Will you still ACKNOWLEDGE HIM?

The REIGNING, DEFENDING, UNDISPUTED WWE Universal Champion, Roman…! Reigns…! is finally back on SmackDown! But will he be happy about it?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship #1 Contenders Tournament, Opening Round: Grayson Waller VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins and advances.
• WWE United States Championship #1 Contenders Tournament, Opening Round: Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory; Kevin wins and advances.
• The Kabuki Warriors VS Mia Yim & Zelina Vega; The Kabuki Warriors win.
• Randy Orton VS Jimmy Uso; Orton wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

Green Bay is torn as finally, The Tribal Chief returns to SmackDown! And following behind are Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. The Bloodline stands together, fingers to the sky as the pyro goes off. The introductions are made, then Roman continues down to the ring. He has surpassed 1200 DAYS as champion, but it was just seven days ago that Solo & Jimmy lost to LA Knight & Randy Orton. Roman raises the belt for the pyro to go off again while fans boo, and some chant “YEET! YEET!” Heyman has a mic, he hands it over to Roman, and Roman says, “Green Bay! ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” Fans boo again but Roman smirks.

Roman then says, “Alright, alright, shut your mouths now. I wouldn’t’ve done that if you’d kept the boos down.” The boos keep going but Roman says it’s the holidays! Christmas! He’s here to celebrate! It’s promotion season, y’all! Cuz he’s a good boss. He’s a fair Tribal Chief. When someone’s doing good, he lets them know. When someone’s doing bad, he smashes ’em. But that’s not tonight. Tonight is about one man. This man has bent over backwards, sacrificed everything over the past year or so. This man understands what representing the family means. What it is like to keep the family at the top of the mountain.

And God forbid, if something happens to Roman, this man steps up. This man is next in line! This man… Well, Jimmy sure thinks it is him. Fans chant “YEET! YEET!” but it ain’t Jey, either. Fans cheer for Randy but it ain’t Randy! This man will be responsible for The Bloodline. This is the next tribal heir, the next Tribal Chief! Jimmy… join Roman in congratulating your brother, SOLO! Roman hugs Solo while fans boo and Jimmy feels awkward. Roman says now we all see- RANDY ORTON IS HERE! Fans fire up for The Viper as he walks out on stage. Roman tries to laugh it off, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Orton has a mic now, and he joins The Bloodline in the ring. Green Bay chants for “RANDY! RANDY!” and he tells them, “For 18 months, I have been thinking about this moment right here. I’ve been thinking about what I’m gonna do. I’ve been thinking about what I’m gonna say.” But the only thing Orton needs to say to Roman is… Orton’s coming for him! Roman took 18 months from Orton, so Orton will take it all away from Roman. It doesn’t matter who he has to go through to get the job done, the fact of the matter is this, Big Dog: It starts tonight, ends at the Royal Rumble, because Orton is challenging Roman for the WWE Universal Championship!!

The fans fire up hearing that! Roman smirks, even as fans chant for “R K O! R K O!” Roman says, “By the sound of the fans, sounds like you deserve it.” But what? 18 months? Roman hasn’t even thought about Orton once. Orton’s been gone 18 months, and has done nothing to earn this opporutnity, therefore doesn’t deserve it, and therefore can go to the back of the line where he belongs! This is crazy! Everyone wants to get down with the Tribal Chief and thinks they show up and just get the opporutnity. No, that’s not how this works. So just do what you do, Orton: tap into that big dumb head, listen to those voices.

It ain’t 2007 anymore. Roman is levels above Orton and everybody else! Those voices are telling Orton to get outta here right now, run and leave Roman alone. Do not disrespect the Tribal Chief. Because if Orton has a match with Roman, it won’t be an 18 month vacation, it will be retirement. Orton ain’t ever coming back! Orton says maybe Roman’s right. Maybe. Orton is looking into the eyes of the Tribal Chief and sees Roman has changed. For the better, really. Roman has evolved for the better. he’s no longer just a historical champion, Roman is a legend! Now, Orton’s changed, too. Orton has evolved.

But the one thing that Orton will always and forever be… is a Legend Killer. AND RK- NO, Roman gets away in time! Solo stands in the way now, and Jimmy, too. Orton says Roman hasn’t been thinking about him, so maybe he should start. And hold on, Orton is getting something from those voices in his head. And y’know what they’re saying? The voices just said Roman might’ve just crapped himself. And one more thing, Orton will leave them with this: Daddy’s back. Orton takes his leave, but he’ll be taking on Jimmy 1v1 later tonight. Will Orton take out a pawn so he can get at the king?

WWE United States Championship #1 Contenders Tournament, Opening Round: Grayson Waller VS Carmelo Hayes!

The Aussie Icon thought he was gonna get an easy first opponent just because it’d be someone from NXT. But he now runs into someone he could never beat while he was in NXT, and that man is… HIM. Will all of the WWE Universe see that Melo Don’t Miss?

SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. Logan Paul has a quick video promo saying that while Melo Don’t Miss, Logan missed Melo’s entire career. Melo better have his family DVR this match, this is the only time he’s gonna be on SmackDown. “Good luck, random guy.” The bell rings and Melo circles with Waller. Green Bay knows about “MEL~O!” and the two tie up. Waller headlocks but Melo slips around to headlock back. Waller powers out, Melo rolls over his back and shoves. Melo drops, hurdles, then ducks to DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Melo wrenches Waller’s arm and wristlocks. Waller rolls, shows off his kips, but Melo wrangles him again.

Melo top wristlocks, Waller rolls and wrenches to JAB! Melo staggers, Waller says count it, “Swish.” Waller throws body shots, but Melo elbows back. Waller CLUBS Melo, Melo CHOPS Waller! Fans “WOO~!” and Melo CHOPS again! Waller staggers around, Melo whips but Waller blocks. Waller kicks low, reels Melo in, and suplexes. Melo cradle counters, ONE!! Waller LEG LARIATS Melo down! Fans boo but Waller drags Melo up. Waller cravats for a neck wrench and he throws knees. Melo staggers, Waller whips him corner to corner, but then Melo boots. Waller blocks, but Melo uses that to RANA!

Melo runs in but he blocks boots. Melo puts Waller in ropes, ENZIGURIS, then FADE AWAY JUMPER! Waller bails out and the fans fire up as Melo builds speed. Melo slides, Waller slides in! Waller slides back out but Melo slides back in! Waller runs in, but into the SPRINGBOARD LARIAT! Melo then clotheslines Waller up and out! Fans fire up and Melo says Logan is the one who needs to be watching, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Melo fights up and against the chinlock. The fans rally for Melo and he JAWBREAKERS free! Then Melo fires hands from all sides! Melo whips, Waller reverses, and Waller slides under the springboard! Melo jams a leg, Waller SOMERSAULT FLATLINERS! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Waller is frustrated, perhaps having a flashback to Stand & Deliver. Waller slaps Melo around, kicks him around, then swings, but Melo dodges! Melo CHPOS, ROCKS, and repeat! Melo fires off in a corner, the ref counts and he lets off. Melo whips corner to corner, runs in and forearm SMASH! Snapmare and BOOT!

Melo keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Waller survives that and Melo starts to get frustrated. Melo cools off, goes to a corner and hops up. But Waller YANKS him down! Fans boo as Waller goes up now. Waller brings Melo in, for a SUPER OVERDRIVE!! Cover, TWO!!! Melo survives and Waller is furious! Waller drags Melo back up, fireman’s carries, and pops Melo up, but Melo uses that to victory roll! TWO, and Melo SUPERKICKS! Waller wobbles, Melo springboards, FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Waller is still in this and Melo is losing his cool again. Waller bails out, Melo pursues, and Waller HOTSHOTS the arm!

Melo wobbles, Waller somersaults, but into the FIRST 48! And then Melo hurries up top, NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Melo wins!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The “random guy” just took down Logan Paul’s Aussie doppelganger! Will Melo continue to hit three pointers all the way to his title shot?

LA Knight finds Orton backstage.

There he is! Knight was worried he was gonna have to make the save. Orton says that’s a good one. But again, he doesn’t need Knight’s help. Knight isn’t saying Orton needs his help, just that they both know how the numbers work. And in a way, Orton wouldn’t have signed the contract to SmackDown had it not been for Knight. Again, nothing wrong with that, it’s just the numbers. Orton knows they just met, but they’re good, right? They got a win over Solo & Jimmy. Yeah, that’s right. Then let’s keep it that way, and that means Knight staying out of Orton’s way. Knight isn’t trying to be in Orton’s way, he is just saying!

Orton is worried about Roman, worried about The Bloodline, but if there’s one man that takes everything away from Roman before anyone else, it is L A Knight, YEAH. Knight heads out, and Orton has something to think about. Will it be better for The Viper if he accepts the Mega Star’s help?

WWE United States Championship #1 Contenders Tournament, Opening Round: Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory!

Waller is out, so the Prizefighter won’t get to knock him out. But that’s fine, he has to focus on beating Austin Theory live! Can he do that with a broken freakin’ hand? Or will it be A-Town Down in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

SmackDown returns and Theory makes his entrance. Logan has another video: former champion and ripped guy Theory VS… Kevin Owens? Bro, Kevin dresses like a fifth grader who takes PE dodgeball too seriously. Put the sleeves back on, it is embarrassing. The bell rings and Theory runs up. Kevin stays back, keeping his bad hand away. Theory rushes in, gets that hand but Kevin headlocks. Theory powers up but can’t power out as Kevin grinds him down. Theory powers up and powers out this time but Kevin runs him over. Cover, ONE, but Kevin arm-drags and has a cording hold. Theory endures and fights up.

Kevin wrenches Theory’s arm but Theory kicks low. Theory throws hands, goes after the bad hand but Kevin rolls Theory up. TWO, and Theory kicks low to throw more hands. Kevin CHOPS but Theory fires off on Kevin in a corner! The ref counts, Theory argues with her, but Kevin whips Theory to ELBOW him down! Then SENTONS! Theory goes to a corner, Kevin runs in but Theory slips away. Fans boo and Kevin waits in the ring. The ring count begins, but Kevin storms out to the apron. Theory ROCKS Kevin, reels him in, but Kevin hooks the ropes! Kevin HEADBUTTS Theory, BOOTS him down, then CANNONBALLS to the floor!

The fans fire up with Kevin as he rises up, and Kevin gets Theory in the ring. Kevin hurries up a corner, but Theory bails out again. Fans boo again, but Kevin storms after Theory. Theory HOTSHOTS Kevin away, then somersaults and SHOTGUNS! Kevin bails out now and Theory pursues. Theory gets Kevin up, AOI SHOUDO on the apron!! Kevin writhes, the ref reprimands Theory, but Theory says he ain’t playing around. The fans boo while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Theory has Kevin up top. But Kevin fires hands, then HEADBUTTS Theory down! FROG SPLASH!! But the bad hand holds Kevin back! Kevin hurries to cover, TWO! Theory survives thanks to the delay, but Kevin just goes up top again! To SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Theory saves himself, covers, TWO! Theory grins but is still frustrated. Theory stomps away on Kevin, then jump stomps! Theory talks trash, saying HE is the greatest US Champion! Theory drags Kevin up, but Kevin throws forearms. Theory hits back, runs, but into a BOOT! Theory returns, but Kevin HEADBUTTS! And JABS! JABS! And CHOPS! All with his left!

Kevin stomps away at the ropes, the ref counts, but the fans fire up! Kevin lets off at 4 and he whips. Theory reverses but Kevin kicks back! And then Kevin runs to FLYIGN SHOULDER TACKLE! Atomic drop! DDT! Cover, TWO! Kevin shakes out the bad hand while the fans rally up. Kevin stands, he brings Theory up, and Kevin whips. POP-UP- NO, the hand holds Kevin back again! So Kevin SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Theory flounders to a corner but the fans rally up for Kevin. Kevin runs in but Theory BOOTS him! Theory runs up but Kevin BOOTS back! Kevin hops up, but Theory catches him, ARABIAN PRESS FLY! Cover, TWO!!

Theory is furious, and he glares at Kevin as he goes to a corner. The fans rally for Kevin but Theory says no, this is HIS tournament! Theory fireman’s carries Kevin to the top rope, CHOPS him, then climbs up. Kevin turns it into a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER! The fans are thunderous while Kevin crawls after Theory, but Theory flops out of the ring! Fans boo but Kevin is too tired to be frustrated. Kevin rolls out to fetch Theory, but Theory POSTS Kevin! And then crotches Kevin on the barrier! Theory DECKS Kevin into the timekeeper’s area! Theory leaves Kevin behind for the count to handle this! Fans boo but the count is 5 of 10!

Kevin crawls around at 7, drags himself up at 8, and slides in at 9! Fans fire up but Theory ROLLING ELBOWS! Then SOMERSAULT BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and Theory is beside himself! Theory puts Kevin up top again, throws hands, then climbs up. Kevin slips under, and he shoves Theory down! Theory lands on his A-Town, and Kevin says “SUCK IT!” Kevin runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Theory falls out of the Tree of Woe, Kevin SWANTON BOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Kevin sits there in disappointment. Kevin shakes out the bad hand while Theory flounders to ropes.

The fans rally behind Kevin and he stalks behind Theory. Kick and- NO, Theory grabs the bad hand and KICKS it! Kevin goes outside, Theory goes out to SLAM the hand into the post! And then Theory puts the hand on the steps, to STOMP it!! Fans boo as Kevin gets back in the ring, but Theory grabs at the arm! Kevin shoves him away, then DECKS Theory with the cast! Kevin realizes what he even did, and hurries to cover! KEVIN WINS!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Theory wanted after the arm, but the arm took him out! Will Kevin’s own one lucky punch lead him to not just the finals, but to a shot at Logan Paul?

Roman and The Bloodline are in the private suite.

And Roman is not happy. This was supposed to be a celebration! Orton ruined it! Completely! They all saw it, right? Yeah, Jimmy saw. Someone’s gotta shut Orton’s mouth. Orton needs to be silenced. Jimmy says he can silence Orton, but doesn’t this sound like a job for the “Tribal Heir?” Is Jimmy kidding? This is Promotion Season, remember? If Jimmy can handle Orton on his own, just imagine what awaits him as a reward. Understood? YEET! Er, uh, sorry… No yeet. Jimmy is walking on thin ice this winter, will he be able to cut off the head of the Viper to spare Roman Reigns?

Karrion Kross speaks.

“I would like to speak with you all today about the most urgent world event that is about to occur. This place is about to be… recycled. The moment I walked through the door, everything was set into motion. And now, we are at the threshold of a new beginning. Everything is about to crumble. Can you see it yet? Soon, you will.” Will SmackDown have no choice but to #FallAndPray?

Cameron Grimes finds Kevin Owens backstage.

Grimes says that was awesome out there. Hate to see it, but Grimes wishes he could’ve punched Theory just like that. Kevin says thanks, and Grimes heads out. Kayla Braxton then walks over, congratulates Kevin on the win and notes how he’ll move on to the next round, set to face Carmelo Hayes next week. They’ve never faced before, how do you prepare for a first-time opponent? Great question. And Kevin remembers being like Melo at one point in his career. Almost 10 years ago, Kevin showed up on Raw, went face to face with John Cena, not that Kevin is saying he’s anything like Cena. But as far as Melo goes, he’s very talented. And is right here, isn’t he?

The camera looks over, and there’s Melo. Melo says sup, and wants to say first off, ton of respect. Kevin’s done it all, won it all, but this tournament… Melo needs this way more than Kevin. And Melo isn’t like Waller or Theory. Kevin won’t be able to hit him in the face, and he won’t be able to “little broll” him. Melo heads out, and Kevin asks Kayla what that means. No idea. But either way, will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he has his shot at Logan? Or will Melo put Kevin on a T-Shirt in the rafters?

BREAKING NEWS on Charlotte Flair.

After the rough fall in lats week’s match, she will be out of action for nine months, given her injured knee. Damage CTRL has crossed off one enemy without even trying, but when and where will The Queen rise again?

Damage CTRL speaks.

Bayley says we just saw one example of why she created this group int he first place. “To become the most dominant women’s faction in WWE history. And every day, we get closer to my goal. I knew that Iyo was special from day one, I knew she was destined to win the Money in the Bank and become your WWE Women’s Champion.” Iyo says this is her era now! She’s the most powerful and dangerous champion in WWE today, and no one will stop her. And with the Kabuki Warriors reunited, they are stronger than ever! Bayley helped Asuka beat the 14-time champion in Charlotte. Asuka says let that be a warning to anyone who opposes them!

“No one is ready for Damage Control!” And Dakota Kai says it is time for them all to raise the bar and change the game. Spoken like a true mastermind. Now is time for DMG CTRL to hold all the gold, and that starts with the most dangerous tag team, the Kabuki Warriors, to go after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. And Bayley is going to enter the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble, win it, and take the Women’s World Championship from Rhea Ripley! Then finally, Bayley’s dream will become a reality! DMG CTRL is all fired up, will they be ICHIBAN?

The Kabuki Warriors VS Mia Yim & Zelina Vega!

Asuka & Kairi make their way to the ring alone, only to get jumped by Michin & La Muneca! Fans fire up as Mia & Zelina get payback for weeks past as they throw Asuka & Kairi all around! Mia & Zelina then get in the ring and wait on the Kabuki Warriors to regroup while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Kairi CLUBS away on Mia in the ropes! The ref is busy with Zelina, and Asuka HIP ATTACKS Mia off the apron! Fans boo but then Asuka distracts the ref so Kairi can FLYING FOREARM Mia down! Dakota Kai has also appeared ringside, and she steps on Mia! Kairi puts Mia in for Asuka, and Asuka tags Kairi in. The Kabuki Warriors mug Mia, double whip and then bypass to kick, AX KICK and BULLDOG, into a basement dropkick! The Kabuki Warriors soak up the heat, Kairi runs to SLIDING D! Mia flounders, Kairi goes up, FLYING KABUKI FOREARM! Cover, TWO!

Kairi keeps on Mia, drags her up and around, but Mia throws body shots. Asuka tags in, CLUBS Mia, then brings her around. DOUBLE HIP TOSS, and then DOUBLE SLIDING FOREARM SANDWICH! Cover, TWO! Fans boo but Asuka clamps onto Mia with an armlock. Mia endures, the fans rally up, and Mia throws forearms. Asuka holds on, then throws Mia by her hair! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Asuka plays innocent. Cover, TWO! Asuka drags Mia around, but Mia powers up. Asuka fires off palm strikes from all sides, but Mia turns backfist into backslide! TWO, and Asuka kicks! Mia ducks, rolls her up, TWO!

Mia stands up but into a NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Asuka drags Mia up, but Mia blocks the suplex. Mia fights, suplexes in return, and gets Asuka up and over! The fans rally, Asuka tags Kairi and Kairi drags Mia away from Zelina. But Mia turns over, BOOTS Kairi away and hot tags Zelina! Zelina rallies and fans fire up! Zelina arm-drags Kairi to a corner, then runs in to JUMP KICK! Zelina runs to KNEE! Cover, TWO! Zelina drags Kairi up, but Kairi swings! Zelina blocks, wrenches, and LA SOMBRA DDT! Zelina watches Kairi go to ropes, and she spells it out, “L! W! O!” 619!! But Kairi’s right up to URAKEN!

Kairi tags Asuka, and she storms up on Zelina! Chicken wing, crossface, ASUKA LOCK!! Zelina flails, reaches out, but she can’t reach Mia or the ropes! Zelina rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Asuka lets go, Zelina ducks the kick! Hot tag to Mia! Mia dodges a kick, Asuka dodges a kick, repeat! HEADBUTT from Mia and she reels Asuka in, lift, tuck, HAMMERLOCK DROP!! Cover, Kairi breaks it!! Zelina throws Kairi out, then storms out, only for Kairi to SHOTEI! Kairi drags Zelina down, to Alabama Lift and ALABAMA SLAM onto the desk!! Zelina falls in a heap and Kairi gets on the apron, but Mia BOOTS her!

Mia ROCKS Asuka, Asuka fights Sole Food to URA- NO, Mia ducks to SOBAT! And PELE! Fans fire up with Mia, she goes up a corner, but Dakota distracts! And Bayley is here to SHOVE Mia down! Kairi hurries to tag back in, and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Mia down! Kairi rises up, for the InSANE Elbow!! Cover, Kabuki Warriors win!

Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, by pinfall

DMG CTRL pulls out all the stops to make sure the Empress of Tomorrow & Pirate Princess took this one! Will nothing stop Bayley’s crew from taking control of the entire WWE Women’s Division?

Jimmy and Solo talk.

Paul and Roman have been talking mighty long, and longer than usual. It don’t feel good, it don’t feel right. Solo is stoic while Jimmy paces. But on the real, this feels like a set-up. Jimmy wants to ask Solo something. Solo would tell Jimmy if something was about to happen to him, right? Right? Solo says he’s Jimmy’s brother. But Solo flexing his taped up hand is still concerning. Will the Enforcer of the Island still be there for Jimmy? Or will he stay loyal to The Tribal Chief?

Santos Escobar speaks.

“The last time I had the United States Championship within my grasp, the opportunity was ripped away by Rey Mysterio. Because of that, that WWE Hall of Famer and Lucha Libre legend is no longer around us. This time, I won’t let anything or anybody take what I rightfully deserve. And now, I take on a man I’ve never faced one on one. The All Mighty Bobby Lashley. Bobby’s all about appearances. Expensive suits, fancy dinners. Don’t get me wrong, I understand. I get it. But none of that matters in that ring. When I’m through with Bobby, he will not want to show his ugly face on SmackDown ever again.

“And when I’m done with everybody else standing in my way, I will take away what I gave to Logan Paul, and become the NEW United States Champion, Santos Escobar.” The Emperor of Lucha has spoken, will he make good on his word?

Bobby Lashley speaks.

“Let this sink in. Logan Paul is our United States Champion.” The Street Profits say, “Wow.” Lashley says we now have this tournament, with a bunch of superstars that Logan Paul thinks he can beat. Except Lashley. Montez Ford says, “Amen,” and Angelo Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Next round, Santos Escobar… Papi Chulo who thinks he’s done everything under the sun, but when it comes to the All Mighty, Bobby Lashley, he ain’t got no bidness! Dawkins tells Santos to step up, get stomped out. Either way, dominance on arrival. Honestly, Santos is just in Lashley’s way. Will nothing stop the Rocky Mountain Machine from crushing Santos for Christmas?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Holiday SmackDown!

Not only does the United States Championship #1 Contenders Tournament continue with those first-time-ever matches, but the NXT North American Championship will be on the line! Dragon Lee returns triumphant from Deadline to face former NXT UK Champion, Pete Dunne! Will the Bruiserweight bring home gold for Christmas? And as the war between DMG CTRL and pretty much everyone else escalates, we have a “Holiday Havoc” 8 Woman Tag Match! Bayley, Iyo, Asuka & Kairi VS Bianca, Shotzi, Mia & Zelina! Will this one deck the halls and tear down the house at the same time?

Randy Orton VS Jimmy Uso!

The Viper is ready to remind us who the Apex Predator is around here, and as he vowed to start SmackDown, he’ll go through anyone and everyone Roman Reigns puts in front of him. Will this just be the beginning of the end for the Bloodline? Or can The Tribal Chief rely on one him, Jim Uso?

The bell rings and Orton fires off on Jimmy! Orton bumps Jimmy off buckles, fires off haymakers, then puts Jimmy in the ropes! Fans fire up but Jimmy scrambles away! Fans boo and Jimmy says timeout, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Orton stalks Jimmy. Jimmy wants another timeout but fans want the desk back suplex one more time. So Orton obliges, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Jimmy flops down, Orton hauls him back up, and puts him back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Jimmy toughs it out but Orton clamps onto an arm. Orton grinds the shoulder, Jimmy endures, and fans rally behind Randy. Jimmy fights up, Orton wrenches, but Jimmy HEADBUTTS free! Jimmy HEADBUTTS again, throws up the one, then runs in at the corner. Orton ELBOWS Jimmy, bumps him off buckles, then goes up the corner. Orton rains down fists!

The fans fire up and count along, Orton goes all the way to nine, then winds up, for TEN! Fans fire up as Orton looms over Jimmy. Orton drags Jimmy to center so he can stomp him! And stomp him again! Orton picks Jimmy apart with those stomps! Jimmy goes to ropes, Orton CHOKES him! The ref counts, Orton lets off, and Jimmy goes to a corner. The fans continue to rally behind Orton as he whips Jimmy to ropes. Jimmy kicks but Orton trips him up. Jimmy tries again, Orton blocks but the DRAGON WHIP hits! “Yeah what now?!” Fans boo as Jimmy stalks Orton to a corner. Jimmy throws down hands, then lets off to go to the far corner.

Jimmy glares at Orton, runs back in, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Orton goes to ropes, but Jimmy fishhooks him! The ref counts, Jimmy lets off, but then fishhooks Orton again! The ref counts more, Jimmy lets off and fans boo. Jimmy storms up on Orton, puts him in the corner, then rains down fists of his own! Fans boo but Jimmy still goes all the way to nine, then winds up. Orton pokes Jimmy in the eye! Fans cheer, Orton puts Jimmy in the ropes, and he grins. But Jimmy slips free to DUMP Orton out! Orton clutches his leg, writhes, and fans boo as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Orton fights out of a headlock. Orton HEADBUTTS but Jimmy knees low. Orton staggers back, Jimmy raises the one, and he runs in, but Orton LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then dodges to SPIN- NO, Jimmy saw that coming! Jimmy runs, but into the SPIN POWERSLAM! Orton still gets Jimmy with one signature, and now he has Jimmy in the ropes! But Jimmy HOTSHOTS! Jimmy knows the tricks, but then Orton KICKS him in the ropes! And now Orton has Jimmy for the DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up and while Jimmy flounders to his feet, Orton hears the voices!

But here comes Solo! But then here comes LA KNIGHT! Knight gets Solo, RAMS him into railing, and now Orton is clear. Jimmy storms up but into an RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

Knight smirks and Orton smirks back. Knight might’ve been right all along, but then Roman CLOBBERS Knight! Fans boo and Orton is seething staring down the Tribal Chief. The refs hurry to keep Roman and Orton from doing anything more, and Heyman raises the Universal Championship to honor the Head of the Table. But the fans are thunderous for “RANDY! RANDY!” so Roman storms in! But Orton fires hands! They go back and forth, shot for shot, and Orton gets the edge! But Jimmy CLUBS Orton! The Bloodline mugs Orton! GUILLOTINE and then stomps to the back! Fans boo more, but Knight is back up!

Knight CLUBS Roman, fires hands on Jimmy, but Solo is back! Solo CLUBS Knight, stomps him down, and the numbers are still in The Bloodline’s favor! Fans boo as hard as they can as Solo rains down fists on Knight! Roman stomps Knight while Jimmy & Solo drag Orton to center. But wait! AJ STYLES IS HERE!! Roman says bring it then! But wait, Styles comes in from the crowd side! PHENOMENAL FOREARM for the Tribal Chief!! Styles rains down fists, Jimmy & Solo storm up but they get some! PELE for Solo! Knight clotheslines Solo out of the ring! Fans are thunderous as The Bloodline regroups and retreats!

Orton and Knight have a phenomenal third man on their side! But then Styles DECKS Knight!? Orton is unsure what to make of that, and then Styles storms his way past The Bloodline. The Phenomenal One seems to be after Roman for his own reasons and no one else’s. Will the enemies of the Tribal Chief only end up fighting each other to get after the gold?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, and certainly a lot of intrigue added back to this Bloodline story. Really good opening promo segment with Roman swerving Jimmy on who is being named next-in-line. And of course Orton makes it known that the goal is a title match at the Royal Rumble. But Roman does make a good counter, or perhaps an excuse depending on your perspective, that Orton’s been away, he needs to build back up to get his title match. Good promos after with Knight saying he’s still got Orton’s back and Jimmy hoping Solo has his, really good main event match and great win for Orton. Styles making his return here was a great surprise, but he’s not going to have Orton’s or Knight’s back, as I expect Styles wants his own shot at Roman for the Rumble. Maybe we get a Triple Threat of Styles VS Orton VS Knight, winner moves on to Royal Rumble.

Great stuff in the US Championship Contenders Tournament tonight. Good promo from Santos and Lashley to call each other out and hype up their match next round. Great match from Waller VS Melo, and wow, a bit of a shame Waller busts out a new move like that Super Overdrive just to lose. And I’d say that move should be saved for big matches, but I guess this was supposed to be that. Green Bay sure didn’t know that. They might not even know Melo as well as I thought. Or they were just sleepy. Great match from Theory VS Kevin, too, with a big win from Kevin. Kevin VS Melo next week is also going to be great, and Logan having called out both Melo and Kevin, it feels like their side of the bracket finds a way to win out in the finals.

And great stuff from DMG CTRL tonight. Really good promo from the group, and great tag match, though of course DMG CTRL won with the cheating. Great idea for the 8 Woman Tag next week, and I hope “Holiday Havoc” means it’s like a Miracle on 34th Street Fight match. But what’s most surprising is that, once again, DMG CTRL has pulled back on the “Bayley is on her way out” type of tension. I suppose in part, this is an adjustment after Charlotte went down with injury (get well soon, Queen). And perhaps DMG CTRL does need all five members to ensure the Kabuki Warriors get a match for the Women’s Tag titles. But perhaps when that falls apart, then Bayley gets kicked out of the group and starts towards facing Iyo at WrestleMania.

My Score: 8.8/10