With the WWE on a week-long break for the holidays, this episode of SmackDown was pretaped. After the first confrontation between Randy Orton and Roman Reigns last week, the return of AJ Styles, and the next round of the United States Title tournament, this was set to be an action-packed episode. Taped at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, here is all that went down.

WWE SmackDown 22/12/2023 results

Opening segment

The show opened with “The Phenomenal One,” AJ Styles taking the ring. Clad in black with a serious demeanor, he announced that he was back for Roman Reigns. Styles acknowledged that both LA Knight and Randy Orton were also after Reigns, but he was first in line. This led to Knight coming out, followed by Orton. All three men agreed on one fact: they all wanted to be the first to get at Reigns.

With no solution in sight, General Manager Nick Aldis came out to make a huge announcement. The first episode of SmackDown in 2024 will feature a triple-threat match. Orton, Styles, and Knight will face off as the winner will meet Reigns at The Royal Rumble 2024. This gave SmackDown the explosive start fans were expecting.

Holiday Havoc: Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Michin vs. Damage CTRL

Winner: Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega and Michin

The first match of the night was an 8-woman tag team match between Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Michin against Asuka, Bayley, Kairi Sane, & Iyo Sky. The ladies of SmackDown did not hold back, using everything from steel chairs to tables. The match was a great way to get the night started, especially with the sudden appearance of Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre. Michin hit a senton on Iyo Sky through the table for the pinfall win.

Backstage segment

We get a backstage segment with The Bloodline. Jimmy Uso delivers a pep talk to Solo Sikoa for his upcoming match, while Reigns does not look happy. Reigns asked Wiseman Paul Heyman to bring Nick Aldis to him.

Dragon Lee vs. Butch for the NXT North American Championship

Winner: Dragon Lee

Lee was able to retain his United States title against Butch. The match was fast-paced, with the high-flying Lee putting on some incredible spots. The match reached “This is awesome” chants from the fans. After a lot of back-and-forth between both exceptionally skilled men, Lee was able to get the pinfall for the win.

Backstage segment

Paul Heyman brought Nick Aldis to The Tribal Chief, who was unhappy with his announcement earlier. Despite believing he could intimidate Aldis, Reigns was left shocked after Aldis stood his ground. Leaving Reigns, Aldis even hinted at Solo Sikoa being better than The Head of the Table.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Kevin Owens in the Semifinals for the United States #1 contender’s tournament

Winner: Kevin Owens

The semifinal match for the United States #1 contender tournament saw Kevin Owens face NXT’s, Carmelo Hayes. The match was filled with Hayes’ agility vs Owens’ brute force. Despite taking a Codebreaker, Owens was able to kick out. After a Stunner, it was lights out for Hayes, with Owens getting the pinfall. Both men showed their mutual respect with a handshake after the match.

Video Package

A video package hyping Karrion Kross played, showcasing his reign. From his prediction about the fall of The Bloodline and Dominick Mysterio’s betrayal, among others. However, the most eye catching part was the hint of the Authors of Pain making their return as well.

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Bobby Lashley vs. Santos Escobar in the Semifinals for the United States #1 contender’s tournament

Winner: Santos Escobar

The match seemed to be in Lashley’s favor from the start. However, two masked figures attacked The Street Profits. This led to Lashley being distracted for Escobar to pick up the pinfall via a schoolboy rollup. The two masked men were Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza. Santos will face off against Owens during the final match for the #1 contender for the United States Championship.

Backstage segment

We see Butch being interviewed backstage, only to be interrupted by Pretty Deadly. Not amused by their antics, Butch takes them out. The brawl is broken by Nick Aldis, who issues a tag team match at New Year’s Revolution.

Main Event: AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa

Winner: AJ Styles via disqualification

This was set to be the first match for Styles, who looked strong against the lone Samoan enforcer. However, just near the end of the match, as Styles had the upper hand, he was attacked by Roman Reigns. This led to the match ending and Styles winning via disqualification. Orton came out to help but was overpowered by The Bloodline.

This led to Knight coming out to help the two. After winning the numbers game, the three men who were set for the triple threat match were the only ones in the ring. This led to the three getting into a fight with The Bloodline looking on. This was a preview of what is set to take place at SmackDown New Year’s Revolution.

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