WWE Friday Night Smackdown Best of 2023 Live Coverage - December 29th, 2023

https://i.imgur.com/iaqTFjO.jpg


Catch The Absolute Best of 2023 TONIGHT on SmackDown!

Take a look back at some of the astounding moments from a banner 2023, as The Absolute Best of SmackDown airs live TONIGHT! This special episode of SmackDown will feature highlights from some of the iconic matches from the blue brand, special interviews and so much more!


:smackdown:

LA Knight starts things off and he says that if you are talking about the best of the year, you are talking about LA Knight. He says Smackdown has had a hell of a year. He has been setting fire to Friday nights. That is why everyone wanted to be back on the blue brand. We see the returns of John Cena and Randy Orton. We see CM Punk on Smackdown. We see the Rock. Knight says we have seen it all. We have seen friends become enemies. We have seen enemies become friends. We have made moments. We made headlines. We have seen new champions crowned. We have seen champions break records and make history.

He asks why is he here to talk about the Bloodline.

Your hosts are Jackie Redmond and Corey Graves.

Corey says the return of John Cena might have been the biggest story of the year. He came back to prove to himself and the fans that he had the hustle, loyalty, and respect to stay on top. Jackie mentions The Bloodline trying to stop Cena.

We take a look at John Cena and Solo Sikoa from Crown Jewel.

Here is the coverage from the report.

John Cena vs Solo Sikoa

Cena avoids a punch from Sikoa. Cena avoids another punch and Cena with a side head lock take down. Cena stomps on the right arm and he works on the right shoulder by lifting Solo in the air by the wrist. Cena works on the shoulder. Cena with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Cena with an arm bar and then he works on the wrist. Cena wraps the arm in the ropes and he sends Solo to the floor. Cena follows and Cena slams the right hand on the ring steps. Cena sends Solo back into the ring and he send Solo back to the floor. Cena slams the hand into the ring steps. Cena wraps the hand in the ropes again. Solo with a head butt and kicks to Cena. Solo with another head butt. Solo with one more head butt to Cena. Cena kicks Solo but Solo with a spinning heel kick. Solo with a kick from the turnbuckles. Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but Cena avoids it and Cena gets Solo on his shoulders. Solo escapes and he kicks Cena for a near fall.

Solo with a running hip into the corner. Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but Cena moves and Cena with a crossface. Solo with a rollup for a near fall. Solo puts Cena in the tree of woe and Solo with a diving head butt. Solo with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Solo with a splash into the corner. Cena avoids a Samoan Spike and Cena with two flying shoulder tackles and a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena with a Five Knuckle Shuffle but Solo escapes the Attitude Adjustment. Solo with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Solo with a running hip into the corner. Cena continues to work on the arm and then he goes up top for a cross body and he gets a near fall. Solo kicks Cena and goes for a uranage but Cena blocks it and hits a uranage of his own.

Cena and Solo exchange punches and Cena goes for an Attitude Adjustment but Solo escapes. Solo with a uranage for a near fall. Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but Cena blocks it and he gets Solo to the mat and Cena with an STF. Solo gets to the ropes to force a break and then he hits the Samoan Spike but he cannot capitalize. Solo with another Samoan Spike. Solo is not finished and he hits a third one. Solo stands over Cena and waits for him to get up. Solo with a fourth Samoan Spike. Solo with many spikes to the throat for the three count.

Winner: Solo Sikoa

After Sikoa goes to the back, Cena gets a standing ovation from the crowd.

We go to John Cena.

John says he is all dressed up to celebrate a great group of people. He makes a toast to WWE for making his 2023. He says he was able to come back to WWE and the reception and respect, he will never forget. He says he does not know how much time he has left in the WWE, but when he comes back home, he is always welcomed back. He thanks them for their excitement. He says he wants to thank everyone for making this a wonderful year for him and his family.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Bobby Lashley says he has linked up with the baddest team in WWE and the are coming for gold. Dawkins says it will be all good but Bobby corrects them and says it will be All Mighty.

Corey says Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn showed a new beginning. We take a look at what happened to Kevin Owens when he faced Roman Reigns at The Royal Rumble and what Sami did to the Bloodline.

We take a look at the main event of Night One of Wrestlemania.

Here is the coverage from the report.

Undisputed Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

Sami and Jimmy start things off. Jimmy asks Jey if he wants to start and Jey tags in. They lock up and Jey with a side head lock. Jey with a shoulder tackle and he points the finger to the sky. They lock up and Jey with a side head lock. Sami with a Thesz Press and punches. Sami punches Jey and Jimmy makes the tag. Jimmy pulls the ropes down and Sami goes over the top rope to the floor. Jimmy with a clothesline. Jimmy sends Sami into the ring post. Jey tags in and hits a suicide dive. Kevin comes over and the referee sends him back into his corner. Jey with a suplex on the floor. Jey with a punch. Jey chokes Sami in the ropes and Jimmy kicks Sami.

Jimmy tags in and he kicks Sami. Jimmy punches Kevin off the apron. Jimmy sends Sami into the corner and Jey tags in and hits a forearm in the corner for a near fall. Jey with a reverse chin lock. Jey keeps Sami from making the tag. Sami with a boot and he punches Jimmy. Sami sends Jey to the floor and Sami crawls and makes the tag. Owens goes up top and hits a swanton onto Jimmy and Jey. Owens sends Jimmy into the ring post and then hits clotheslines on both men. Owens with a splash off the apron onto Jimmy. Owens goes up top and hits a frog splash on Jey for a near fall. Owens with a kick and he tries for a stunner but Jey with a pop up neck breaker for a near fall.

Jey and Kevin are on the turnbuckles and Jimmy tags in. Kevin goes for a swanton on Jey but Jey gets his knees up. Jimmy with a frog splash for a near fall. Jimmy sets for the running hip into the corner and Owens moves. Kevin with a few super kicks and he hits a cannonball. Owens goes up top and Jey grabs Kevin's leg and Sami with a kick and a brainbuster on the apron. Owens with a swanton to Jimmy for a near fall. Sami goes up top and hits a frog splash on Jimmy for a near fall. Sami sets for a Blue Thunder Bomb but Jimmy blocks it. Jimmy super kicks Owens off the apron. Jey makes the tag and Sami hits the Blue Thunder Bomb on Jimmy. Jey with a super kick and a jumping thrust kick for a near fall. Jey with a super kick to Sami. Jimmy tags in and he hits a super kick on Sami. Jey with a super kick and then a double super kick for a near fall.

Jey with a super kick to Owens. Jey says something to Sami and they hit a double super kick to the back of the head. Jey gets a near fall. Jimmy tags in and they hit another double super kick. Jimmy gets a near fall. Jey tags in and they set for 1D but Owens trips Jimmy and Sami gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Owens sends Jimmy into the announce table and then Owens goes for a package pile driver onto the table. Jey stops Kevin and then Jimmy kicks Kevin and they hit a double choke slam through the table. They hit 1D on Sami but Sami kicks out. Jey tags in and he wants to know when will Sami quit. Jey slaps Sami many times and follows with forearms. Sami leans on the turnbuckles to stay on his feet and then he falls to the mat. Jey with a Yakuza Kick on Sami.

Jey holds up Sami and he says he never should have left the Bloodline. Sami with an exploder into the turnbuckles. Owens gets to the apron and he tags in. Owens with a pop up power bomb to Jimmy and then to Jey. Sami with a Helluva Kick to Jimmy and Owens with a stunner to Jey for a near fall. Kevin helps Sami up. Jimmy helps Jey up. They exchange punches and Jimmy with a super kick to Sami. Kevin with a super kick to Jimmy and Jey. Jimmy tags in and Jey leaps over a pop up power bomb. Jimmy and Jey with super kicks to Kevin and then knock Sami off the turnbuckles. Kevin is put in the middle of the ring and the Usos go up top. They hit a double frog splash but Kevin kicks out.

Jey tags in Jimmy and they hit a double super kick. Jey tags in and they put Kevin on the turnbuckles but Sami trips Jimmy and sends him over the announce table. Owens with a super Fisherman's Buster. Sami tags in and he hits a Helluva Kick on Jey and then he hits a second one. Kevin kicks Jimmy and hits a stunner. Sami with a third Helluva Kicckc for the three count.

Winners: Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens

Cathy Kelley is with Kevin Owens.

Kevin says it is hard to put into words how it felt to win. He says he is heartbroken about how they lost. Kevin says he will beat Santos next week so he can take the title from Logan Paul. Logan in his ring as US Champion is a nightmare. He says he will do it broken hand or not. Then he brings prestige to the title.

They high five and Kevin says it was his fault for using his broken hand.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Corey mentions that CM Punk's return to WWE has done more than 105 million views.

Austin Theory and Grayson Waller talk about New Year's Resolutions and how they don't like being asked by Nick Aldis to do it. Waller says they need to do it on the Grayson Waller Effect. Austin says this is how you show respect to your top superstars. Austin says he will win singles gold. Waller mentions tag team gold. Then they talk about winning the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank. Waller talks about main eventing the Elimination Chamber in Australia. Theory and Waller complain about Owens interrupting the ticker.

Corey and Jackie talk about Kevin's issues with Waller and Theory. Jackie mentions how they broke Kevin's hand.

We take a look at The Rock and Pat McAfee appearing on Raw in September.

Here is the coverage of the segment.

Pat McAfee makes his way to the ring.

Pat says that he was up the road in the Rockies to cover the Colorado Buffaloes and he saw that Smackdown was an hour down the road, so he had to show up to experience the WWE universe. He says it is his honor to welcome everyone to Smackdown.

Austin Theory interrupts and makes his way to the ring.

Theory says this isn't Smackdown, it is Austin Theory Live. Look what the cat dragged in. He says a lot of the people that live here don't get a lot of oxygen to their brains like Pat. He says they have to boo him at age 26. You were a mugshot at 26. Theory says there is nothing he can't do. Theory says they have unfinished business. Theory says he has something special for Pat. He is going to drop Pat in a few seconds and he will go to his show, unable to do anything, just like Aaron Rodgers.

Pat says Theory is not going to do a damn thing. He says Theory is dressed like him and wants to be like him.

Theory says when he wears a black tank top, he looks like a Greek God while you look like you should be flipping fries.

Pat says he is enjoying the local laws, but you mentioned this isn't Smackdown. He says Theory is so disrespectful to the business as a whole and to the people here.

Theory asks if he cares about these people.

Pat says it will never be Austin's show and it is the People's Show. Do you know what that means?

The Rock makes his way to the ring and he poses on the turnbuckles.

Theory asks Rock if he knows whose ring he is in. He says it has been a long time . . .

Rock tells Theory to shut his bitch ass up. You clearly don't know how all this works.

Rock takes off his jacket and tosses it into the crowd.

The Rock looks around and says FINALLY . . . the Rock has come back . . . to Denver.

Theory says that FINALLY the people get to see Rock and Austin in the ring one more time. It won't be Stone Cold, it is a real ass kicker. Theory says he will beat the entire Mount Rushmore.

The Rock starts and Theory cuts him off. and Rock appreciates what Theory did there.

Rock says it does matter what he says. He says it matters what the people say. You mention Steve Austin and he is Rock's boy. He then quotes Austin about kicking Theory's ass. Rock says the roof blew off the place because they are live. It matters what the people say. If you want to talk trash . . . you are Austin Theory and you are from A Town. Rock says that Theory is an A-hole. Rock says he will show Theory because in three seconds, this side of the arena is going to chant 'You Are' and the other half will chant 'An Asshole'. The crowd chants but it is muted.

Theory gets frustrated and Rock says that was amazing. Rock says he has goosebumps. He wants to switch things up for the chant.

Theory tells everyone to shut up and he says he is not an asshole.

Rock says they are having fun right now. He tells Theory he doesn't know who Theory is but he knows what he is. Rock says he has a theory. You come out and run down the people. They are the reason why it all happens. In three seconds, the Rock is going to whoop your candy ass.

Theory punches Rock and Rock with a spinebuster and then he sets for the People's Elbow and hits it.

Pat kicks Theory and he wants to do one of his own and he does it.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jackie and Corey are joined by Bianca Belair.

Corey asks Bianca if there is one thing she is most proud of from 2023. Bianca says it was an amazing year. She says becoming the longest reigning Raw Women's champion was a big deal. Jackie asks what is next for Bianca and what is she looking to do in 2024. Bianca says she is not a resolution person but she wants to go after Iyo for the title that Iyo took from her when Iyo cashed in. Corey brings up Damage CTRL. Bianca says she is not done with her. They were a part of the cash in and then they met at War Games. She has to keep both eyes on them.

Jackie asks if Bianca has any special moments from 2023. Bianca mentions Wrestlemania where she was able to three peat. She mentions her entrance and how she let those children showcase their talents. Corey asks Bianca about Love and WWE, Bianca and Montez. Bianca says the show premieres on Hulu on February 2nd. She is nervous and excited. She says they filmed it on the Road to Wrestlemania. They want to show how they are outside the ring.

Corey asks for her goals in 2024. Bianca says becoming Women's Champion again is a goal. She wants to continue to be undefeated at Wrestlemania. Corey asks about Mia Yim's match against Iyo on next week's Smackdown. Bianca says Iyo has a big task ahead of her. She says she is rooting for Mia, but would like to be able to take the title from Iyo.

We take a look at the Women's War Games Match from Survivor Series.

Here is the coverage from the report.

Women’s War Games Match: Damage CTRL vs Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Shotzi, and Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch will start for her team.

Bayley will start for her team.

Becky sends Bayley into the turnbuckles and then the cage. Becky avoids being sent into the cage. Bayley avoids being sent into the turnbuckles. Bayley with punches. Becky with a flying forearm. Becky is sent to the apron and then Bayley puts her on the turnbuckles for a superplex but Becky blocks it. Becky knocks Bayley off the turnbuckles and Becky leaps over and rolls through. Bayley with a kick. Bayley and Becky exchange forearms. Becky with a back heel kick and a clothesline. Becky with a forearm into the corner followed by an exploder. Bayley sends Becky into the cage. They go between the ring and Bayley goes for a suplex on the metal plate. Becky blocks and Bayley blocks a suplex. Bayley hits a suplex on the metal plate between rings. Bayley with punches. Bayley with an elbow to the back of the head. Becky sends Bayley into the cage and Becky with a baseball slide to Bayley against the cage. Becky with a second one. Becky applies DisArmHer. Dakota hits Becky with a kendo stick to get her to release the hold. She puts the kendo stick in the cage. Bayley gets the kendo stick.

Bayley hits Becky with the kendo stick.

The next entrant is Shotzi.

Bayley closes the cage door but Shotzi slams it into Bayley's head. Shotzi goes under the ring for chairs and a trash can. The trash can goes into the cage and then the chairs are put in there. Shotzi uses a chair on Bayley and hits a cross body off the turnbuckles. Shotzi sends Bayley's head into the mat. Shotzi sets up a chair in teh ring and she hits a back senton on Bayley in the ropes. Shotzi misses a suicide dive and lands on her head. Becky takes the kendo stick and they play tug of war. Becky hits Bayley with the kendo stick. Shotzi gets a chair and they corner Bayley between the rings. Bayley climbs the cage and Shotzi and Becky stop her. Becky and Shotzi send Bayley into the cage and Bayley does it to Becky and Shotzi. Becky send Bayley into the cage and she falls to the mat. Shotzi and Becky with forearms off the ropes to Bayley.

The next entrant is Iyo Sky.

Becky and Shotzi kick Bayley while Iyo gets a chain and she hits Becky and Shotzi. Iyo biels Shotzi with the chain and she sends Becky between the rings. Becky with a forearm but Iyo drops Bekcy on the top rope. Iyo with a double jump springboard drop kick to Shotzi and Becky. Iyo with a running double knee strike to Shotzi and then to Becky. Iyo gets the trash can and gives it to Bayley. Iyo walks the ropes and Becky with a forearm to Bayley. Becky is backed into the turnbuckles. Becky kicks Iyo and Bayley from the turnbuckles. Bayley and Iyo go for a double superplex but Becky tries to fight them off.

They set for the double superplex and hit it. Bayley gets a chair and Iyo pulls Shotzi into the first ring. Bayley kicks Shotzi while Iyo works on Becky. They put Shotzi on the turnbuckles for a double superplex.

Bianca Belair is the next entrant.

Bianca stops the double superplex and whips Iyo and Batyley with her hair. Bianca continues to whip Iyo and Becky. Bianca stops short of the trash can in the turnbuckles. Bianca gets Iyo up and drops her on the trash can. Bianca uses her hair to stop Bayley with the chair. Bayley runs into the corner and hits herself with the chair. Bianca with a spinebuster to Bayley. Bianca punches Iyo in the turnbuckles and Bayley grabs Bianca's hair to stop her. Bianca flips off the turnbuckles and hits a double suplex. Shotzi goes up top and Becky does too. Shotzi with a frog splash on Iyo while Becky hits a leg drop on Bayley.

The next entrant is Kairi Sane.

Kairi goes under the ring and she gets a giant trash can lid, which is not the table the crowd wants. Kairi with a back fist using the trash can lid. Kairi hits Becky with the lid. Kairi with a drop kick to Bianca. Kairi with a sliding forearm to Bianca against the cage. Iyo slams Shotzi while Bayley kicks Becky. Iyo and Bayley put chairs on top of Shotzi. Bayley hits Becky with the trash can lid. Kairi is tossed into the air by Iyo for an elbow drop onto the chairs on Shotzi. Kairi with a forearm to Biacna. Bianca with foearms to Kairi but Kairi punches back from the turnbuckles. Bianca presses Kairi over her head and she tosses Kairi onto Bayley and Iyo.

Becky hits Kairi with a chair and Bianca hits Bayley. Kairi hits Becky with a chair and Iyo kicks Becky. Becky is sent into the trash can. Bayley and Kairi work over Bianca with a chair.

Charlotte Flair is the next entrant.

Charlotte with a back breaker and a flatliner into the turnbuckles to Bayley. Charlotte with a fallaway slam to Iyo into Bayley. Charlotte with chops to Kairi and then to Iyo. Charlotte with a fallaway slam to Kairi into the ropes. Charlotte gets Iyo up for a power bomb into the cage. Bayley attacks Charlotte and Kairi joins in and they send Charlotte into the far ring. Charlotte with a Flair Flip on an Irish whip and Charlotte kicks Bayley. Charlotte goes up top and hits a double Natural Selection on Kairi and Bayley. Becky and Charlotte stare each other down and Kairi and Iyo hit them from behind. Bayley works over Becky with Kairi while Charlotte climbs the turnbuckles with Iyo on her back. Bianca sends Bayley into the turnbuckles and Shotzi joins in. Iyo kicks Charlotte off the turnbuckles and then Iyo climbs to the top of the cage with the chain. Dakota goes under the ring to get a trash can to be lifted up.

Iyo drops the chain to the cage and she goes to the top of the cage and takes the trash can and puts it over her head. Iyo with a cross body onto everyone.

Asuka is the final entrant and the Match Beyond begins.

Asuka gets kendo sticks and some more kendo sticks because THEY AREN'T TABLES. Asuka plays up to the crowd and gets a table. Asuka gets a fire extinguisher.

Each team is in their respective ring with one team on their feet and one on their backs.

Damage CTRL moves into the far ring with kendo sticks and they attack Charlotte, Bianca, Becky, and Shotzi. Becky punches Asuka. Bayley hits Becky with the kendo stick. Bianca and Becky are tied up with the chair and we get a quadruple drop kick. Kairi puts the trash can over Becky. Kairi hits the trash can. Shotzi stops Asuka on the turnbuckles but Asuka sprays mist in Shotzi's face. Asuka with a missile drop kick and Asuka gets a near fall. Kairi kicks Bianca in the ribs. Asuka and Kairi set up the table. Bayley helps them with the table. Iyo hits Becky with the kendo stick. Asuka and Iyo grab Charlotte and then Asuka with a forearm to Bianca. Kairi pokes Bianca with the kendo stick. Charlotte is put on the turnbuckles and Bayley and Iyo set for a double superplex. Bianca comes under with Becky for double power bombs. Charlotte climbs to the top of the cage for the moonsault. Charlotte hits a moonsault on Iyo and everyone goes down. Charlotte gets a near fall on Bayley.

Bayley with a forearm to Charlotte and Charlotte with a boot to Bayley. Becky and Charlotte with kicks and a double suplex to Iyo. They hit a double power bomb on Kairi. Charlotte and Becky stare each other down and they hug. Asuka and Iyo with rollups but they escape. Becky with a butterfly take down on Asuka while Charlotte applies the figure four and she bridges. Becky with a cross arm breaker but Bayley breaks up the figure four. Kairi goes for an elbow drop but Becky gets her knees up and she applies DisArmHer. Bayley with a knee. Shaotiz with a missile drop kick to Asuka on Bianca's shoulders for a near fall.

Becky and Kairi exchange punches. Kairi misses a back fist and Becky with a reverse DDT. Bayley with Rose Plant to Becky. Shotzi stops Bayley. Bianca sprays Asuka with the fire extinguisher. Iyo with a chair to Bianca. Shotzi with a Tiger Suplex to Iyo. Iyo hits Shotzi with the trash can. Charlotte with a boot to Iyo. Bayley pushes Kairi out of the way and takes a spear from Charlotte. Shotzi with a kick to Bayley followed by a KOD from Bianca. They give Bayley to Becky on the turnbuckles for a Manhandle Slam through the table for the three count.

Winners: Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, and Shotzi

Bayley says not to dwell on the negative and look at the positive. Iyo won the title. Kairi is back and Asuka joined the group. Dakota says Iyo will give Mia her biggest opportunity. Iyo says Mia was lucky to get the pin, but she will retain next week.

Bayley says 2024 will be their biggest year yet.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Corey mentions the passing of Windham Rotunda.

We take a look at the tribute video that aired.

We go to commercial.

We are back with footage of the Holiday Tour events from this week.

Nick Aldis says 2023 has been a banner year for the blue brand and he is proud to be the General Manager. The new year is going to be on another level. Iyo Sky defends the Women's Title against Michin. Santos Escobar faces Kevin Owens in the finals of the Number One Contender tournament. AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight battle to see who faces Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble.

Pretty Deadly interrupt and Kit has a suggestion that instead of next week's match against Butch and a mystery partner, what about Pretty Deadly against the tag champs. Nick suggests a title match and Kit and Elton want a group YES BOY.

Nick tells them no. They will face Butch and a partner of his choosing and it is final.

Kit and Elton say Nick is making a huge mistake.

Corey and Jackie talk about Logan Paul.

We take a look at Logan Paul facing Rey Mysterio at Crown Jewel.

Here is the coverage from the report.

United States Championship Match: Rey Mysterio vs Logan Paul

They lock up and Logan backs Rey into the corner and he pats Rey on the head on the break. Rey with a waist lock and Logan with a wrist lock and shoulders. Logan lifts Rey in the air with the wrist lock. Logan blocks a take down and they go to a test of strength. Logan with a leg sweep and Rey with a sunset flip and a rollup. Logan with a kick and he sends Rey into the corner. Rey with an elbow and kick followed by a head scissors take down. Rey goes for a head lock but Logan goes to the floor. Logan with a waist lock and Rey with a standing switch. Logan with an elbow. Rey applauds Logan's athleticism. Rey with a head scissors that sends Logan into the ropes but Logan escapes and he sends Rey to the apron. Rey with a forearm to the kidneys and Rey goes up top. Rey with a cross body but Logan rolls through and hits a Death Valley Driver into the turnbuckles followed by a Finlay Slam and quebrada for a near fall.

Logan with punches in the corner. Logan with more punches in the corner. Logan with an Irish whip and he falls in front of Logan when he comes out of the corner. Logan with an Irish whip to the midsection followed by a waist lock take down. Rey with elbows to try to escape and he stomps on the foot. Rey with a kick and forearms. Logan with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Logan presses Rey over his head and he drops Rey behind him. Logan with a splash for a near fall. Logan gets another near fall. Logan with a bear hug and he rag dolls Rey. Rey with elbows and he escapes the hold. Logan with a knee and a back breaker on the shoulders but Rey with an arm drag to escape. Logan runs Rey into the turnbuckles and he connects with shoulders in the corner. Logan with forearms to the neck and he misses a shoulder in the corner and hits the ring post when Rey moves. Rey with a suicide dive to Logan.

Rey with a seated splash off the turnbuckles and a springboard cross body for a near fall. Rey with another near fall. Rey with a La Magistral for a near fall. Rey with another La Magistral for a near fall. Rey signals for the 619. Rey with a waist lock and Logan sends Rey throat first into the ropes. Logan goes to the apron for a Buckshot Lariat and he gets a near fall. Logan misses a punch and Rey with La Mistica into a crossface. Logan gets to the ropes to force a break. Rey with kicks to the leg and Logan catches Rey on a springboard moonsault. Logan with a power slam for a near fall. Rey goes to the apron and Logan goes to the turnbuckles. Rey with elbows to the midsection and head butts to knock Logan to the mat. Logan goes back to the turnbuckles and he hits a Fallaway Slam off the turnbuckles for a near fall. Logan goes up top and lands on his feet when Rey moves. Logan is sent into the ropes and he catches Rey on a 619 attempt.

Logan avoids a clothesline and Rey with a kick. Rey goes up top but Logan stops him. Logan with forearms to the back and Logan gets Rey on his shoulders. Rey with a sunset flip power bomb and Code Red for a near fall. Logan is handed brass knuckles and Rey pushes Logan into the ring post and the brass knuckles fall to the floor. Logan's friend goes after the brass knuckles and Santos Escobar shows up and stands on the brass knuckles and takes them. Santos puts the brass knuckles on the apron and chases the lackey away. Rey with a 619 and Logan punches Rey with the brass knuckles for the three count.

Winner: Logan Paul

We take a look at Santos Escobar's promo explaining his actions towards Rey Mysterio.

Here is the coverage from the report.

Santos Escobar makes his way to the ring and he is using his Legado del Fantasmo music.

Santos says there is something that he needs to say and he has to get it off his chest. Santos says there is an expression, never meet your heroes. He says he comes from a rich lucha libre tradition. His family was labeled as heroes, but for him, his hero was Rey Mysterio. He says he patterned and modeled everything in his career off Rey. He says it was his wish that the next generation would see him the way he saw Rey.

We see Joaquin, Cruz, and Zelina in GORILLA watching MONITOR.

Santos says Rey was a father figure to him and he felt at home. After last week, he realized that he was right. Everything that was said about you . . . Dominik was right. He says he deserved to be the US Champion, but who became the champion. He wanted to recreate the LWO and who came in and took it over and added new members like Carlito.

Santos addresses Carlito in Spanish and he says that they were supposed to be family. What did you do? You sided with an outsider like Carlito over him. Santos says he knows Rey is watching from his hospital bed. He tells Rey he hopes the pain reminds Rey of how Santos felt when Rey betrayed him. Santos says if you thought he was going to apologize, he will apologize for not doing more damage. From the bottom of his heart, he hopes the surgery doesn't go well and you get an infection and they have to amputate your leg. Santos says he hopes Rey never comes back.

Zelina Vega makes her way to the ring and she wants to know what is Santos thinking.

Santos says they decided it was Rey or him. Santos says they are done.

Zelina slaps Santos and she says she trusted Santos.

Zelina leaves the ring and cries as she goes up the aisle.

Santos asks Cruz and Joaquin if they are going to side with Zelina. Santos says he made them and they exist because of him.

Cruz and Joaquin get in the ring. Santos asks if it is the three of them again.

Cruz and Joaquin tell Santos they cannot believe what he did.

Santos says they are done.

Santos attacks Joaquin and Cruz from behind as they leave the ring. Santos kicks both men. Santos says he can destroy Wilde.

Carlito's music plays and he makes his way to the ring so Santos lets Joaquin go.

Santos leaves the ring as Carlito enters the ring.

Santos goes through the crowd.

Corey and Jackie are joined by Rey Mysterio.

Corey asks how Rey's recovery is going. Rey says it is going great and he is looking forward to coming back. Jackie asks what stood out for Rey in 2023. Rey says what Santos did stands out to him. He says that has happened to him many times in his career. Rey says he keeps picking the wrong partners. Corey asks about Santos joining forces with Angel and Humberto. Rey says he expected something like that. Things will work out sooner or later. Jackie asks Rey about being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Rey says it was hard to see his son get up and walk out during his speech, but he is used to things like that. Jackie asks Rey about Dominik and if he will ever find his way. Rey says he hopes so, as his father. He gives Dom credit for what he has accomplished He has grown in the ring and he cannot take it away from him. Corey asks Rey about Dragon Lee. Rey says he is a superstar and he believes that he is the future of lucha libre. He sees a lot of himself in Lee. He brings everything to the ring and he enjoys watching him. Jackie asks about Logan Paul and what he does in the ring. Rey says Logan is doing things for himself and he cannot take it away from him. Corey asks if there is unfinished business. Rey says Santos and Dominik are on his list for 2024 and he is looking to add more names.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jackie says that with all of the shakeups in WWE, one constant has been Roman Reigns. Corey mentions that the Bloodline has helped Roman stay on top. They talk about how things are getting a little tougher. They mention Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles.

We take a look back at AJ's return two weeks ago.

Paul Heyman shows up and interrupts Jackie and Corey.

Corey asks Paul about Roman changing from hunter to hunted with three men challenging him. He asks if Roman is feeling the pressure and Paul says yes. Jackie asks if Roman is changing his training and Paul says yes. Corey asks if Roman has a preference among the three challengers. Paul says three men coming after the biggest star in sports entertainment, makes him concerned. Jackie asks about Jimmy's feelings about Solo being tribal heir. Paul goes for his phone and Corey is excited to hear Paul call Roman and Jimmy is called.

Jimmy says he hears everyone asking if Jimmy is hating on his little brother. It is about being naughty and nice and they are being nice. They are not afraid of LA Knight, Randy Orton, or AJ Styles. Roman is at home relaxing. Jimmy is going to call Roman to ask if he is enjoying his egg nog.

Solo calls and Jimmy hangs up.

We take a look at highlights from Cody Rhodes' victory at the Royal Rumble. We move on to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns from Wrestlemania.

Here is the coverage from the report.

WWE Undisputed Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns (with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa) vs Cody Rhodes

They stare at each other across the ring and they go face to face and then they circle each other. They lock up and Cody with a side head lock. Cody with a hammer lock and Roman gets to the ropes and Cody with a clean break. They lock up and Cody with another side head lock. Roman picks up Cody and Cody with a take down. Roman gets back to his feet and Cody with a kick and drop down uppercut. Roman rolls to the floor and discusses strategy with Paul. Roman returns to the ring. Roman with a waist lock and Cody with a standing switch. Roman with a back elbow and another back elbow. Roman with many clotheslines in the corner.

Roman misses a knee and Cody with a drop kick for a near fall. Cody with an arm bar. Cody with an arm wringer and he works on the arm. Cody with a side head lock and punch. Roman catches Cody on Beautiful Disaster and Roman counters into a power bomb for a near fall. Roman with a suplex for a near fall. Roman with a suplex and he acknowledges Cody's family. Roman sends Cody over the top rope but Cody skins the cat and he sends Roman to the floor. Cody has a kick blocked and Roman sends Cody face first into the apron. Roman slams Cody on the ramp. Roman signals for Solo to join him. Roman goes for a slam but Cody escapes and slams Roman on the ramp.

Cody with a forearm to the back followed by one of the face. Roman with a punch and he tries to send Cody into the apron but Cody blocks it and sends Roman into the apron. Cody breaks the count and then he kicks and punches Roman. Cody sends Roman into the ring and then Solo goes under the ring and hits Cody in the ribs with a chair while the referee was not looking at Cody. Roman with Drive By to Cody and they return to the ring and Roman gets a near fall. Roman with a cravate.

Cody with a forearm and Solo trips Cody but the referee does not see it. Roman with a clothesline for a near fall. Roman with a hard Irish whip. Roman sends Cody to the floor and Roman follows. Roman pulls off the hood of the announce tables. Roman sends Cody into the announce table. Roman breaks the referee's count and he goes back to the floor. Roman gets on the announce table. Roman sets for a power bomb onto the other announce table but Cody blocks it and Cody with a back body drop through the table. Cody breaks the referee's count and goes back to the floor. Roman with a forearm as they return to the ring. Cody with a kick and a drop down uppercut. Cody with a power slam.

Cody with a Cody Cutter for a near fall. Cody with boots to Roman and Roman goes to the floor. Cody with a suicide dive. Solo hits Cody in the back with his weight belt. The referee sends Solo to the back. Roman takes the weight belt and the referee tries to get it from Roman. Cody kicks Roman and hits CrossRhodes for a near fall. Roman with a jaw breaker and head butt. Roman with elbows to the back of the head. Roman sends Cody over the top rope and he tries to skin the cat again but Roman catches him and hits a uranage for a near fall. Roman sets for the Superman punch and Cody avoids it and hits a Pedigree for a near fall.

Cody goes for Beautiful Disaster but Roman with a Superman punch for a near fall. Roman prepares for the spear and Cody with a sunset flip for a near fall. Cody with a leg sweep and a figure four leg lock. Roman tries to turn Cody over and he succeeds in reversing the hold. Cody goes to the apron and Roman punches Cody. Cody punches back. They continue to go back and forth. Cody drops Roman on the top rope and Cody leaps over Roman. Roman with a spear for a near fall. Roman with forearms to Cody. Roman picks up Cody for the guillotine. The referee chcks on Cody's arm but it does not go down. Roman adds a body scissors to add more pressure to the hold.

Cody gets out of the guillotine and he connects with forearms to Roman. Roman pushes Cody off. Cody with a kick but he takes out the referee instead of Roman. Roman with a Superman punch and then Cody with a clothesline and both men are down. Cody is the first one up and he wants Roman to get up. Cody sets for CrossRhodes but Jimmy and Jey with a double super kick. Jimmy and Jey hit 1D on Cody. They help Roman up and out come Kevin and Sami. They go after Jimmy and Jey.

Kevin with a stunner to Roman and Sami with a Helluva Kick. The Usos and Kevin and Sami fight through the crowd. Cody puts his arm on Roman and he gets a near fall. Cody and Roman exchange punches. Cody with a kick and Roman with a kick. They go back to punches and forearms. Roman with an uppercut and Cody with a punch. Roman sets for a Superman punch but Cody avoids it. Cody with jabs and it is time to flip, flop and fly for a Bionic Elbow. Cody with a drop down uppercut followed by CrossRhodes. Cody holds on for a second one. Cody holds on and Paul gets on the apron. Solo with a Samoan Spike to Cody and Roman with a spear for the three count.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Jackie and Corey go through next week's shows.

We go to credits.