BY SACNILK
Here are the full results for this Friday's SmackDown which is scheduled to air live on December 8, 2023, at the Amica Mutal Pavilion in Providence, RI. ##
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 8, 2023 Play-By-Play Results ##
First Round Match in the Number One Contender Tournament for the United States Championship: Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar ##
Before the referee signals the start of the match, Dominik Mysterio, donning a t-shirt skirt, strides towards the ring to observe and potentially disrupt someone during the bout.##
Santos attempts a boot, but Lee counters with a flurry of punches and a well-placed kick. Lee executes a clothesline, sending Escobar over the top rope to the floor. Santos and Dom exchange words as Escobar misses a clothesline, allowing Lee to follow up with a head scissors, propelling Santos out of the ring. Lee then performs a spectacular flip dive onto Escobar, followed by a slingshot head scissors that hurls Santos into the turnbuckles. Lee continues his offensive with a leg sweep and a slingshot kick, culminating in a super kick for a near fall. Lee ascends the ropes with a wrist lock, but Santos intervenes, knocking Lee off. Santos executes a hanging neck breaker in the ropes, earning a near fall.##
During the commercial break, the action unfolds further.##
As we return, Lee delivers a series of punches to Santos, followed by a flying double sledge and a clothesline. Santos manages to evade Lee, who then sends Escobar into the turnbuckles and follows up with a super kick. Lee executes a hesitation dropkick in the corner, continuing with a snap mare and another near fall. Santos seizes an opportunity, catching Lee, but the latter maneuvers out and responds with a German suplex and a powerful kick. Santos retaliates with a super kick, nearly securing the victory.##
Lee counters Santos' Phantom Driver with a crafty inside cradle, nearly pinning his opponent. Lee then unleashes a sit-out powerbomb, securing yet another near fall. With determination, Lee delivers a running kick to Santos' head, sending him to the floor right in front of Dominik. Lee retrieves Santos, maneuvering him into the turnbuckles and kicking the turnbuckle, causing Santos to crash to the mat. Santos finds himself on Lee's shoulders, but with a quick turn of events, Lee succumbs to the Phantom Driver, leading to Santos securing the three-count and the victory. ##
WINNER: Santos Escobar ##
After the intense match, Dom enters the ring, standing over Lee and contemptuously spits on him.##
Shifting gears, we revisit Randy Orton's significant decision.##
In his office, Nick Aldis is confronted by Randy Orton, questioning why he was involved in a tag match earlier. Nick explains that LA Knight saved Randy, emphasizing their shared desire to face The Bloodline. Despite Randy's initial skepticism about LA Knight, Nick insists they both want the same goal. Randy, in a display of trust, hands Nick a check for the fine, but Nick reveals it's double the amount Randy owed, a whopping $100,000. Randy casually remarks that it's for the next time.##
The broadcast takes a commercial break.##
Upon return, the show highlights moments from past Tribute to the Troops events.##
Cody Rhodes makes his entrance to the ring, taking a moment to assess the atmosphere.##
Cody acknowledges the significance of the night being Tribute to the Troops, expressing pride in continuing the tradition for 21 years. He extends gratitude to the servicemen and women present and those watching at home. A video package showcasing Tribute to the Troops is presented. Cody, standing in the spotlight, declares that the American Nightmare and the American Dream stand united. He introduces the US Army Drill Team.##
Brad Nessler, set to call the upcoming Army-Navy game, joins the commentary team.##
Bobby Lashley reflects on his father's 26 years of service in the Army, noting that he followed in his footsteps, learning the value of fighting for something greater than oneself. He expresses gratitude to the troops.##
Montez Ford, a former Marine from 2008 to 2012, shares his honor in serving the country, crediting the experience for shaping him into the man he is today. ##
First Round Match in the United States Championship Number One Contender Tournament: Bobby Lashley vs. Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) ##
Kross initiates the action with a knee in the corner, delivering a series of punches. Lashley attempts a clothesline, but Kross redirects him into the corner, following up with a forceful kick. Kross executes an Irish whip, and Bobby counters with an elbow, attempting to lock in the Hurt Lock. However, Kross reaches the ropes, forcing a break. Kross responds with a forearm that sends Bobby sprawling to the floor. Trying to capitalize, Kross aims to Irish whip Bobby into the steps, but Bobby agilely vaults over and retaliates with a clothesline off the steps. Bobby proceeds with a clothesline in the corner, concluding with an impactful overhead belly-to-belly suplex that sends Kross to the outside.##
As the broadcast takes a commercial break, the tension in the match remains palpable.##
Upon returning, Bobby lands a punch, but Kross answers with a knee and forearm. Kross follows up with a clothesline into the corner, backed by a back elbow and another forearm. He secures a near fall with a cover. Undeterred, Bobby interrupts Kross, executing a flatliner. Kross misses a splash, and Bobby seizes the opportunity, delivering a clothesline. Bobby intensifies his assault with a clothesline in the corner, complemented by a punch. He then executes a swinging neckbreaker, transitioning into a powerful suplex. Despite Bobby's attempt to lift Kross, the latter escapes and lands a knee in the corner. Bobby retaliates with a spinebuster, setting the stage for a decisive moment. With precision, Bobby charges and connects with a spear, securing the three-count and the victory. ##
WINNER: Bobby Lashley ##
Following the match, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins make their way to the ring to join in the celebration with Bobby Lashley after his victorious performance.##
The broadcast then revisits the match between Kairi Sane and Bianca Belair from the previous week.##
In the backstage area, Asuka is seen preparing for her upcoming match when Bayley approaches her. Bayley extends an apology for the events of last week and offers to stay in the back for the night. She proposes the idea of everyone remaining backstage, especially given that this is a Wrestlemania rematch.##
Dakota Kai chimes in, agreeing with Bayley's suggestion for her to stay backstage. However, she clarifies that they will be at ringside to support Asuka during her match.##
The show proceeds to a commercial break. ##
CM Punk makes his entrance to the ring, expressing some good news to the audience. He notes that he's not at the end of the show, so his time won't be cut short. He encourages the crowd to chant if they want and shares that Adam Pearce is trying to sign him to Raw, gauging the audience's preference between Raw and Smackdown.##
Punk humorously suggests throwing 29 other people over the top rope to stand on the turnbuckles and point at the Wrestlemania sign. He shifts gears, acknowledging the person who welcomed him back with open arms and mentions his desire to be the more assertive and unpredictable CM Punk.##
Rather than asking what they want to talk about, Punk poses the question of who they want him to talk about. He brings up Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and his history with Paul Heyman. Punk mentions the possibility of teaming with Randy Orton and LA Knight and contemplates the dynamics of teaming or feuding with Kevin Owens.##
He pokes fun at John Cena, noting that everyone has welcomed him back except for Cena, emphasizing his lack of stock in Cena's words. Punk playfully leads the audience in humming Cena's theme song.##
Punk then announces that he'll reveal his decision on Monday after discussions with Nick Aldis, Shawn Michaels, and Adam Pearce. He emphasizes his goal of main eventing Wrestlemania and walks to the back, passing by The Bloodline's door.##
As he enters the backstage area, Punk encounters Kevin Owens, setting the stage for potential interactions and storylines in the coming weeks. ##
Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka (with Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane, and Iyo Sky) ##
Zelina Vega and Mia Yim intercept Iyo and Kairi, attempting to leave, but Bianca Belair and Shotzi arrive, preventing their exit, resulting in a heated brawl.##
In the singles match between Charlotte Flair and Asuka, Flair executes a belly-to-back suplex, followed by a chop in the corner and a round-off clothesline, earning a near fall. She proceeds with a baseball slide and a series of chops. However, Charlotte's attempt at a chop hits the ring post when Asuka maneuvers out of the way. Asuka seizes the opportunity, sending Charlotte into the ring post and delivering a sliding kick. Charlotte counters with a back drop driver onto the ringside barrier before going up top for a moonsault.##
As the action intensifies, the broadcast goes to a commercial break.##
Upon return, both competitors are down in the ring, and Asuka manages to secure a near fall. Asuka unleashes a series of chest kicks on Charlotte, followed by a back heel kick. Charlotte halts Asuka's momentum by sending her into the corner, attempting to set up for the figure-four leglock. However, due to some interference, Charlotte struggles to properly apply the hold. Asuka distracts the referee, and Bayley intervenes, forcing Charlotte to release the hold.##
In a clever move, Asuka avoids colliding with Bayley and takes advantage of the situation. Charlotte retaliates with a forearm to Bayley, but Asuka capitalizes with a roll-up, securing the three-count for the victory. ##
WINNER: Asuka ##
Nick hands the papers to Punk for him to review and contemplate. ##
Cody Rhodes enters the office, acknowledging that he heard Punk's words about needing to win the Royal Rumble to complete his story. Cody extends a warm welcome to Punk, expressing his appreciation for Punk's return, and they shake hands. ##
The broadcast revisits Logan Paul's appearance on last week's SmackDown.##
In the backstage area, Randy Orton is seen, and he is joined by LA Knight and CM Punk. Punk offers his best wishes to them and then walks away.##
Randy inquires if Knight is prepared, and Knight responds affirmatively.##
The show heads to a commercial break.##
A preview for the following week's SmackDown reveals that Roman Reigns will be making an appearance. Additionally, Grayson Waller is scheduled to face an NXT Superstar in the tournament, while Kevin Owens is set to go up against Austin Theory in another tournament match. ##
Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso vs. Randy Orton and LA Knight ##
Orton and Jimmy initiate the match, with Randy blocking a punch and delivering several strikes to Jimmy. He proceeds to kick and choke Jimmy in the corner, asserting dominance. Jimmy retaliates by running Orton into the corner, and LA Knight tags in, hitting a back elbow. As Knight tags in, he exchanges words with Randy. Solo enters the ring, preparing his signature thumb, and Jimmy seizes the opportunity to attack Randy from behind.##
The broadcast transitions to a commercial break.##
Upon return, Jimmy maintains control with a reverse chin lock on Orton. Randy counters with a belly-to-back suplex, leaving both competitors down. Knight and Solo tag in simultaneously, with Knight showcasing jabs and a swinging neckbreaker. Knight delivers kicks to Solo in the corner, followed by a running hip. He proceeds with a kick, knocking Jimmy off the apron. Solo responds with a belly-to-belly suplex and a punch, choking Knight in the ropes. Solo stomps on Knight's hand and delivers a headbutt. Despite Knight's efforts with punches, Solo halts him with a punch and executes a running hip into the corner.##
Jimmy tags in, anticipating Knight's rise. Knight responds with a chop, and Solo tags back in, executing a hard Irish whip. Preparing for the running hip, Solo is countered by Knight, who hits a bulldog off the turnbuckles.##
Orton and Jimmy re-enter the fray, with Orton delivering two clotheslines. He punches Solo, evades Jimmy's clothesline, and executes a power slam. Jimmy pulls Orton to the floor, attempting to send him into the announce table, but Randy counters and inflicts a back drop driver onto the announce table. Orton proceeds with an IEDDT to Jimmy, punches the mat, and sets up for the RKO. However, Solo intervenes with a punch, eyeing his thumb. Knight retaliates with a DDT to Solo. Randy thwarts Jimmy's BFT attempt, hitting an RKO for the three count. ##
WINNER: Randy Orton and LA Knight ##
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