SmackDown 01.12.2023

Finally, the Radiant Team is come back in Brooklyn, NY! Tonight, WWE didn't announce any big matches or events, but one man is guaranteed to make an appearance - Viper, Randy Orton, is back on SmackDown, and I have a feeling he's got his sights set on some targets. Let's get this show started!

Bianca, Shotzi, and Charlotte take control over damage Control

The victorious captain of WarGames, Bianca Belair, kicked off tonight's show. She expressed gratitude to her teammates for their victory, but her personal battle with Damage Control is far from over until she reclaims her title from Iyo Sky. Shortly after, the champions and their allies appeared, with Dakota Kai announcing that if Bianca wants another title shot, she must go through all members of Damage Control.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Damage CTRL accepts Bianca's challange

I'm confident Belair will have no trouble with this challenge, as she's stronger than almost every member of Damage Control in one-on-one action. Only Asuka stands a chance against the former champion. But it's not just Bianca eyeing the title. Charlotte, accompanied by Shotzi, also declared her title ambitions, and together with Belair, they fought back against Damage Control, standing tall in the ring.

I predict that this month, we'll witness matches where Charlotte and Bianca systematically dismantle Iyo's team members, leading to a triple threat match at PLE. Will my prediction come true? Only time will tell.

Butch vs. The All Mighty Bobby Lashley

One half of the Brawling Brutes decided to take a lesson from The All Mighty. In my opinion, it's not the brightest idea of his life, considering who Bobby Lashley is. Since Bobby was accompanied by the Street Profits, I held a little hope that Ridge might hold his buddies back at some point. I must point out Bobby's new costume and the super positive and strong reaction from the crowd.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Bobby perfoms a clothesline on Butch.

Butch fought with all his heart, trying everything he could to stop Lashley. However, you can't just step into the ring with The All Mighty and expect an easy victory. A devastating Spear ended this fairy tale. I must draw your attention to the fact that the Street Profits never got involved in the match. Bobby did it all on his own, showing his companions how a real man deals with his business. Congratulations to Bobby Lashley!

New signing on SmackDown

Nick Aldis waited in his office for a Wise Man of the Bloodline and sent a message to Roman that tonight he would offer Randy Orton an exclusive contract to join SmackDown. "What are you going to do with that, Paul?" "Whatever it takes. Call Roman Reigns." Could it become heated on SmackDown? What do you think, guys?

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - "Call Roman Reigns!" - Paul Heyman. 

Santos Escobar vs Joaquin Wilde 

Santos Escobar faced off against Joaquin Wilde in a pivotal confrontation within the Latino community. Former teammates turned enemies met in the center of the ring. Santos is determined to establish himself as the Lucha Libre King, aiming to dethrone the legendary Rey Mysterio. Tonight, he had to contend with Joaquin to advance his quest. Despite Wilde's efforts, he proved no match for the Lucha Libre sensation and fell after a devastating Phantom Driver. Santos then decided to finish off his former friend by attacking him after the match, but the LWO members had a formidable backup in Dragon Lee. Although Lee suffered defeat at PLE, his strength is growing day by day. He managed to defend Wilde and drive Escobar away from the ring. I'm certain their conflict is far from over.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Dragon Lee saves Wilde

USA Champion is back on SmackDown

Logan Paul finally comes back to SmackDown with a big announcement. Firstly, he of course makes himself cocky but still shares interesting information. Since Rey got trauma, Logan needs a solid opponent to defend his title. To find out who is most valuable for that, WWE organizes a tournament with eight competitors: Santos Escobar, Bobby Lashly, Austin Theory, Grayson Waller, Kevin Owens, Dragon Lee, Karrion Kross, and one unknown competitor from NXT. For me, the favorites are Kevin and Bobby. From the dark cellar, WWE brings back Karrion Kross. I have questions about where this guy missed, and now he is in the tournament. This is good news. Kevin, who will have a match tonight with Grayson, came to the ring and promised that he will win the tournament and take the title back from the unworthy champion. Waller and Austin could not stand aside and joined Kevin and Paul in the ring. For his long tongue, Theory once again was punched in the face, and the match started.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Kevin provokes Logan Paul. 

Kevin Owens vs Grayson Waller

I never stop telling you that every Kevin's match is an art of violence. Beauty of wrestling and symphony of excellent moves. He can fly, punch, be a powerhouse. Kevin is a unique wrestling machine. And tonight wasn't an exception. Waller and KO have some magic chemistry, and it is always interesting watching their matches. I really recommend watching this match for yourselves.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Kevin introduces Grayson to a table.

The ending was a bit controversial. Austin could perform a sneak attack on Kevin's arm, and his buddy tried to use this advantage. But in the climax of the match, when he tried to tie Kevin's hand to a turnbuckle and smash it, Owens was able to free himself and use Waller's miss to his advantage, rolling up his opponent and stealing victory in this match.

Logan, Theory, and especially Waller were disappointed, but what are you gonna do with The Prizefighter if you simply cannot beat him? Good job, Kevin! 

Kairi Sane vs Bianca Belair

The main match of the evening. As I understood, Kairi Sane will be the first person Bianca should beat to get closer to a championship chance. For some reason, Iyo asked Bayley to stay backstage. Both competitors have a support group behind their back. I have concerns about interferences from both sides, and the referee made the right decision and sent both support groups out of the ring.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Massive forearm from ex-champion. 

In a critical moment for Kairi Sane, Bayley finally got involved and stunned Bianca, allowing her ally to perform the Insane Elbow from the third rope. But the Pirate Princess will not stop Belair tonight. The ex-champion jumps to her feet and grabs Sane, knocking her out with the KOD. The first round completed. Waiting for next week: Bianca against Asuka?

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Standing Moonsault

Randy Orton's Decision

Main Event: Randy Orton, as a free agent, must choose a brand to settle down. Both general managers, Adam Pierce and Nick Aldis, are present, and the rivalry between them grows with each passing week. Both men are vying for Orton to join their brand. Adam has offered Randy a title shot against the winner of the match between Jey Uso and Seth Rollins. It's a tempting offer. However, Nick has something even more desirable - he promises to grant Randy control over Bloodline to settle their conflict. Although Randy might have considered choosing the title shot and seeking revenge afterward, Bloodline, as Paul Heyman asserts, has made this decision for Randy Orton.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - Randy delivers RKO to Jimmy Uso.

The Wiseman makes his way to the ring, threatening Viper a grave mistake. Solo and Jimmy then march to the ring, attacking Randy. Following this, we may never see Orton again, but Bloodline has made too many enemies. LA Knight YEAH! rushes to Randy's aid. Together, they swiftly dispatch Solo, with Jimmy falling victim to an RKO. Randy then takes both contracts, preparing to sign them. Heyman compounds his mistake by continuing to threaten Viper, suggesting he move to Raw for safety. Two serious errors in one evening - Trible chief will be disappointed. Randy, of course, signs the SmackDown contract, officially making him a part of the blue brand.

SmackDown 01.12.2023 - "Call Roman and tell him - Daddy is back" - Viper

"Hey Paul. You can call Roman Reigns and tell him - Daddy is back!" And that wasn't the end for tonight! Nick Aldis celebrates his victory, but Randy strikes with an RKO out of nowhere. Damn, that was satisfying. Let's hope Randy doesn't face any consequences for that move.

Ranking and Opinion

SmackDown really delivered this time, ending with that classic Randy Orton flair. A tournament for the USA title featuring a roster of top contenders? Sounds like a must-watch! I'd say this episode deserves a solid 7/10. The action was consistently strong, with no dull moments or filler segments. I'm eager to see how Bloodline responds to Randy's comeback and what unfolds next for Damage CTRL and Bianca. Keep your eyes peeled, folks, there's some exciting stuff coming up!