WWE SmackDown video highlights: New Year’s Revolution

By Joseph Currier
Published: 6 Jan 2024, 04:05

On SmackDown New Year’s Revolution, one of Randy Orton, LA Knight, or AJ Styles was supposed to emerge as the next challenger for Roman Reigns.

That didn’t end up happening. Instead, all three of Orton, Knight, and Styles will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a fatal four-way match at the Royal Rumble.

A number one contender’s match between Orton, Knight, and Styles headlined last night’s SmackDown. The match ended in a no contest after being disrupted by Reigns and The Bloodline. They laid out all three potential challengers as Reigns stood tall to end the show.

But Reigns’ plan backfired. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis informed Paul Heyman that Reigns would now have to defend against all three of Orton, Knight, and Styles at the Royal Rumble. Reigns didn’t learn of the decision until Heyman told him in a post-SmackDown video. Reigns ordered Heyman to fix this.

Reigns and Aldis have been engaged in a power struggle in recent weeks. Reigns wasn’t happy that Aldis made last night’s number one contender’s match without telling him about it first.

It was also confirmed last night that Kevin Owens will challenge Logan Paul for the United States title at the Royal Rumble. Owens defeated Santos Escobar in the finals of WWE’s US title number one contender’s tournament.

Plus, The Authors of Pain & Paul Ellering returned to WWE, Tyler Bate made his main roster debut, and IYO SKY defended the WWE Women’s Championship against Michin.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Roman Reigns laughs off Kayla Braxton when asked about The Rock’s return