Airing straight out of the bone-chilling Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, this episode of WWE SmackDown was packed. From a brawl breaking out at the start to a huge main event, this episode heated things for the audience. Here is everything that went down during the episode.
WWE SmackDown 12/01 Results
Opening segment: The show was supposed to open with a singles match. Grayson Waller and Austin Tyler came out to the ring for Waller’s singles match against Cameron Grimes. However, Grimes didn’t get a chance to make it to the ring. He was attacked by Solo Sikoa, who left a trail of destruction on the entrance stage. The Bloodline members made their way to the ring with Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman.
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Taking the mic, Heyman called Nick Aldis, the villain who wanted to dethrone Roman Reigns. Aldis, who has been dealing with The Bloodline for weeks now, didn’t take the disrespect lightly. He announced that tonight’s main event would feature a six-man tag team match.
Roman better show up tonight. Nick Aldis has made it clear that The Bloodline will be forced to be in a handicap match if Roman doesn't show up…#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/0RFLkNUYie
— ES Wrestling (@ESwrestling) January 13, 2024
Heyman tried to save The Tribal Chief by claiming he was not in the building. Aldis did not back down and stated that if The Bloodline did not find another man, it would be a handicapped match. Jimmy and Sikoa were set to face AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight in the Main Event.
Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde vs. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo
Winner: Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo
The rivalry between Santos Escobar and his men vs the LWO continues as Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde took on Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo. The first match of the night saw some good lucha-style wrestling. The match took an interesting turn as Carlito showed up to attack Escobar, who was at the commentary table. All four men were great in the ring with an insane overhead press spot. The babyfaces got the cheers from the fans. However, the heels Carrillo and Garza picked up the win.
This is wilddddddd!!!!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/hdWlaSqC7X
— ES Wrestling (@ESwrestling) January 13, 2024
Backstage segment: Carmelo Hayes talks to Aldis for a spot in the Rumble. Waller and Theory interrupt each other, and a match is set between Hayes and Theory.
Backstage segment: Heyman tries to recruit Carlito after assuring Jimmy that he will find someone. However, Carlito rejects the offer in a hilarious segment.
Video package: Tyler Bate and Butch are seen sitting for coffee and contemplating their tag match. Butch talks about losing his identity. He also adds that the Brawling Brutes is behind him and that they need to do their own thing.
Bianca Belair vs. Bayley
Winner: Bianca Belair
The first women’s match of the night was a slow build. There were a few near falls at the start as both women were testing each other out. Bayley was after Belair’s braids to ensure she did not use it against her. Will Damage CTRL stood by the ringside; they did not get involved. A spot where Bayley tied Belair’s hair braids to the ring rope resulted in a smart move by Belair to get out. After being distracted, Beyley received a spear from Belair. Following a KOD, Belair was able to pick up the win.
It is like watching a car crash that is going to happen.
We feel that it is going to be Dakota Kai who will push the knife on @itsBayleyWWE 's back.Poor Bayley! She looks so desperate here…#Bayley #DamageCTRL #DakotaKai #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/6b5o45gcYQ
— ES Wrestling (@ESwrestling) January 13, 2024
Backstage segment: We see Bayley and Dakota arguing about the lack of help Damage CTRL provided Bayley. Dakota claims that Bayley will have to win the Rumble alone, so she has to start now.
In-ring segment: Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits take the ring to address the beatdown they suffered at the hands of Karrion Kross and AOP. Lashley claims that they do face-to-face and not from behind if he wants to face someone.
Video package: While Lashley and the Street Profits are in the ring, a video package plays where Kross talks about his plans for Akam Rezar.
Backstage segment: The Pretty Deadly pitch their idea of joining The Bloodline for the Main Event. Heyman reminds them that he is looking for only one person. The two sheepishly decline and leave.
Austin Theory vs. Carmelo Hayes
Winner: Match stopped due to injury scare
The match was set tonight by Aldis, and the two men were ready to put on a great match. The match had some great spots, including a flying lariat and a spinning facebuster. However, the match was cut short as a leaping Spanish Fly resulted in both men landing on their necks. The referee called off the match.
Backstage segment: Paul Heyman is seen telling Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa that no one is worthy of joining the team, and the two are on their own.
Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa
Winner: Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight
Ahead of the match, Orton is hit with the Samoan Spike by Sikoa and is taken out of the match.
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The match starts as a normal two-on-two tag team match. With the numbers evened out, Jimmy and Sikoa hold their own against Knight and Styles. The match is hard-hitting, with good chemistry between the members of The Bloodline. However, in the middle of the match, Orton makes his return to get tagged in. After a brutal RKO on Jimmy, Orton picks up the win.
Guess Solo didn't run fast enough 🤷🤷#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TZvePxoxT5
— ES Wrestling (@ESwrestling) January 13, 2024
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Post-match: Orton is attacked from behind by Sikoa, and The Bloodline tries to hold and beat down the men. Fortunately, AJ Styles can save the team, and it results in another RKO on Jimmy and Sikoa being put through a table.
What did you think of this episode of SmackDown?