WWE Friday Night Smackdown Live Coverage - December 15th, 2023

[Kemo]

Roman Reigns Returns to Handle Tribal Business!

Tonight, The Tribal Chief returns to handle some Tribal Business. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, The Head of the Table will need to lock down his tribe and figure out how to navigate his Road to WrestleMania.

Your announcers are Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves, and Michael Cole.

Roman Reigns makes his way to the ring and he is accompanied by Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman.

Roman is handed the mic and he tells Green Bay to acknowledge him. Roman says he is here to celebrate because it is promotion season. Roman says he is a good boss and a fair tribal chief. When someone is doing good, they tell them. Tonight, it is about one man. This man has bent over backwards and sacrificed everything over the last year. He knows what representing this family means and what it means to keep this family at the top of the mountain. If anything happens to him, this man is the next in line.

Jimmy is all excited to be mentioned and the crowd chants for Randy. Roman says this isn't about Randy Orton. This is about the heir to the Tribal Chief. He tells Jimmy to join him in congratulating his brother . . . Solo.

Roman hugs Solo and Jimmy stands awkwardly as he is hugless.

Randy Orton's music plays (because Roman mentioned his name, and based on the rules, he is entitled to appear).

We go to commercial.

We are back and Randy has made his way to the ring steps.

Orton enters the ring.

Randy says for 18 months he has been thinking about this moment and what is he going to do. He was thinking about what he was going to say. The only thing he needs to say to Roman is that he is coming for Roman. You took 18 months from him so he is going to take everything from Roman. He says he doesn't care which family member he has to go through, it starts tonight and ends at the Royal Rumble. Randy says he is challenging Roman for the WWE Championship.

Roman says by the sound of the fans, you deserve the match. Roman asks if Randy said he has been waiting 18 months about this. Roman says he hasn't thought about Randy at all. You haven't earned anything so you go to the back of the line. Everybody wants to get down with him and show up and get the opportunity. It doesn't work that way. Tap into that big head of yours and listen to those voices. This isn't 2007 any more. Roman says he is levels above everybody else. Those voices are telling you to leave the ring and not disrespect Roman. He says if they have another match, it won't be 18 more months, it will be a retirement.

Randy says maybe Roman is right. Looking into your eyes, you have changed . . . for the better. You have evolved. You are no longer a historical champion, you are a legend. Randy says he has changed too and he has evolved. The one thing he will always be is a Legend Killer.

Randy goes for an RKO but Solo pushes Roman away and makes the save.

Randy says that maybe Roman should start thinking about him. Randy says he is getting something from the voices in his head. They are telling him that Roman might have crapped his pants. They also told him that Daddy's back.

We take a look at Carmelo Hayes with a video package.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Logan Paul says Grayson Waller has to waste his time facing Carmelo Hayes. He says this is the only time Hayes' family is going to see him in the ring.



First Round Number One Contender Tournament Match
Carmelo Hayes vs Grayson Waller

They lock up and Waller with a side head lock. Hayes with a reversal. Hayes flips over Waller's back and Hayes avoids a clothesline and hits a drop kick. Hayes with a wrist lock. Hayes sends Waller back to the mat with the wrist lock. Waller with a jab to Hayes. Hayes with a back elbow and Waller with a forearm. Waller misses a chop and Hayes chops back. Hayes with more chops as Waller goes around the ring. Waller blocks an Irish whip and kicks Hayes. Waller sets for a suplex but Hayes counters with an inside cradle for a near fall. Waller with a side kick. Waller with a cravate and knees to the head. Waller with an Irish whip but Hayes gets his feet up. Hayes blocks a power bomb with a head scissors. Waller's feet are placed in the ropes and Hayes with a kick and Fadeaway. Waller goes to the floor and Hayes with a baseball slide. Waller misses a clothesline. Hayes with a springboard clothesline and Waller is sent to the floor with a clothesline.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Waller with a cravate. We see footage of Waller hitting a double stomp to the back of Hayes' neck during the break. Hayes misses a springboard double stomp and he lands awkwardly and limps. Waller with a slingshot rolling flatliner for a near fall. Waller with a kick. Waller misses a jab and Hayes with chops and forearms. Hayes with an Irish whip and forearm in the corner. Hayes with La Mistica for a near fall. Hayes goes to the turnbuckles but Waller pulls him off and Hayes hits his head on the turnbuckles. Waller with a flip Playmaker off the turnbuckles for a near fall. Waller gets Hayes on his shoulders and Hayes gets on Waller's shoulders for a victory roll and a near fall. Hayes with a thrust kick and a springboard DDT for a near fall. Waller drops Hayes on the top rope and Hayes hits a Codebreaker to stop a slingshot rolling move from Waller. Hayes with Nothing but Net for the three count.

Winner: Carmelo Hayes (advances to face winner of Kevin Owens versus Austin Theory)


Backstage:
Randy Orton walks in the back and he sees LA Knight. Randy says he doesn't need Knight's help. Knight says he knows Randy doesn't need his help. Knight says that he helped Randy when he signed his contract with Smackdown. Randy says they are good after their win last week. Randy tells Knight to stay out of his way. Knight says he is the one who will be taking everything away from Roman Reigns.

Logan Paul wants to know how Austin Theory is facing Kevin Owens. He says Kevin dresses like a fifth grader who takes dodge ball too seriously.


First Round Number One Contender Tournament Match
Kevin Owens vs Austin Theory

They lock up and Owens with a side head lock and he holds on when Theory tries to send him off the ropes. Owens with a shoulder tackle and he gets a near fall. Owens with an arm bar. Theory with punches and he goes after the injured hand but Owens with a rollup for a near fall. Theory with forearms to Owens in the corner. Owens with a back elbow and a back senton. Owens goes for a cannonball but he sees Theory go tot he floor so Owens stops. Owens and Theory fight on the apron and Theory sets for a suplex on the apron. Owens blocks it and he head butts Theory a few times and kicks Theory off the apron. Owens with a cannonball to Theory. Owens goes up top after sending Theory back into the ring. Theory rolls to the apron and Owens is dropped on the top rope. Theory with a slingshot rolling drop kick. Owens goes to the apron and Theory follows. Theory with a brainbuster on the apron.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Theory sets for a superplex but Owens blocks it and sends Theory to the mat with a head butt. Owens with a frog splash but he cannot cover right away because he landed on his wrist. Owens gets a near fall. Owens goes up top again and he goes for a swanton but Theory gets his knees up. Theory gets a near fall. Theory stomps on the chest. Owens with a kick and Theory with a forearm. Owens with a head butt and kicks to Theory. Owens with a kick and a flying shoulder tackle. Owens with a reverse atomic drop and a DDT for a near fall. Owens cannot get Theory up for a pop up power bomb but he hits a super kick for a near fall. Owens runs into a boot and Theory runs into a boot from Owens. Theory with Lo Mein Pain for a near fall. Theory gets Owens up and puts him on the turnbuckles. Theory sets for a superplex but Owens counters with a fisherman's buster off the turnbuckles. Theory rolls to the floor.

Theory drops Owens on the ringside barrier and Theory punches Owens into the time keeper's area. The referee starts her count. Owens is able to power up and beat the count. Theory with a punch and a rolling blockbuster for a near fall. Theory sets for a superplex but Owens goes under and crotches Theory and Theory is in the tree of woe. Owens with a cannonball to Theory in the turnbuckles followed by a swanton for a near fall. Owens with a kick but Theory blocks the stunner. Theory kicks Owens in the hand and slams the hand into the ring steps. Theory stomps on the hand on the steps. Owens pushes Theory away and he hits Theory with a forearm for the three count.

Winner: Kevin Owens (advances to face Carmelo Hayes)


Backstage:
Roman says this is supposed to be a celebration and Randy ruined Solo's moment. Someone needs to silence Randy. Jimmy says he would do it, but shouldn't it be for the Tribal Heir? Roman says this is promotion season so imagine what happens if he beats Orton. Jimmy says 'Yeet' and Roman stares at Jimmy for saying the word and he says 'no yeet'.

We go to commercial.

Backstage:
Karrion Kross says he wants to talk about the most urgent world event. This place is about to be recycled. The moment he walks through the door, everything was set into motion. Now they start the new beginning. Everything is about to crumble. Can you see it yet? Soon, you will.

Backstage:
Kevin Owens walks in the back and Cameron Grimes says that was awesome and he wishes he could have punched Theory like that. Kayla stops Kevin and congratulates him on his victory and she mentions his opponent next week, Carmelo Hayes. She asks him about the match. Owens says he feels like Hayes because ten years ago, he debuted on television and faced John Cena. Kevin says that Carmelo is standing next to him. Hayes says he respects Kevin and he says he needs this. He says he is not Waller or Theory so Owens won't punch him in the face.

Kevin Patrick mentions that Charlotte is out for 9 months with a knee injury.

Backstage:
Bayley says you saw one example of why she created Damage CTRL. To be the most dominant faction in WWE history. They move closer to their goal. She knew that Iyo was special and that she would become the champion. Iyo says it is her era and she is the most powerful and most dangerous in WWE. Bayley says with the Kabuki Warriors they are powerful. She helped Asuka beat the fourteen time champions. Dakota says it is time to raise the bar and change the game. Bayley says now is the time for them to have all the gold. The Kabuki Warriors will win the tag titles. Bayley says she will enter and win the Royal Rumble and beat Rhea Ripley for her title.


Asuka and Kairi Sane vs Zelina Vega and Mia Yim

Zelina and Mia attack Kairi and Asuka from behind in the aisle.

We go to commercial.

The match is joined in progress and Asuka knocks Mia off the apron and Kairi with a clothesline. Mia is sent back into the ring and Asuka tags in Kairi. Auska wit a kick and Kairi with a kick. Asuka with a bulldog and Kairi with a drop kick. Kairi with a sliding D in the corner and she goes up top. Kairi with a forearm for a near fall. Asuka tags in and kicks Mia in the midsection. They hit a double slam and Asuka with a sliding clothesline and Kairi with a kick to the back. Asuka with an arm bar. Asuka pulls Mia to the mat by the hair and she gets a near fall. Asuka with slaps but Mia with a back slide for a near fall. Mia with a rollup for a near fall. Asuka gets a near fall. Mia blocks a suplex attempt and Mia with a suplex of her own. Kairi tags in and keeps Mia from making the tag. Mia with a kick and Zelina tags in and connects with clotheslines and a wrist lock take down. Zelina with a kick and she sends Kair to the mat. Zelina with a running knee for a near fall. Zelina with a hammerlock DDT and she misses a 619 and Kairi with a back fist. Asuka tags in and she pounces and applies the Asuka Lock.

Zelina leans back to get a near fall. Mia tags in and both miss kicks. Mia with a kick and a sit out package spinebuster for a near fall. Kairi pulls Zelina to the floor. Kair with an Alabama Slam to Zelina on the announce table. Mia kicks Kairi off the apron. Mi a goes for Sole Food but Asuka escapes. Mia with a Pele Kick and she goes up top. Dakota gets on the apron and Bayley pushes Mia off the turnbuckles. Asuka with a round kick and Kairi tag sin and hits the elbow drop for the three count.

Winners: Kairi Sane and Asuka


Backstage:
Jimmy is with Solo and he says Paul and Roman have been talking longer than usual. He says it doesn't feel right. Jimmy says it feels like a set up. Jimmy asks Solo if he would tell him if something was going to happen to him. Solo says he is Jimmy's brother

We go to commercial.

Backstage:
Santos Escobar says the last time he had the US Title in his grasp it was taken away by Rey Mysterio. That is why the legend is no longer around. No one takes what is his. Now he faces a man he has never faced one on one, Bobby Lashley. Bobby is all about appearance and he gets it. That does not matter in the ring. After the match, Bobby will never want to show his ugly face on Smackdown. He will become the new United States Champion.

Backstage:
Bobby Lashley is with Montez and Angelo. He says Logan Paul is our US Champion. Now we have this tournament with people Logan Paul thinks he can beat, except him. Next he faces Santos Escobar. Montez and Angelo say it is going to be dominance by Bobby. Bobby says you are just standing in his way.

Next week, Santos Escobar faces Bobby Lashey in a semifinal match. Kevin Owens faces Carmelo Hayes in the other semifinals match. Dragon Lee defends the North American Title against Butch. There will be an eight woman tag match with Bianca Belair, SHotzi, Mia Yim, and Zelina Vega against KAIenFive.


Randy Orton vs Jimmy Uso

Orton with a kick and he sends Jimmy into the turnbuckles. Randy with punches and he tries for the IEDDT but Jimmy gets away and he calls for a time out.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jimmy begs for mercy and wants another time out after we see Orton hitting a back drop driver onto the announce table. We see Orton hit another one. Orton gets a near fall when they return to the ring. Orton with an arm bar. Jimmy runs into an uppercut. Orton goes to the turnbuckles to punch Jimmy. Jimmy falls in the corner after the ten punches. Orton with the Garvin Stomp. Orton chokes Jimmy in the ropes. Jimmy with a kick but Orton blocks another kick. Jimmy with a dragon whip. Jimmy with kicks and he hits a running hip into the corner. Jimmy gets a near fall. Jimmy chokes Orton in the ropes and rakes at the eyes. Jimmy goes to the turnbuckles for punches and he connects with a few but Orton stops the finale with a thumb to the eye. Orton sets for the IEDDT but Jimmy gets in the ring and hits a back drop that sends Orton to the floor and Orton holds his knee.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Orton with two clotheslines and then he avoids a clothesline from Jimmy but Jimmy knows that Orton does the power slam so he holds on to the ropes and Orton goes down. Orton still hits a power slam. Jimmy drops Randy on the top rope but Oton sets for the IEDDT and he hits it. Orton looks around and he twists to the mat to set for the RKO.

Solo Sikoa's music plays and he comes out and it distracts Randy.

Before Solo can get to the ring, LA Knight's music plays and he stops Solo.

Orton with an RKO to Jimmy for the three count.

Winner: Randy Orton

After the match:
Knight makes his way to the ring but he is attacked from behind by Roman Reigns.

Roman stares down Randy and Paul shows up behind Roman to hold up the title belt.

Roman enters the ring and Randy and Roman exchange punches. Jimmy hits Roman from behind and Roman with a guillotine on Randy while Jimmy kicks Randy. Knight attacks Roman and then he punches and kicks him. Solo stops Knight and kicks him. Solo punches Knight while Roman punches Randy. Roman turns his attention to Knight and he kicks Knight.

AJ Styles' music plays and he makes his way to the ring from the crowd. AJ with a Phenomenal Forearm to Roman and an enzuigiri to Solo. Knight takes care of Jimmy.

AJ, Randy, and Knight stand together in the ring.

AJ clotheslines Knight and everyone is shocked.

AJ gets on the apron and he walks past the Bloodline to the back.

End of show

[LionDen]

[LionDen]

... and your winner is Carmelo Hayes

[LionDen]

[LionDen]

[LionDen]

... and your winner is Kevin Owens

[LionDen]

[LionDen]

... and your winners are Damage CTRL

[LionDen]

[LionDen]