BY SACNILK
Here are the full results for this Friday's SmackDown which is scheduled to air live on December 15, 2023, at the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. ##
Friday Night SmackDown currently airs live every Friday on Fox from 8:00 ET–10:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE SmackDown starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Saturday mornings. ##
WWE SmackDown Time In Australia: It airs live on at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ##
WWE SmackDown Time In Canada: It airs live every Friday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ##
WWE SmackDown Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Saturday at 02:00 am CAT ##
SmackDown Time In Italy: In Italy, SmackDown airs on DMAX at 2:00 pm with the international version of one-hour shows airing on Cielo in Italian ##
SmackDown airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 6:30 am. While SmackDown airs live on Fox Sports in Mexico and across Central and South America since 2014. ##
WWE Friday Night SmackDown, December 22, 2023 Play-By-Play Results ##
We kick off with a recap of last week's events, highlighting Randy Orton's confrontation with Roman Reigns and his match against Jimmy Uso. Additionally, the return of AJ Styles is showcased.##
AJ Styles strides purposefully to the ring, emphasizing that, at this juncture, he is not aligned with any faction.##
Taking the mic, AJ asserts that Randy Orton and LA Knight both desire a shot at Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. He acknowledges their aspirations but makes it clear that he holds no regard for either Randy Orton or LA Knight. AJ boldly declares that when it comes to facing Roman Reigns, he considers himself the top contender. With unwavering determination, AJ states his demand for a match against Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble.##
The arena reverberates with LA Knight's entrance music, signaling his arrival as he heads to the ring, presumably to address AJ Styles. ##
LA Knight dismisses any intention to argue about who gets the first shot at Roman Reigns. He acknowledges AJ Styles' desire but emphasizes that after what transpired at Crown Jewel, he intends to be the one to face Roman Reigns first. Knight asserts that Roman will be hearing his name before anyone else's, especially after the events of last week, making it clear that AJ Styles is not the first name on his list.##
Unfazed by Knight's words, AJ counters, reminding Knight of the lengths he went to secure the tag match with Cena and the bout against Roman at Crown Jewel. AJ asserts that anyone standing in his way will face consequences.##
Randy Orton's entrance interrupts the tense exchange. Orton expresses understanding for both AJ and Knight, acknowledging their grievances with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. He shares his own history, revealing how Roman and The Bloodline sidelined him for 18 months. Despite enjoying his time at home, Orton admits to missing the ring and declares that nothing will impede his quest.##
Knight interjects, asserting that he is bulletproof and undeterred by The Bloodline's actions. He challenges the notion that they took him out and declares his determination to face Roman Reigns.##
Nick Aldis, making his presence known, addresses the situation. He recognizes each of their claims to a match against Roman Reigns and proposes a solution. Aldis announces a Triple Threat Match in two weeks at Smackdown New Year's Revolution: AJ Styles vs. LA Knight vs. Randy Orton. The winner of this contest will earn the opportunity to face Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble.##
AJ Styles accepts the challenge, as long as it leads to a chance against Roman Reigns. He affirms his readiness to face Knight and Orton in the upcoming match, warning that any interference during his match against Solo Sikoa will result in dire consequences. ##
Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Mia Yim vs. Bayley, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Iyo Sky (with Dakota Kai) ##
The match kicks off with a chaotic brawl, culminating in Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky remaining in the ring. Iyo initiates an Irish whip, but Bianca counters with a floated suplex attempt. However, Iyo showcases agility by landing on her feet and seizing Bianca by the hair. Iyo follows up with a series of backflips, and Bianca responds with a well-executed dropkick. Bianca then exhibits her strength with a delayed vertical suplex, securing a near fall.##
Bayley intervenes by delivering kicks to Bianca and eventually sending her to the outside. Shotzi enters the fray with a present, revealing a chair inside the box. Bayley uses forearms and kicks on Shotzi before attempting a suplex into the chair. However, Shotzi counters, and a creative sequence ensues with Shotzi aiming for a drop toe hold into the chair, which Bayley narrowly avoids. Shotzi follows up with a rollup, earning a near fall on Bayley. Continuing the action, Shotzi executes a chop and a wrist lock, concluding with a wrist lock takedown off the turnbuckles and a subsequent dropkick.##
Seizing an opportunity, Shotzi introduces the chair into the mix, performing a back senton off the chair onto Bayley. Clearing the ring of the chair, Mia Yim holds the ropes open for Shotzi to execute a suicide dive onto Iyo and Bayley. Mia and Zelina Vega discuss their strategy, preparing for dives to the floor, but Kairi Sane and Asuka intercept them with candy cane kendo sticks. Bianca and Shotzi then counter with their own kendo sticks, leading to a chaotic exchange on the outside. The action intensifies as everyone heads to the floor, and Bianca and Shotzi retrieve a table.##
The momentum is abruptly halted as Iyo and Bayley intervene, successfully halting Bianca and Shotzi and hitting them with the table. The chaos sets the stage for the upcoming segments as the match heads to a commercial break. ##
Upon our return, the frenetic action resumes with two double superplexes onto presents in the ring, leaving everyone except Zelina Vega and Iyo Sky incapacitated. Zelina seizes the moment, countering a suplex attempt on the floor with a DDT, leaving the others down. Asuka and Mia Yim exchange kicks, with Asuka delivering a back heel kick and back fist. Mia counters a kick, executing a powerbomb. Iyo enters the fray with a springboard dropkick to Mia, securing a near fall.##
Bianca Belair avoids being struck by a present and rolls up Iyo for a near fall. She then sends Bayley to the floor. Iyo retaliates with a rollup for a near fall, followed by a shotei. Bianca counters with a kick and hits Iyo with a box, leaving it on her head. Shotzi hits a missile dropkick to dislodge Iyo from Bianca's shoulders, earning a near fall.##
Kairi Sane discovers a trash can lid in a present, gleefully using it for a back fist. She proceeds to send Shotzi into a tree, celebrating with a dance. However, Zelina Vega intervenes, striking Kairi with a chair. Zelina, in turn, receives a pie to the face and a mist from Asuka. Bayley executes a suplex in the ring, followed by sending Bianca to the floor. Asuka and Kairi join forces to attack Bianca, leading to Bayley setting up a table.##
As Asuka and Kairi inspect some presents, Isla Dawn emerges from one box, and Alba Fyre emerges from another. They launch a surprise attack on Kairi and Asuka, executing a Gory Bomb and reverse DDT combination. Bayley attempts to send Bianca into the table, but Bianca halts her, avoiding a belly-to-belly suplex and hitting the KOD. Iyo follows up with a moonsault to Bianca. Mia Yim reenters the fray, hitting Iyo with Eat Defeat. Mia ascends to the top and executes a back senton through the table, securing the three-count for the victory. The chaotic and entertaining match concludes with this unexpected turn of events. ##
WINNER: Mia Yim, Zelina Vega, Shotzi, and Bianca Belair ##
In the backstage area, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa engage in a conversation, with Jimmy expressing the desire to discuss strategy. However, Roman Reigns appears unimpressed with the prospect.##
Turning his attention to Paul Heyman, Roman inquires about the identity of the Smackdown General Manager, instructing Paul to bring him to Roman's presence.##
Despite Paul's attempt to brief Roman about Nick, Roman interrupts him, directing Paul to bring the General Manager to him directly. The tone is set for a potentially significant meeting as Roman takes command of the situation. ##
Dragon Lee vs. Butch for the North American Championship ##
They initiate a lock-up, and Lee gains control with a wrist lock, only for Butch to counter. Lee responds with a side headlock and executes a victory roll for a near fall. Butch attempts a cross arm breaker, but Lee counters with another roll-up for a close two-count. Both competitors aim for kicks simultaneously, but they block each other. Butch delivers a forearm, followed by an armbar takedown. He adds a knee drop to the arm, focusing on the other hand and manipulating the fingers.##
Butch continues with a kick to the back and chops, putting emphasis on the handwork. Lee retaliates with a head scissors takedown and a kick in the corner. He follows up with a leg sweep and a slingshot kick to Butch's chest. Lee attempts a suicide dive, but Butch halts him with a well-timed kick before he exits the ring, executing an X Plex on the apron.##
After the commercial break, Butch maintains the pressure by pulling at Lee's fingers, prompting a warning from the referee when Lee's foot is on the ropes. Butch proceeds to stomp on Lee and forces him to the floor, stomping on his hands on the apron. However, Butch misses a moonsault to the floor as Lee leaps over the top rope, executing a rana that sends Butch to the floor. Lee follows up with a hesitation dropkick in the corner, setting up for a powerbomb. Butch counters with a Tiger Driver for a near fall.##
They engage in an exchange of chops from their knees, with Lee delivering a kick and Butch responding with a forearm and jumping knee. Lee retaliates with a knee of his own, and Butch answers with a snap German suplex. Lee counters with his own German suplex, and Butch stomps on his hand. Lee lands on his feet after an X Plex attempt, hitting a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall.##
Butch ascends to the top rope, but Lee crotches him. Despite Butch grabbing Lee's fingers and pulling at them, Lee manages to execute a double stomp. He adjusts his fingers before delivering a pop-up forearm. Butch attempts the Bitter End, but Lee counters with a destroyer. Lee finishes the sequence with Operation Dragon for the three-count, securing the victory in an intense and hard-fought matchup. ##
WINNER: Dragon Lee ##
We return, and Paul Heyman introduces Nick Aldis to Roman while Roman is engrossed in his phone.##
Roman instructs Paul to leave them alone.##
Roman questions Nick if he wasn't aware he was addressing him, to which Nick nonchalantly responds that he doesn't care.##
Roman probes Nick about arranging the Triple Threat match and the Solo vs. AJ match.##
Nick confirms that he made those decisions. ##
Roman acknowledges them as good ideas but emphasizes that it would have been a better idea if Nick had consulted with him first. He asserts his position as the Tribal Chief and head of the table, indicating that everything should go through him, as Adam Pearce understood. #
Nick dismisses the idea that it might hurt his feelings, stating that as an executive, he doesn't have feelings. He contrasts himself with Adam, considering him a middle manager, and asserts that the buck stops with him. He commends Solo for handling John Cena, claiming it was better than what Roman did with Cena. Nick expresses anticipation for the upcoming matches, both the Solo vs. AJ and the Triple Threat match, leading to the Royal Rumble. Nick appreciates the invitation and looks forward to more productive dialogue, expressing his desire to know Roman better.##
In another segment, Logan acknowledges Carmelo's impressive performance but criticizes his upcoming match against Kevin Owens, whom Logan deems disgusting and believes shouldn't be there due to Owens allegedly cheating. ##
Semifinal Match in the Number One Contender Tournament: Kevin Owens vs. Carmelo Hayes ##
They initiate a lockup, and Kevin executes a clean break. Owens proceeds with a single-leg takedown, transitioning into a waist lock. Kevin applies a front face lock, but Hayes counters, taking Owens down to the mat. Kevin retaliates with a waist lock, prompting Hayes to roll him to the mat and apply a wrist lock, forcing Owens to reach the ropes. ##
They engage in another lockup, with Kevin executing a side headlock. Hayes attempts a shoulder tackle, but Kevin remains on his feet. Hayes follows up with a head scissors takedown, and Owens secures a near fall after a leg sweep. Hayes also gets a near fall following a leg sweep. Owens takes Hayes down but misses a back senton. Hayes responds with a dropkick, and Owens counters with kicks. Kevin delivers chops, and Hayes responds with forearms. Owens hits a back elbow and a back senton. ##
Hayes executes a springboard clothesline, and Owens sends him to the apron. Hayes pulls Owens to the floor, attempting a pescado but landing on his feet. Owens then sends Hayes into the ring steps.##
The action continues after the commercial break. ##
After returning, Hayes slams Owens, but he ends up falling back into the corner. Hayes retaliates with forearms and chops, following up with a float-over and a dropkick in the corner, topped with a forearm. Hayes executes an axe kick, earning a near fall. He then attempts a suplex, but Owens counters, causing Hayes to land on his feet. Owens responds with a forearm and chop, but Hayes counters with a boot to the head. Hayes applies La Mistica for a near fall. Hayes tries for a suplex, but Owens blocks it, placing Hayes on the turnbuckles and hitting a hanging DDT for another near fall.##
Owens attempts a cannonball, but Hayes responds with a super kick. Owens retaliates with his own super kick. Trying for a package powerbomb, Owens faces resistance as Hayes manages to land on his feet. Kevin responds with chops, and Hayes misses the springboard clothesline as Owens dodges. Kevin delivers a clothesline, and Hayes counters a pop-up powerbomb attempt with a Codebreaker. ##
Hayes then misses "Nothing But Net," and Owens capitalizes with a pop-up powerbomb, securing a near fall. Ascending to the top rope, Owens executes a Swanton, followed by a kick and a Stunner to secure the three-count. ##
Ascending to the top rope, Owens executes a Swanton, followed by a kick and a Stunner to secure the three-count. ##
WINNER: Kevin Owens ##
Following the match, Owens begins to leave but extends a hand to help Carmelo to his feet, shaking hands before exiting the ring.##
In the backstage area, AJ Styles is approached by Mia Yim, accompanied by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Mia expresses her happiness at seeing AJ again, while Karl mentions not hearing from AJ and being unsure about his return. Karl inquires if everything is okay, and AJ responds with the question, "ARE WE?"##
Logan Paul shares his admiration for their style but questions whether they have what it takes to wrest the title from him, asserting there's no chance. ##
Semifinal Match in the Number One Contender Tournament: Bobby Lashley (with Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. Santos Escober ##
Santos charges forward into a clothesline from Bobby Lashley. Bobby follows up with an Irish whip and a powerful shoulder into the corner. He then sends Santos into the corner, delivering a series of punches. Bobby executes an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, showcasing his dominance. To add to his display of strength, Bobby biels Santos across the ring. However, Santos counters by dropping Bobby on the top rope and delivering a well-placed kick. Santos attempts an aerial move off the turnbuckles, but Lashley catches him and sends him over the top rope to the floor.##
As we head into the commercial break, Santos takes advantage by executing a suicide dive onto Bobby. The action continued during the break, with Santos landing a drop kick against the ring steps. Santos strategically focuses on Bobby's leg, delivering numerous kicks to bring the powerhouse down. A spinning knee drop and a series of running double knee strikes in the corner keep Lashley on the defensive. Santos goes for a Frankensteiner, but Bobby counters, pushing Santos to the mat chest-first. Lashley responds with a flatliner and readies himself for the full nelson submission.##
Suddenly, a masked man is removed from ringside, causing a distraction. Santos seizes the opportunity to escape Lashley's grip. Lashley, frustrated by the interference, delivers a choke slam. Meanwhile, two more masked men attack Ford and Dawkins at ringside. Santos capitalizes on the chaos, hitting a knee to Lashley's back, followed by a rollup and a handful of tights for the three-count victory. ##
WINNER: Santos Escobar ##
After the match, the two masked men reveal themselves to be Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo.##
Cathy Kelley catches up with Butch and notes that things didn't go as planned.##
Butch gives credit to Dragon Lee for the win.##
In an unexpected turn, Pretty Deadly starts singing Christmas Carols that mock Butch, provoking an aggravated response from him as he attacks them.##
Nick Aldis steps in, advising Butch to settle matters in the ring rather than backstage. He instructs Butch to find a tag team partner for a match against Pretty Deadly scheduled for two weeks from now.##
As the action concludes, we head into a commercial break.##
Upon returning, Logan Paul expresses his thoughts, stating that he expected to face the best after this tournament. He ridicules his opponents, mentioning a guy who cried when Rey turned on him and another who doesn't take off his shirt at the pool. He sarcastically remarks that they are fighting to be pinned by the greatest US champion.##
Looking ahead to two weeks from now, Kevin Owens is set to face Santos Escobar in the tournament finals. Additionally, Mia Yim will challenge Iyo Sky for the Women's Title, and a Triple Threat Match featuring AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight will determine the contender to face Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble. ##
Singles Match: AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa ##
AJ Styles starts the match with a series of chops and punches, trying to gain an early advantage. However, Solo Sikoa responds by pushing AJ away and delivering a powerful kick along with a sequence of chops. Solo then blocks AJ's attempt at an Irish whip, turning the momentum in his favor.##
AJ Styles, known for his resilience, counters with a kick, followed by a combination of punches and chops. Despite AJ's offense, Solo retaliates with a back elbow, showcasing his strength. Solo proceeds to slam AJ to the mat, momentarily halting AJ's offensive flurry.##
The resilient AJ Styles quickly recovers, delivering a series of kicks to Solo, culminating in a running knee to the head. AJ follows up with an enzuigiri, sending Solo Sikoa sprawling to the outside of the ring. AJ seizes the opportunity, heading to the apron and executing a sliding knee strike, targeting Solo on the floor.##
As the action unfolds, the intensity rises, and the match heads into a commercial break. ##
Solo sends AJ crashing into the ring post, delivering a brutal punch and subsequent headbutts from the floor. After tossing AJ back into the ring, Solo executes a diving headbutt, securing a near fall. AJ retaliates with sharp chops, but Solo responds with an Irish whip, sending AJ face-first into the turnbuckles. Solo gears up for a running hip into the corner, successfully connecting with the move. As Solo positions AJ, preparing to ascend the turnbuckles, he misses a splash when AJ adeptly evades. Seizing the opportunity, AJ counters with a flying clothesline into the corner, followed by a snapmare and a sliding forearm. AJ goes for the cover, earning a near fall. ##
AJ delivers a forearm and a series of kicks, but his attempt at a clothesline misses. Solo responds with a pop-up Samoan drop, earning a near fall. Attempting to capitalize, Solo hoists AJ onto his shoulders, but AJ manages to escape and hits Solo with a Pele Kick. Solo sends AJ to the apron, and as AJ sets up for the Phenomenal Forearm, Solo catches him, preparing for the Samoan spike. However, AJ counters with a rollup for a near fall. AJ then tries to execute the Styles Clash, but Solo blocks it. Despite Solo's efforts to lift AJ, AJ holds onto the ropes and lands a forearm. AJ sets up for the Phenomenal Forearm once again, successfully hitting it, but Solo rolls out of the ring.##
Unexpectedly, Roman Reigns interferes and attacks AJ, prompting the referee to call for the bell. ##
WINNER: AJ Styles ##
After the match, Roman Reigns gets AJ Styles on his shoulders and parades around the ring. AJ manages to get to his feet and delivers an enzuigiri. However, Solo Sikoa intervenes, hitting AJ from behind and pushing him away. Roman Reigns responds by delivering a kick to AJ, while Solo Sikoa punches AJ.##
Randy Orton's music plays, and he makes his way to the ring in an uncharacteristic manner. Randy throws punches at Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, with Solo Sikoa countering with a punch of his own. Randy retaliates with a kick and a series of punches to Solo Sikoa. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns hits Randy, and Randy fights back with punches.##
Jimmy Uso enters the scene, punching Orton and delivering kicks. LA Knight's music plays, and he charges into the ring, clotheslining Jimmy Uso and throwing punches at Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns. LA Knight passes Jimmy Uso to Randy Orton, who sends him to the floor. Knight then sends Solo Sikoa out of the ring.##
While the Bloodline is on the floor, AJ Styles has some words for Orton and Knight, expressing that he didn't need their help. The three men engage in a heated argument, and AJ punches Knight, delivering a back elbow to Orton. Knight takes AJ down and pushes Orton away. Orton and Knight exchange punches, with Knight kicking Orton. AJ kicks Knight, and AJ punches Knight. Knight responds with an elbow, sending AJ into the turnbuckles, followed by a clothesline. ##
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