WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From Dec. 22
AJ Styles was back in the spotlight, taking on Solo Sikoa in the main event, bringing to a close a feud that began in September when The Tribal Heir sidelined The Phenomenal One.
The special holiday edition of the show also featured the semifinals of the United States Title Tournament, a Holiday Havoc match with eight top women’s division competitors, and a defense by NXT North American Champion Dragon Lee.
In advance of the December 22 show, the following matches were announced:
– AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa
– United States Title Tournament Semifinal: Bobby Lashley vs. Santos Escobar
– United States Title Tournament Semifinal: Kevin Owens vs. Carmelo Hayes
– NXT North American Championship Match: Dragon Lee vs. Butch
– Holiday Havoc 8-Woman Tag Team Match: Shotzi, Mia Yim, Bianca Belair, and Zelina Vega vs. Bayley, Kairi Sane, Iyo Sky, and Asuka
AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton kicked off SmackDown this week with a three-way promo, discussing their desire to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
The crowd favored Knight, a nod to the connection he has made with the fans, and this set up the Triple Threat Match for next week’s special “New Year’s Revolution” episode, with the winner receiving a title shot at Royal Rumble.
A Holiday Havoc tag match ended the show, featuring Bayley, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky. They faced off against Shotzi, Michin, Bianca Belair, and Zelina Vega in a chaotic, holiday-themed street fight.
