WWE SmackDown came to you this week from Newark, New Jersey from the Prudential Center and the show featured the fallout from the TLC PPV, and we get the ball rolling with the Road To WrestleMania, with it’s first stop at the Royal Rumble.
Prior to the Smackdown taping starting, WWE aired a recap of Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus for the WWE Title on Raw for the live crowd.
Roman Reigns opened the show with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt. Reigns talked about his win and that there may well be problems ahead for him Monday on Raw. Sheamus interrupted and said The Authority has launched an investigation into Reigns’ win. Sheamus went on to say how The Authority also authorized him to have Reigns leave the building, and that Reigns is not allowed to wrestle. Reigns wouldn’t leave, so security tried to force him out. Sheamus sent them into the ring, and Reigns took them all out.
U.S. champion Alberto Del Rio defeated Ryback via submission with an armbar.
Good opening match dominated by Del Rio. Ryback made the comeback and was about to finish him off when the League of Nations came out. Ryback was distracted, and Del Rio took him down and clamped on the armbar for the win.
Backstage: Tyler Breeze was with Summer Rae. He said he was ready to fight Titus O’Neil. Goldust interrupted them.
Titus O’Neil defeated Tyler Breeze (w/Summer Rae)
Goldust came out during the match and sat next to Summer Rae
Backstage: New Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose gave an interview. Ambrose said he’s ready to defend against Kevin Owens or anyone else for that matter
Lucha Dragons beat WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day in a non-title match
It was announced later that there would be a re-match next week on the live Smackdown for the Titles
Backstage: Dolph Ziggler was interviewed for his match tonight against Kevin Owens
Becky Lynch defeated Brie Bella via submission with her arm hold finisher
Charlotte tripped Bella from ringside prior to the finish. Also, Team B.A.D. watched at ringside.
Backstage: Becky Lynch and Charlotte argued about Charlotte’s interference. Becky said she wants to win on her own.
Backstage: Kevin Owens was interviewed. Owens said he needs the IC Title back.
Dolph Ziggler defeated Kevin Owens via DQ
No announcement was made, but Owens beat on Ziggler, ignoring the referee, prompting the DQ. Good match. Ambrose came out afterwards for the save. Owens fought him for a minute in the ring, then retreated.