Jimmy and Sikoa were seen backstage. Jimmy expressed his doubts about Reigns talking to Logan Paul, making him feel like it was a trap. However, Sikoa only said that they were brothers.

Main Event: Jimmy Uso vs. Randy Orton

Winner: Orton picked up the win against Jimmy Uso. Despite Sikoa coming out to help his brother, LA Knight was not far away. Knight stopped Sikoa from interfering in the match, leading to Orton hitting Jimmy with an RKO for the win.

Post-match: As Orton and Knight acknowledged their mutual respect after the match, Reigns hit Knight with a spear. Taking to the ring, The Bloodline started a beatdown on Orton and Knight. While all hope seemed lost, AJ Styles made his return to the ring. Helping Orton and Knight level the numbers game as The Bloodline retreated. However, as the babyfaces stood tall, Styles attacked Knight and walked past The Bloodline without saying a word, hinting at a possible heel turn.

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