WWE SmackDown video highlights: AJ Styles, Randy Orton & LA Knight brawl

By Joseph Currier
Published: 23 Dec 2023, 04:05

On the final new SmackDown episode of 2023, WWE revealed how Roman Reigns’ next challenger will be decided.

Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles are facing off in a triple threat match at SmackDown New Year’s Revolution on Friday, January 5. The winner will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble.

The number one contender’s match was booked by Nick Aldis, who said he believes all three have a legitimate case for challenging Reigns.

After Aldis made the announcement, Reigns ordered Paul Heyman to bring Aldis to him. Reigns was mad that Aldis didn’t run the idea past him first. Reigns said everything needs to go through him. Aldis informed Reigns that he isn’t a middle manager like Adam Pearce. The buck stops with Aldis now that he’s the general manager of SmackDown.

Reigns was also upset that Aldis made Styles vs. Solo Sikoa as last night’s main event without informing him. The bout ended in a disqualification when Reigns interfered and attacked Styles. As Reigns and Sikoa were beating Styles down, Orton ran out and fought with The Bloodline. The Bloodline regained the advantage when Jimmy Uso got involved, but Knight then evened the odds and helped send Reigns, Sikoa, and Jimmy packing.

Styles had said that he didn’t want Orton or Knight getting involved in his match against Sikoa. The show went off the air with Styles, Orton, and Knight brawling with each other. Reigns told Sikoa and Jimmy to stay out of it and let Styles, Orton, and Knight fight amongst themselves.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Number one contender’s match booked for SmackDown New Year’s Revolution