WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (12/15): Barnett’s review of the return of Roman Reigns, Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller and Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory in tourney matches for a shot at the U.S. Title – Pro Wrestling Dot Net

By Jake Barnett, ProWrestling.net Co-Senior Staffer (@barnettjake)

WWE Friday Night Smackdown (Episode 1,269)
Green Bay, Wisconsin at Resch Center
Aired live December 15, 2023 on Fox

Kevin Patrick welcomed the TV audience to the show. Soon after, Roman Reigns’ music hit and he made his way out to the ring with Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa. Video footage was shown of Randy Orton and LA Knight defeating Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa on Smackdown last week. Michael Cole and Corey Graves piped in to mention Jimmy Uso vs. Randy Orton for later in the show.

Roman grabbed the microphone from Paul Heyman, and demanded Green Bay acknowledge him. He then told the crowd to shut their mouths, and said he wouldn’t have had to do that if they had kept the booze down. He then said he was there to celebrate the holiday season, and it was promotion season. Roman continued and said that when someone is doing good, they recognize them, and when they’re doing bad, they smash them but that’s not tonight. 

He then complimented this person as being the next in line, and said this man is the one who steps up if something were to happen to him. Roman complimented them on their service to the family, and said they were the tribal heir and the next tribal chief. Jimmy was squirming in the background. Roman called his name, and asked that he join him in congratulating his brother Solo. Roman gave Solo a hug and said he loved him. 

Randy Orton then interrupted the proceedings…[c]

My Take: Jimmy looked overconfident and hyped up until he realized what was going on. We’ll see how he handles the tension and resentment of being passed over in favor of his younger brother.

Orton said he’s been thinking about what he was going to say and do for months. He then told Roman that the only thing he needs to say to him is that he’s coming for him. Orton said he took 18 months from him, and so he’s going to take everything from him. He said it starts tonight, and it ends at the Royal Rumble, because he was challenging him for the WWE Championship.

Roman smirked and said based on the sound of the fans he deserves it. He then told Orton that he’s been thinking about this for 18 months, but he hadn’t thought about him at all. Roman said he’s been gone for 18 months and hadn’t done anything to deserve it, so he could go to the back of the line. He then told Orton to listen to those voices going off in his head and remember that it’s 2007 and he’s levels above him and everybody else. Roman continued and said that if Orton has a match with him, it wouldn’t be an 18 month vacation, it would be retirement and he’s never coming back. 

Orton responded and told him that he can see in his eyes that he’s changed for the better. He’s not just a historical champion, he’s a legend. Orton said he’s changed too, but one thing he will always and forever be is a legend killer. Orton attempted an RKO, but Orton slipped away. Randy said he should probably start thinking about him now. He then put his finger up to his ear and said the voices in his head told him that Roman might have just crapped his pants. Orton then said “Daddy’s back” and left the ring. Orton vs. Jimmy Uso was plugged again for the Main Event, along with Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory, and Grayson Waller vs. Carmelo Hayes is up next. 

A video package was shown to introduce Carmelo Hayes to the Smackdown audience. Back in the arena, Grayson Waller made his entrance…[c]

My Take: A good opening promo. Orton makes a lot of sense as a Rumble opponent and I can’t help but think that The Bloodline putting another beating on Orton would motivate Cody Rhodes if that’s the direction they are going.