WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Randy Orton challenges Roman Reigns for Royal Rumble, AJ Styles returns

Randy Orton is the latest thorn in Roman Reigns’ side, AJ Styles is back and LA Knight has a new rival on his radar. The Bloodline’s business is always messy but that was especially true on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown.

Reigns arrived at the blue brand on Friday to anoint Solo Sikoa as the heir to the “Tribal Chief” dynasty, but the celebration was short-lived. Orton laid out a challenge to the undisputed WWE universal champion for Royal Rumble. Knight and a returning Styles aided Orton in his battle with The Bloodline, but Styles also shocked with a change in demeanor.

A tournament to crown the No. 1 contender for Logan Paul’s United States championship is in progress. Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller took place on Friday to determine which superstars would move on to the semifinals.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Resch Center in Green Bay.

Orton hunts a legend in the making, Styles surprises

Reigns opened the show by declaring that Sikoa was next in line to be “Tribal Chief,” a decision that Jimmy Uso begrudgingly supported. Orton interrupted soon after and entered the ring with the entire faction. Orton said he spent the last 18 months sidelined, thinking about this exact moment. Orton said he would take everything from Reigns in return for the year-and-a-half The Bloodline took from him, challenging Reigns to an undisputed WWE universal title match at Royal Rumble. Reigns rejected the challenge and argued that Orton had done nothing to earn a title shot. The defending champion said he would retire Orton if they ever wrestled each other. Orton acknowledged Reigns as a legend in the making before reminding him that Orton will always be the “Legend Killer.” Orton attempted an RKO but Reigns fell back in a panic. Orton proclaimed “Daddy’s Back” before leaving the ring.

Backstage, Knight offered to help mitigate The Bloodline’s numbers advantage. Orton encouraged Knight to stay out of his business, but Knight reminded Orton that he has his own score to settle with Reigns.

The Bloodline grouped in their locker room. Reigns accused Orton of ruining Sikoa’s celebration. Reigns dangled a carrot in front of Uso, promising him a big promotion if he defeated Orton singlehandedly. Jimmy Uso gave an affirmative “yeet,” — his estranged twin brother Jey Uso’s catchphrase — drawing a nasty look from Reigns.

Later in the evening, the cameras caught up with Uso and Sikoa. Uso was uneasy with how long Reigns and Paul Heyman were speaking privately. Uso said it felt like a setup and asked Sikoa if he’d warn his older brother if trouble was brewing. Sikoa replied, “I’m your brother.”

Orton def. Uso via pinfall after hitting the RKO. The match was mostly one-way traffic with Orton generally getting the better of Uso. Sikoa tried to interfere in the late stages of the match, but Knight took him out. Orton dodged Uso’s sneak attack and put him away with the RKO.

Reigns attacked Knight post-match and engaged in a fistfight with Orton. The combined might of The Bloodline was too much for Orton and Knight to endure. Styles music hit as The Bloodline looked towards the entrance ramp. Styles popped up behind them on the ring apron and took out Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm. Styles shockingly laid out Knight with a clothesline before walking by The Bloodline to close the show.

This was some tidy business. WWE has more main event players than the company has had in years. Styles’ return only adds to SmackDown’s star power and a feud with Knight is a fresh way to keep Knight on television. Orton vs. Reigns seemed like a foregone conclusion upon his return and it makes all the sense in the world. Orton’s status as a veteran earns him a lot of sentimental fan support and he’s in fantastic shape. It was a simple but effective build to the Rumble. Grade: B+

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