WWE SmackDown delivered an action-packed show on Friday, January 5, 2024, featuring a triple threat match to determine the No. 1 contender for Roman Reigns’ undisputed WWE universal championship at the Royal Rumble. However, the show did not end with the broadcast, as there were more surprises and drama for the live audience in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here is a recap of what happened after WWE SmackDown went off-air.
Recap of WWE SmackDown Main Event Matches
- Solo Sikoa vs. Finn Bálor: The first main event match of the night saw Solo Sikoa, the cousin of Roman Reigns and the NXT champion, take on Finn Bálor, the former universal champion and the leader of the Balor Club. The match was a hard-hitting affair, with both men showcasing their athleticism and resilience. Sikoa dominated the early stages of the match, using his power and speed to overwhelm Bálor. However, Bálor fought back with his signature moves, such as the Sling Blade, the Dropkick, and the Coup de Grace. The match ended in a controversial fashion, as Bálor hit Sikoa with the 1916 DDT and went for the pin, but the referee was distracted by Paul Heyman, who came to the ring to interfere. Sikoa took advantage of the distraction and hit Bálor with a low blow, followed by a Spear for the win.
- Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio and McDonagh: The second main event match of the night was a tag team match between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, the co-leaders of the Revolution, and Rey Mysterio and McDonagh, the former WWE tag team champions. The match was a fast-paced and exciting encounter, with all four men displaying their skills and teamwork. Rollins and Rhodes worked well together, using their experience and chemistry to isolate and attack their opponents. Mysterio and McDonagh also showed their resilience and agility, using their high-flying and innovative moves to counter their foes. The match ended in a decisive victory for Rollins and Rhodes, as they hit Mysterio with a double Cross Rhodes for the pin.
What Happened After the Show Ended?
- Tense Staredown Between The Bloodline and Finn Bálor: After Sikoa defeated Bálor, he was joined by his cousin Roman Reigns and his allies The Usos, who formed the dominant faction known as The Bloodline. The four men surrounded Bálor and taunted him, as Reigns held his undisputed WWE universal championship in his face. Bálor, however, did not back down, as he stared back at Reigns with defiance and anger. The tension was palpable, as the crowd chanted for Bálor and booed The Bloodline. The standoff was interrupted by the arrival of Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles, who were the other participants in the triple threat match to determine Reigns’ challenger at the Royal Rumble.
- Drew McIntyre Makes Surprise Appearance: As Orton, Knight, and Styles came to the ring, they were attacked by The Bloodline, who wanted to eliminate their potential opponents. The brawl erupted, as Bálor also joined the fray, and the eight men fought all over the ring and the ringside area. The chaos was finally stopped by the surprise appearance of Drew McIntyre, who made his return to WWE after a long hiatus due to injury. McIntyre came to the ring with a microphone and a steel chair, and announced that he was the ninth entrant in the Royal Rumble match, and that he was coming for Reigns and his title. McIntyre then proceeded to hit The Bloodline with the chair, as the crowd cheered him on. McIntyre then stood tall in the ring, as he pointed at Reigns and his title, and shouted “I’m coming for you!”
Exclusive Video Revealing What Happened with Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and The Usos
- Possible Clues for Upcoming Storylines: After McIntyre cleared the ring, Reigns, Heyman, and The Usos retreated to the backstage area, where they were confronted by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis. Aldis told Reigns that he was not impressed by his actions, and that he had a surprise for him. Aldis then revealed that he had signed a new superstar to SmackDown, and that he was none other than Brock Lesnar, the former WWE and UFC champion, and the longtime rival of Reigns. Aldis said that Lesnar would make his SmackDown debut next week, and that he would face Reigns at WrestleMania, if Reigns could retain his title at the Royal Rumble. Reigns was shocked and furious, as he demanded an explanation from Heyman, who used to be Lesnar’s advocate. Heyman denied any involvement, and said that he was loyal to Reigns. The Usos also questioned Heyman’s loyalty, and accused him of betraying them. The video ended with Reigns staring at Heyman with suspicion and anger, as Heyman looked nervous and scared.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown delivered a thrilling show for the fans, both on-air and off-air, as it set up some intriguing matches and storylines for the Royal Rumble and beyond. The show featured some exciting matches, such as Sikoa vs. Bálor and Rollins and Rhodes vs. Mysterio and McDonagh, as well as some surprising appearances, such as McIntyre and Lesnar. The show also teased some potential conflicts, such as Reigns vs. Lesnar, Reigns vs. Bálor, and Reigns vs. Heyman. WWE SmackDown proved once again that it is the most unpredictable and entertaining show in sports entertainment.
