WWE Friday Night Smackdown Live Coverage - January 12th, 2024

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Randy Orton, LA Knight and AJ Styles prepare for Roman Reigns

The Tribal Chief’s plan last week monumentally backfired, and now The Head of the Table must defend his title at Royal Rumble against all three men involved in last week’s Triple Threat Match: Randy Orton, LA Knight and AJ Styles. After SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made the bombshell revelation, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was furious, requesting Paul Heyman fix their problem during a backstage exclusive. With the huge Fatal 4-Way looming, Orton, Styles and Knight will need to execute their game plans in preparation for the chance to become champion. How will The Viper, The Phenomenal One and The Megastar get set for Royal Rumble?


:smackdown:

Your announcers are Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves.

We take a look back at the Triple Threat Match from last week to determine which ONE person would move on to face Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble, only to lead to a four way match due to the actions of the Bloodline.

We see footage of Paul Heyman telling Roman that it will be a Fatal Four Way Match. Roman tells Paul to fix it.


Grayson Waller (w/ Austin Theory) vs Cameron Grimes

Cameron Grimes is attacked by Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa in the aisle as Grimes makes his way to the ring. Solo with Samoan Spikes to many members of security.

Jimmy and Solo make their way to the ring and Waller and Theory decide that they would rather live so they leave the ring.

Paul takes the mic. He says they are not the bad guys here. The bad guy is the villainous James Bond over there, Nick Aldis. Nick put Roman in a Fatal Four Way Match at the Royal Rumble where it is practically guaranteed that the Undisputed Championship will be lost by Roman Reigns. That doesn't make Jimmy Uso the bad guy. That doesn't make Solo the bad guy. That doesn't make Roman the bad guy, nor Paul Heyman. The bad guy in this situation is Aldis . . . Nick Aldis.

Nick takes the mic from Paul and then Paul holds Solo back.

Nick says to disabuse yourself that this is a conversation between two equals because it isn't. The match the Royal Rumble is a done deal. This is the second match in as many weeks ruined by the Bloodline and it won't happen again. You can't ruin the main event of tonight's show because you will be in the main event. NIck says you braved the cold to be here tonight so you will get AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton against Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Roman Reigns.

Paul says that Nick knows that Roman Reigns is not here tonight.

Nick shows some disappointment about that fact. Roman has started something he doesn't seem to want to finish. Instead, they have until the main event to find a third man, if you would like. If not, it will be a handicap match.

Santos says there is a natural order. The weak is consumed by the strong. Angel says they are telling the LWO to step aside. Santos says you witnessed what happened to Rey Mysterio and Carlito. You can hide or be another victim. Their code will prevail.

Jimmy tells Solo no one is going to team with them.

Paul shows up and he says that he cannot get Roman on the phone. Paul says there is a locker room of people kissing his tuchus trying to get into the Bloodline. Paul tells them not to worry.

Jimmy says he is worried and he asks Solo if he is worried. Solo says he never worries.


Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo (w/ Santos Escobar) vs Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Wilde (w/ Zelina Vega)

All four men pair off and exchange punches. Wilde clotheslines Humberto over the top rope and he joins him on the floor. Cruz with a drop kick and chop to Angel. Cruz with a head scissors to Angel. Cruz with punches. Cruz is sent to the ropes and Cruz hits a springboard drop kick. Angel is sent to the floor by Cruz and then he hip tosses Humberto to the floor. Wilde and Cruz with flip dives onto Angel and Humberto. Angel with knees to Cruz and Humberto tags in and connects with forearms. Cruz with arm drags into an arm bar. Angel tags in and Angel pulls the ropes open as Cruz comes off the ropes and he goes to the floor. Humberto puts Cruz on the apron and Angel with a running knee.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Cruz with punches to Angel but Angle with a Gory Special and Humberto tags in for a slingshot blockbuster. Angel with a kick and Humberto gets a near fall. Humberto with a rear chin lock on Cruz. Angel tags in and he stops Cruz from making the tag. Cruz lands on his feet on a belly-to-back suplex attempt and Wilde tags in and hits a few drop kicks and follows with punches. Wilde with a back slide but Angel rolls through. Wilde with a DDT for a near fall. Humberto sends Cruz to the floor and Wilde sends Humberto to the floor. Wilde goes up top and Angel hits the ropes and it crotches Wilde. Angel with a chop and Humberto tags in. They go to the turnbuckles for a double press slam.

Angel sends Cruz into the ring steps and Humberto misses a moonsault but gets a rollup and hits a spinning sit out power bomb for a near fall. Angel tags in and Humberto gets Wilde on his shoulders but WIlde with a poisonrana. Angel with a super kick but he misses a shoulder in the corner and hits the ring post. Cruz drop kicks Humberto to the floor and hits a double jump twisting plancha.

Carlito's music plays and he attacks Santos from behind and Carlito with punches to Santos and they fight into the crowd.

Angel looks at what happened and Angel drops down to counter a victory roll. Angel adds a hand on the ropes to get the three count.

Winners: Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo


Backstage:
Nick Aldis is with Carmelo Hayes and he talks about how impressed he is by Hayes. Waller and Theory interrupt and they want to know what Hayes is doing here. They say that Hayes is not on Waller's level. Hayes says he is on a level above Waller. He says they can run it back tonight. Waller says he wrestled tonight but his boy is able to go. Nick makes the match official.

We go to commercial.

Backstage:
We are back and we see Carlito, Cruz, Joaquin, and Zelina walking in the back. Paul Heyman is in the hall with an apple. He says Carlito teaming with Jimmy and Solo would be cool. Carlito says the only fight he wants is Santos. Carlito takes the apple.

We take a look at what happened last week with Kevin Owens.

Backstage:
Logan Paul says he isn't here because he wouldn't come to Nebraska and he was on the phone with his lawyers because your cast is a liability. You are not going to be able to come to The Royal Rumble with a weapon. He says he will take Kevin to court. He asks if Kevin is ready for a fair fight at the Royal Rumble. If you have the cast on at the Royal Rumble, the match is off.

We go to Butch and Tyler Bate at COFFEE SHOP.
Butch says he can handle himself. He says he needs a partner for a tag match, and nothing more. Tyler says that Butch is lost and trying to find an identity. Tyler suggests some mediation techniques and Butch tells Tyler not to regret making the call. He says it was one and done. The Brawling Brutes are done. He says they can both their own thing on Smackdown. Tyler tells Butch they could show everyone what British Strong Style can be.


Bayley (w/ Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, Dakota Kai, and Asuka) vs Bianca Belair

They lock up and Bayley backs Bianca into the corner but Bianca gets Bayley into the corner. Bayley with a rollup for a near fall by pulling the braid. Bianca with a rollup for a near fall. Bianca with another rollup. Bianca goes for the third attempt and has the same result. Bayley with a clothesline. Bianca gets back to her feet and Bianca with a shoulder tackle. Bianca taunts Bayley and Bianca with a wrist lock. Bayley gets to the ropes and she comes back into the ring and applies a hammer lock in the ropes. Bayley with forearms. Bianca with a waist lock and Bayley and Bianca with standing switches. Bianca with a waist lock take down. Bayley with a back elbow.

Bianca with a back body drop and she walks across Bayley and hits a standing moonsault for a near fall. Bianca with an Irish whip and Bianca runs into a boot. Bayley with a clothesline for a near fall. Bayley with a forearm. Bianca with slams to Bayley and she hits a third one. Bayley with a drop toe hold to send Bianca into the ropes throat first. Bayley distracts the referee but no one helps her by attacking Bianca. Bayley pulls Bianca off the ropes and she wants to know what is going on.

Bayley escapes KOD by getting to the apron. Bianca with a forearm and she sends Bayley into the ring post. Bianca with a pescado onto Bayley.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Bayley with elbows and a top wrist lock. We see footage of Bayley sending Bianca into the ring post and hitting a belly-to-back suplex. Bayley with punches and a top wrist lock. Bianca with elbows and a rollup. Bayley with a knee to the midsection and a clothesline in the corner. Bianca with a spinebuster. Bianca with shoulder tackles and a drop kick. Bianca with a shoulder into the corner. Bianca goes to the turnbuckles for punches to Bayley. Bayley drops Bianca in the turnbuckles and Bayley with a running knee to the back of the head. Bayley gets a near fall. Bayley ties Bianca's braid around the bottom rope and she pucnhes Bianca and hits a knee to the head. Bianca moves and Bayley knees the braid instead of Bianca. Bianca with a punch and she gets free and goes to the floor.

Bianca slams Bayley face first into the apron a few times. Bianca with a bow and arrow around the ring post. Bayley pulls Bianca into the ring post. Bayley goes to the floor but Bianca gets Bayley up in a torture rack and she sends Bayley into the ring post. Bianca sends Bayley back into the ring and she connects with shoulders to the midsection. Bianca with an Irish whip that sends Bayley sternum first into the turnbuckles. Bianca with a suplex. Bianca goes to the turnbuckles and she punches Bayley. Bayley grabs the hair but Bianca pulls Bayley into the turnbuckles for more punches. Bianca does a back flip off the turnbuckles and hits a back breaker for a near fall.

Bianca sets for the handspring moonsault and Bayley gets her knees up but Bianca is able to avoid it. Bayley sends Bianca into the turnbuckles as she escapes a slam attempt. Bianca sends Bayley face first to the mat and Bianca with a handspring moonsault to the back for a near fall. Bayley misses a clothesline and Bianca with a forearm and she gets Bayley up for KOD but Bayley gets to her feet. Bayley sends Bianca into the turnbuckles. Bayley goes up top and hits the elbow drop for a near fall. Bianca backs Bayley into the corner. Bayley with a back elbow and a double leg take down. Bayley uses the ropes for extra leverage and the referee stops the count. Bianca with a rollup but Bayley is in the ropes. Bianca is sent to the floor by Bayley and Bayley appears to have 'injured her knee' and Bayley gestures to the rest of KAIenfive. Bayley goes to the floor and connects with forearms.

Bayley sends Bianca into the ring and Bayley stares down her compatriots. Bianca with a La Magistral for a near fall. Bianca with a spear and KOD for the three count.

Winner: Bianca Belair

After the match:
Bianca makes sure that no one on the floor enters the ring. Dakota talks to Bayley and Bayley does not appear to be too happy with her.


Backstage:
Kevin Owens says he heard everything that Logan said. He says he knows what Logan is doing. If you want to call the cast an unfair advantage. He says this is an advantage for Logan because his hand is broken. He will be at the Royal Rumble. He knows what Logan is trying to do. They need to talk about everything, so why not do it next week. You get to have the biggest honor of you rmiserable career. You get to be a guest on the Kevin Owens Show.

We go to commercial.

Backstage:
Iyo and Dakota were talking and Bayley shows up to want to know what happened. Dakota says the referee was looking at them so they couldn't interfere. Dakota says that Bayley needs to win the Royal Rumble on her own. Dakota tells Bayley they have it and Bayley is going to win at the Rumble.


Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford make their way to the ring.

Bobby says last week, AOP and Kross tried to take them out. Did you think jumping them from behind would give you the advantage? It made things harder for you. We confront people face to face. We don't do the coward thing. We come to the ring and clench our fists and start a fight. If you want to settle this, you can come and settle this right here and right now.

The lights go out and Paul Ellering appears on the stage and points to the Tron.

Kross says his plan is to show how corrupt people are. Scarlett says they are going to break them. You are at the top of the list to be deconstructed. Who better to start a new era than Akam and Rezar. Lest we not forget, the most sadistic person the world has known, Paul Ellering. They are the Final Testament. Paul disappears to the back and then their music plays.


Backstage:
Paul Heyman is in the back and Pretty Deadly show up and they have a proposition. Elton and Kit says they could be the people to help Paul tonight. Kit says they would make a great team. Kit hugs Paul and Elton hugs him too. Paul reminds them it is only one person teaming with Jimmy and Solo. Elton and Kit remember that they have something to deal with and apologize for the imposition.

We have a video package for Carmelo Hayes. He says he is HIM. He is a former NXT Champion, former North American Champion. He says when he shoots, he does not miss.

Backstage:
Bobby, Angelo, and Montez walk in the back and Paul Heyman stops them. Paul apologizes for what is happening with Kross. He tells Bobby he can work out his aggression by teaming with Jimmy and Solo to face the three schmucks. Bobby says the only time he wants to be in the ring with the Bloodline is when he is standing across from Roman Reigns.


Carmelo Hayes vs Austin Theory (w/ Grayson Waller)

They lock up and Theory backs Hayes into the corner and he pie faces Hayes. Hayes with a side head lock. Theory with a reversal. Hayes with a chop and side head lock. Hayes with a flying mare but Theory with a head scissors. Hayes with a side head lock and a drop kick. Theory goes into the ropes and the referee holds Hayes back. Theory with a forearm and clothesline. Theory gets Hayes up for a power slam but Hayes gets to his feet. Theory goes to the apron and Hayes with a kick and fade away. Hayes with a slingshot DDT onto the apron.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Hayes with a jaw breaker but Theory kicks Hayes in the back of the leg to send him into the turnbuckles. Theory with a slingshot rolling drop kick to Hayes and Hayes goes to the floor. Theory sends Hayes back into the ring. Theory sets for a suplex to the floor but Hayes blocks it. Hayes blocks it again and then he goes into the ropes to suplex Theory back into the ring. Hayes with a back elbow and a face buster. Hayes with a reverse atomic drop and punches. Hayes with a springboard clothesline. Hayes with La Mistica for a near fall. Waller crawls into the ring and Theory tries to attack Hayes from behind but Hayes punches Theory. Hayes with a rollup for a near fall. Theory with a rollup for a near fall.

Hayes with a thrust kick and he tries for First 48 but Theory blocks it and he puts Hayes in the ropes. Hayes kicks Theory off the ropes and Theory hits Lo Mein Pain but Theory lands awkwardly and the referee calls for the bell.

No Contest (referee stoppage)

After the match:
The medical staff checks on Hayes.


Next week Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn will challenge for the Women's Tag Titles. Logan Paul will be on The KO Show. We will also have the contract signing for the Universal Championship match.

Backstage:
Jimmy says he knew Paul would take care of things. He asks who is the third man. Paul says he has interviewed everyone in the locker room and there is not one man here who is worthy to stand in the ring at the side of the Bloodline. There are no more tryouts or auditions. He says he has full faith in Jimmy and Solo. Paul says he is not WORRIED. Jimmy says he is worried. Solo says he isn't worried. Jimmy says if Solo isn't worried, then he isn't worried.


Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles vs Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa (w/ Paul Heyman)

Solo and Jimmy attack Randy Orton as Randy makes his way to the ring. Solo with a Samoan Spike.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jimmy and Solo are in the ring waiting for Knight and Styles to come out.

We see Orton being helped to the back during the commercial break.

Match Number Four: LA Knight, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles versus Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa

Knight and Styles argue over who is going to start the match. Jimmy attacks Knight and then goes after AJ. The referee sends AJ to the apron and Jimmy with punches to Knight. Knight with a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Knight with a punch and AJ tags in. They hit a double back elbow on Jimmy. AJ sends Jimmy into the turnbuckles and chops him. AJ sends Jimmy into another turnbuckle and chops Jimmy. Knight tags in and he punches Jimmy. Knight with kicks and punches in the corner. Knight chokes Jimmy in the ropes and hits a splash to the back for a near fall. AJ tags in and he kicks Jimmy. AJ with a snap mare and a sliding forearm for a near fall. Jimmy with a punch and chop to AJ. AJ with a drop kick and he clotheslines Jimmy over the top rope.

Solo grabs AJ and Knight and they escape. Knight with punches and AJ with chops. They clothesline Solo over the top rope to the floor.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Solo with a nerve hold on AJ. We see footage from the commercial break when Solo gave AJ a back body drop and sent AJ face first into the turnbuckles. AJ with punches but Solo with a back elbow. Solo punches AJ in the corner and Solo with a running hip into the corner and he connects. Solo with a rake of the eyes. Solo chokes AJ in the ropes. Jimmy with a sliding kick on the apron when the referee pulls Solo off AJ. The referee tells Knight to get back in his corner. Jimmy tags in and they make a wish. Jimmy puts AJ in the corner but AJ with punches to Jimmy and elbows to knock Solo off the apron. AJ with punches and kicks followed by a clothesline. Knight jumps off the apron to avoid Solo when AJ tries to make the tag. Solo runs into the ring steps.

AJ lands on his feet on a belly-to-back suplex attempt. AJ with a Pele Kick and both men are down. AJ looks at Knight and he wants to know where Knight was when he tried for the tag. AJ says Knight screwed him off. Jimmy misses a super kick on AJ and hits Knight. Both men hit cross body presses and both men go down.

Randy Orton's music plays and he makes his way to the ring. Orton tags in and he clotheslines Jimmy two times and then he knocks Solo off the apron. Randy ducks a clothesline from Jimmy and hits a power slam. Jimmy goes to the apron and Randy hits the IEDDT. Randy looks around and twists to the mat for the RKO. Jimmy with a rollup for a near fall. Jimmy with a super kick and Orton with an RKO for the three count.

Winners: Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight

After the match:
Solo attacks Randy from behind. Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but AJ with a Phenomenal Forearm to Solo. Knight hits BFT on Solo. Knight has some words for AJ over what happened during the match and Orton hits an RKO on Solo. Orton goes to the floor and he connects with European uppercuts on Jimmy. AJ with punches. Randy picks up the ring steps and AJ sends Jimmy into the steps. Knight sends Jimmy over the ringside barrier. They adjust the announce table and they hit a Cerberus Bomb on Solo through the table.

End of show.