The New Year’s Day episode of SmackDown Live was taped on Saturday at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
205 Live: Kalisto def. Lio Rush – Royal Rumble Fatal 4-Way Cruiserweight Championship Qualifier
The crowd with “Lio Rush sucks” chant as Kalisto looks to build momentum. A distraction from the members of Lucha House Party allows Kalisto to pick up the victory.
Akira Tozawa def. Drew Gulak – Royal Rumble Fatal 4-Way Cruiserweight Championship Qualifier
Tozawa wins despite hometown-guy Gulak having the crowd in his corner.
SmackDown Live: The New Day Promo
The New Day reveal the doctor has advised them to stay away from pancakes and that they are done throwing pancakes. All 3 members declare themselves for the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match.
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Samoa Joe def. Jeff Hardy
Joe locks Hardy in the Coquina Clutch to pick up the victory via submission. Joe joins the Fatal 5-Way main event matchup.
Backstage Segment – AJ Styles, Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon
Styles refuses to apologize for last week’s action and says that he will show his real side in the Fatal 5-Way unless Vince wants to see it personally again. Shane warns Styles to be careful what he wishes for.
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Rusev Day Celebration
New United States Champion Rusev in the ring with Lana. Crowd chants “Rusev Day USA”. Shinsuke Nakamura crashes the celebration by sneak-attacking the champ. Lana is injured while trying to stop Nakamura who hits his finisher twice and leaves the real-life couple lying the ring.
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Sonya Deville def. Naomi
Mandy Rose rolls out and Sonya Deville takes her spot. Rose reveals on the mic that she sent Jimmy Uso a photo of herself earlier in the day. Naomi is distracted and Deville manages to pick up the victory. WWE seems to have kicked off the reported sexting storyline.
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John Cena and Becky Lynch Promo
Cena makes his WWE TV return and cuts a promo. Huge reaction from the crowd. Becky Lynch shows up and verbally roasts John. Nikki Bella is name-dropped during the promo. Zelina Vega and Andrade “Cien” Almas interrupt.
John Cena and Becky Lynch vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega – Mixed Tag Team Match
Lynch shoves Cena out of the ring and locks Vega in the Dis-Arm-Her to score the victory. Post-match she mocks Cena with his “You Can’t See me” hand gesture.
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Backstage segment -The Miz and Shane McMahon
The Miz talks about Shane’s dressing sense in his office. Shane runs off after Miz shows his co-bestie a mock-up of how he should dress.
Backstage segment – Triple H, Asuka, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Carmella
Triple H asks Asuka who deserves a shot at her SmackDown Women’s Championship. Asuka says she is ready to take on anyone. Charlotte Flair, Carmella and Becky Lynch show up to pitch themselves. Triple H says he will consult The McMahons and let them know.
Samoa Joe vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Mustafa Ali vs. AJ Styles in a Fatal 5-Way – #1 Contender for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble
Joe drives Styles through the announcers’ table. Styles makes a comeback later on and pins Orton for the win.
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.
