WWE SmackDown Results – Dec. 29, 2023 – The Absolute Best of 2023 Part 2

WWE SmackDown Results
Dec 29, 2023

December 29, 2023
Results via Richard Trionfo of PWInsider.com

Quick Match Results

  1. WWE Crown Jewel 2023 – Solo Sikoa defeated John Cena via Solo Spike (pinfall)
  2. WWE WrestleMania 39 Night 1 – Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship – Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens defeated The Usos (c) via Helluva Kick (pinfall)
  3. Women’s WarGames match – Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Becky Lynch, & Charlotte Flair defeated Damage CTRL via Manhandle Slam (pinfall)
  4. WWE Crown Jewel 2023 – United States Championship – Logan Paul defeated Rey Mysterio (c) via Brass Knuckles Punch (pinfall)
  5. WWE WrestleMania 39 Night 2 – Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) defeated Cody Rhodes via Spear (pinfall)

Your hosts are Jackie Redmond and Corey Graves.

Video: LA Knight

LA Knight starts things off and he says that if you are talking about the best of the year, you are talking about LA Knight.  He says Smackdown has had a hell of a year.  He has been setting fire to Friday nights.  That is why everyone wanted to be back on the blue brand.  We see the returns of John Cena and Randy Orton.  We see CM Punk on Smackdown.  We see the Rock.   Knight says we have seen it all.  We have seen friends become enemies.  We have seen enemies become friends.  We have made moments.  We made headlines.  We have seen new champions crowned.  We have seen champions break records and make history.  

He asks why is he here to talk about the Bloodline. 

Video: John Cena

Corey says the return of John Cena might have been the biggest story of the year.  He came back to prove to himself and the fans that he had the hustle, loyalty, and respect to stay on top.  Jackie mentions The Bloodline trying to stop Cena.

Solo Sikoa vs. John Cena

We take a look at John Cena and Solo Sikoa from Crown Jewel …

Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but Cena avoids it and Cena gets Solo on his shoulders.  Solo escapes and he kicks Cena for a near fall.  

Solo with a running hip into the corner.  Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but Cena moves and Cena with a crossface.  Solo with a rollup for a near fall.  Solo puts Cena in the tree of woe and Solo with a diving head butt.  Solo with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall.  Solo with a splash into the corner.  Cena avoids a Samoan Spike and Cena with two flying shoulder tackles and a Blue Thunder Bomb.  Cena with a Five Knuckle Shuffle but Solo escapes the Attitude Adjustment.  Solo with a Samoan drop for a near fall.  Solo with a running hip into the corner.   Cena continues to work on the arm and then he goes up top for a cross body and he gets a near fall.  Solo kicks Cena and goes for a uranage but Cena blocks it and hits a uranage of his own.

Cena and Solo exchange punches and Cena goes for an Attitude Adjustment but Solo escapes.  Solo with a uranage for a near fall.  Solo sets for the Samoan Spike but Cena blocks it and he gets Solo to the mat and Cena with an STF.  Solo gets to the ropes to force a break and then he hits the Samoan Spike but he cannot capitalize.  Solo with another Samoan Spike.  Solo is not finished and he hits a third one.  Solo stands over Cena and waits for him to get up.  Solo with a fourth Samoan Spike.  Solo with many spikes to the throat for the three count.

Winner: Solo Sikoa via Pinfall.

After Sikoa goes to the back, Cena gets a standing ovation from the crowd.

Video: John Cena

We go to John Cena.

John says he is all dressed up to celebrate a great group of people.  He makes a toast to WWE for making his 2023.  He says he was able to come back to WWE and the reception and respect, he will never forget.  He says he does not know how much time he has left in the WWE, but when he comes back home, he is always welcomed back.  He thanks them for their excitement.  He says he wants to thank everyone for making this a wonderful year for him and his family.

Video: Bobby Lashley, The Street Profits

Bobby Lashley says he has linked up with the baddest team in WWE and the are coming for gold.  Dawkins says it will be all good but Bobby corrects them and says it will be All Mighty.

Video: Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, The Bloodline

Corey says Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn showed a new beginning.  We take a look at what happened to Kevin Owens when he faced Roman Reigns at The Royal Rumble and what Sami did to the Bloodline.

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) (c)

We take a look at the main event of Night One of Wrestlemania …

Jimmy sends Sami into the ring post.  Jey tags in and hits a suicide dive.  Kevin comes over and the referee sends him back into his corner.   Jey with a suplex on the floor.  Jey with a punch.  Jey chokes Sami in the ropes and Jimmy kicks Sami. 

Jimmy tags in and he kicks Sami.  Jimmy punches Kevin off the apron.  Jimmy sends Sami into the corner and Jey tags in and hits a forearm in the corner for a near fall.  Jey with a reverse chin lock.  Jey keeps Sami from making the tag.  Sami with a boot and he punches Jimmy.  Sami sends Jey to the floor and Sami crawls and makes the tag.  Owens goes up top and hits a swanton onto Jimmy and Jey.  Owens sends Jimmy into the ring post and then hits clotheslines on both men.  Owens with a splash off the apron onto Jimmy.  Owens goes up top and hits a frog splash on Jey for a near fall.  Owens with a kick and he tries for a stunner but Jey with a pop up neck breaker for a near fall.  

Jey and Kevin are on the turnbuckles and Jimmy tags in.  Kevin goes for a swanton on Jey but Jey gets his knees up.  Jimmy with a frog splash for a near fall …

Jey tags in and they set for 1D but Owens trips Jimmy and Sami gets a near fall with a sunset flip.  Owens sends Jimmy into the announce table and then Owens goes for a package pile driver onto the table.  Jey stops Kevin and then Jimmy kicks Kevin and they hit a double choke slam through the table.  They hit 1D on Sami but Sami kicks out.   Jey tags in and he wants to know when will Sami quit.  Jey slaps Sami many times and follows with forearms.  Sami leans on the turnbuckles to stay on his feet and then he falls to the mat.  Jey with a Yakuza Kick on Sami.

Jey holds up Sami and he says he never should have left the Bloodline.  Sami with an exploder into the turnbuckles.  Owens gets to the apron and he tags in.  Owens with a pop up power bomb to Jimmy and then to Jey.  Sami with a Helluva Kick to Jimmy and Owens with a stunner to Jey for a near fall.  Kevin helps Sami up.  Jimmy helps Jey up.  They exchange punches and Jimmy with a super kick to Sami.  Kevin with a super kick to Jimmy and Jey.  Jimmy tags in and Jey leaps over a pop up power bomb.  Jimmy and Jey with super kicks to Kevin and then knock Sami off the turnbuckles.  Kevin is put in the middle of the ring and the Usos go up top.  They hit a double frog splash but Kevin kicks out.

Jey tags in Jimmy and they hit a double super kick.  Jey tags in and they put Kevin on the turnbuckles  but Sami trips Jimmy and sends him over the announce table.  Owens with a super Fisherman’s Buster.  Sami tags in and he hits a Helluva Kick on Jey and then he hits a second one.  Kevin kicks Jimmy and hits a stunner.  Sami with a third Helluva Kick for the three count.

Winner: Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens via Pinfall to become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

Backstage: Kevin Owens

Cathy Kelley is with Kevin Owens.  

Kevin says it is hard to put into words how it felt to win.  He says he is heartbroken about how they lost.  Kevin says he will beat Santos next week so he can take the title from Logan Paul.  Logan in his ring as US Champion is a nightmare.  He says he will do it broken hand or not.  Then he brings prestige to the title.

They high five and Kevin says it was his fault for using his broken hand.

Video: CM Punk

We are back and Corey mentions that CM Punk’s return to WWE has done more than 105 million views.

Video: Austin Theory, Grayson Walker

Austin Theory and Grayson Waller talk about New Year’s Resolutions and how they don’t like being asked by Nick Aldis to do it.  Waller says they need to do it on the Grayson Waller Effect.  Austin says this is how you show respect to your top superstars.  Austin says he will win singles gold.  Waller mentions tag team gold.  Then they talk about winning the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank.  Waller talks about main eventing the Elimination Chamber in Australia.  Theory and Waller complain about Owens interrupting the ticker.

Corey and Jackie talk about Kevin’s issues with Waller and Theory.  Jackie mentions how they broke Kevin’s hand.

Video: The Rock, Austin Theory, Pat McAfee

We take a look at The Rock and Pat McAfee appearing on SmackDown in September …

Theory asks Rock if he knows whose ring he is in.  He says it has been a long time . . . 

Rock tells Theory to shut his bitch ass up.  You clearly don’t know how all this works.

Rock takes off his jacket and tosses it into the crowd.

The Rock looks around and says FINALLY . . . the Rock has come back . . . to Denver.  

Theory says that FINALLY the people get to see Rock and Austin in the ring one more time.  It won’t be Stone Cold, it is a real ass kicker.  Theory says he will beat the entire Mount Rushmore.

The Rock starts and Theory cuts him off. and Rock appreciates what Theory did there …

Rock says they are having fun right now.  He tells Theory he doesn’t know who Theory is but he knows what he is.  Rock says he has a theory.  You come out and run down the people.  They are the reason why it all happens. In three seconds, the Rock is going to whoop your candy ass.

Theory punches Rock and Rock with a spinebuster and then he sets for the People’s Elbow and hits it.

Pat kicks Theory and he wants to do one of his own and he does it.

In-Studio: Bianca Belair, Jackie Redmond, Corey Graves

We are back and Jackie and Corey are joined by Bianca Belair.

Corey asks Bianca if there is one thing she is most proud of from 2023.  Bianca says it was an amazing year.  She says becoming the longest reigning Raw Women’s champion was a big deal.  Jackie asks what is next for Bianca and what is she looking to do in 2024.  Bianca says she is not a resolution person but she wants to go after Iyo for the title that Iyo took from her when Iyo cashed in.  Corey brings up Damage CTRL.  Bianca says she is not done with her.  They were a part of the cash in and then they met at War Games.  She has to keep both eyes on them.

Jackie asks if Bianca has any special moments from 2023.  Bianca mentions Wrestlemania where she was able to three peat.  She mentions her entrance and how she let those children showcase their talents.  Corey asks Bianca about Love and WWE, Bianca and Montez.  Bianca says the show premieres on Hulu on February 2nd.  She is nervous and excited.  She says they filmed it on the Road to Wrestlemania.  They want to show how they are outside the ring.  

Corey asks for her goals in 2024.  Bianca says becoming Women’s Champion again is a goal.  She wants to continue to be undefeated at Wrestlemania.  Corey asks about Mia Yim’s match against Iyo on next week’s Smackdown.  Bianca says Iyo has a big task ahead of her.  She says she is rooting for Mia, but would like to be able to take the title from Iyo.

Women’s WarGames Match
Damage CTRL (Bayley, Asuka, Kairi Sane, & IYO SKY) vs. Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Becky Lynch, & Charlotte Flair

We take a look at the Women’s War Games Match from Survivor Series.

Winner: Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Becky Lynch, & Charlotte Flair via Pinfall.

Video: Damage CTRL

Bayley says not to dwell on the negative and look at the positive.  Iyo won the title.  Kairi is back and Asuka joined the group.  Dakota says Iyo will give Mia her biggest opportunity.  Iyo says Mia was lucky to get the pin, but she will retain next week.

Bayley says 2024 will be their biggest year yet.

Video: Bray Wyatt

Corey mentions the passing of Windham Rotunda.

We take a look at the tribute video that aired.

Backstage: Nick Aldis, Pretty Deadly

Nick Aldis says 2023 has been a banner year for the blue brand and he is proud to be the General Manager.  The new year is going to be on another level.  Iyo Sky defends the Women’s Title against Michin.  Santos Escobar faces Kevin Owens in the finals of the Number One Contender tournament.  AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight battle to see who faces Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble.

Pretty Deadly interrupt and Kit has a suggestion that instead of next week’s match against Butch and a mystery partner, what about Pretty Deadly against the tag champs.  Nick suggests a title match and Kit and Elton want a group YES BOY.

Nick tells them no.  They will face Butch and a partner of his choosing and it is final.

Kit and Elton say Nick is making a huge mistake.

United States Championship
Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio (c)

Corey and Jackie talk about Logan Paul.  

We take a look at Logan Paul facing Rey Mysterio at Crown Jewel …

Rey with kicks to the leg and Logan catches Rey on a springboard moonsault.  Logan with a power slam for a near fall.  Rey goes to the apron and Logan goes to the turnbuckles.  Rey with elbows to the midsection and head butts to knock Logan to the mat.

Logan goes back to the turnbuckles and he hits a Fallaway Slam off the turnbuckles for a near fall.  Logan goes up top and lands on his feet when Rey moves.  Logan is sent into the ropes and he catches Rey on a 619 attempt.

Logan avoids a clothesline and Rey with a kick.  Rey goes up top but Logan stops him.  Logan with forearms to the back and Logan gets Rey on his shoulders.  Rey with a sunset flip power bomb and Code Red for a near fall.  Logan is handed brass knuckles and Rey pushes Logan into the ring post and the brass knuckles fall to the floor.  Logan’s friend goes after the brass knuckles and Santos Escobar shows up and stands on the brass knuckles and takes them.  Santos puts the brass knuckles on the apron and chases the lackey away.  Rey with a 619 and Logan punches Rey with the brass knuckles for the three count.

Winner: Logan Paul via Pinfall to become the new United States Champion.

Video: Santos Escobar, LWO, Carlito

We take a look at Santos Escobar’s promo explaining his actions towards Rey Mysterio …

Santos says Rey was a father figure to him and he felt at home.  After last week, he realized that he was right.  Everything that was said about you . . . Dominik was right.  He says he deserved to be the US Champion, but who became the champion.  He wanted to recreate the LWO and who came in and took it over and added new members like Carlito.

Santos addresses Carlito in Spanish and he says that they were supposed to be family.  What did you do?  You sided with an outsider like Carlito over him.  Santos says he knows Rey is watching from his hospital bed.  He tells Rey he hopes the pain reminds Rey of how Santos felt when Rey betrayed him.  Santos says if you thought he was going to apologize, he will apologize for not doing more damage.  From the bottom of his heart, he hopes the surgery doesn’t go well and you get an infection and they have to amputate your leg.  Santos says he hopes Rey never comes back.

Zelina Vega makes her way to the ring and she wants to know what is Santos thinking.

Santos says they decided it was Rey or him.  Santos says they are done.

Zelina slaps Santos and she says she trusted Santos.  

Zelina leaves the ring and cries as she goes up the aisle.

Santos asks Cruz and Joaquin if they are going to side with Zelina.  Santos says he made them and they exist because of him.

Cruz and Joaquin get in the ring.  Santos asks if it is the three of them again.

Cruz and Joaquin tell Santos they cannot believe what he did.

Santos says they are done.

Santos attacks Joaquin and Cruz from behind as they leave the ring.  Santos kicks both men.  Santos says he can destroy Wilde.

Carlito’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring so Santos lets Joaquin go.  

Santos leaves the ring as Carlito enters the ring.

Santos goes through the crowd.

In-Studio: Rey Mysterio, Jackie Redmond, Corey Graves

Corey and Jackie are joined by Rey Mysterio.

Corey asks how Rey’s recovery is going.  Rey says it is going great and he is looking forward to coming back.  Jackie asks what stood out for Rey in 2023.  Rey says what Santos did stands out to him.  He says that has happened to him many times in his career.  Rey says he keeps picking the wrong partners.  Corey asks about Santos joining forces with Angel and Humberto.  Rey says he expected something like that.  Things will work out sooner or later.  Jackie asks Rey about being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Rey says it was hard to see his son get up and walk out during his speech, but he is used to things like that.  Jackie asks Rey about Dominik and if he will ever find his way.  Rey says he hopes so, as his father.  He gives Dom credit for what he has accomplished  He has grown in the ring and he cannot take it away from him.  Corey asks Rey about Dragon Lee.  Rey says he is a superstar and he believes that he is the future of lucha libre.  He sees a lot of himself in Lee.  He brings everything to the ring and he enjoys watching him.  Jackie asks about Logan Paul and what he does in the ring.  Rey says Logan is doing things for himself and he cannot take it away from him.  Corey asks if there is unfinished business.  Rey says Santos and Dominik are on his list for 2024 and he is looking to add more names.

Video: Randy Orton, The Bloodline, LA Knight, AJ Styles

We are back and Jackie says that with all of the shakeups in WWE, one constant has been Roman Reigns.   Corey mentions that the Bloodline has helped Roman stay on top.  They talk about how things are getting a little tougher.  They mention Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles.

We take a look back at AJ’s return two weeks ago.

In-Studio: Paul Heyman, Jackie Redmond, Corey Graves, Jimmy Uso

Paul Heyman shows up and interrupts Jackie and Corey.

Corey asks Paul about Roman changing from hunter to hunted with three men challenging him.  He asks if Roman is feeling the pressure and Paul says yes.  Jackie asks if Roman is changing his training and Paul says yes.  Corey asks if Roman has a preference among the three challengers.  Paul says three men coming after the biggest star in sports entertainment, makes him concerned.  Jackie asks about Jimmy’s feelings about Solo being tribal heir.  Paul goes for his phone and Corey is excited to hear Paul call Roman and Jimmy is called.

Jimmy says he hears everyone asking if Jimmy is hating on his little brother.  It is about being naughty and nice and they are being nice.  They are not afraid of LA Knight, Randy Orton, or AJ Styles.  Roman is at home relaxing.  Jimmy is going to call Roman to ask if he is enjoying his egg nog.

Solo calls and Jimmy hangs up.

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns (c)

We take a look at highlights from Cody Rhodes’ victory at the Royal Rumble.  We move on to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns from Wrestlemania …

Cody with an arm wringer and he works on the arm.  Cody with a side head lock and punch.  Roman catches Cody on Beautiful Disaster and Roman counters into a power bomb for a near fall …

Roman gets on the announce table.  Roman sets for a power bomb onto the other announce table but Cody blocks it and Cody with a back body drop through the table.  Cody breaks the referee’s count and goes back to the floor.  Roman with a forearm as they return to the ring.  Cody with a kick and a drop down uppercut.  Cody with a power slam.

Cody with a Cody Cutter for a near fall.  Cody with boots to Roman and Roman goes to the floor.  Cody with a suicide dive.  Solo hits Cody in the back with his weight belt.  The referee sends Solo to the back …

Cody goes for Beautiful Disaster but Roman with a Superman punch for a near fall …

Cody goes to the apron and Roman punches Cody.  Cody punches back.  They continue to go back and forth.  Cody drops Roman on the top rope and Cody leaps over Roman.  Roman with a spear for a near fall …

Cody and Roman exchange punches.  Cody with a kick and Roman with a kick.  They go back to punches and forearms.  Roman with an uppercut and Cody with a punch.  Roman sets for a Superman punch but Cody avoids it.  Cody with jabs and it is time to flip, flop and fly for a Bionic Elbow.  Cody with a drop down uppercut followed by CrossRhodes.  Cody holds on for a second one.  Cody holds on and Paul gets on the apron.  Solo with a Samoan Spike to Cody and Roman with a spear for the three count.

Winner: Roman Reigns via Pinfall to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

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