[WWE intro music plays]
[John Cena] Then.
[Flair] Woo!
-[glass shatters] -[The Rock] If you smell!
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now.
[Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-♪ The King of Kings ♪ -♪ You can't see me ♪
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[crowd counting] Ten, nine, eight…
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Hold on a minute. Let's bring it in.
It ain't the new year just yet. Nah-nah.
You might have seen The Miz on Monday bringing the Best of Raw,
but if we're talking about the absolute best of 2023,
whose game is it, with everybody saying…
[crowd] LA Knight, yeah!
So, WWE Universe, let me talk to you.
SmackDown has had one hell of a year,
and nobody knows a hell of a year better than I do.
And with all the noise of a Megastar setting fire to Friday nights,
it's no surprise that everybody wants to be back on the blue brand.
["The Time Is Now" playing]
[Cole] John Cena is back!
Damn it, I believe in me. I believe in you. I believe in us.
♪ I hear voices… ♪
-[Graves] It is official. -No!
[Orton] Daddy's back.
[hard rock music playing]
-[static] -["Cult of Personality" plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Graves] CM Punk returns to SmackDown for the first time in almost a decade.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
[JBL] This is insane.
[The Rock] If you smell what The Rock is cookin'.
[The Rock] Finally, The Rock has come back.
[dramatic music playing]
We've seen it all. We've seen friends become enemies.
-[Cole] Oh no! -You made me do this.
We've seen enemies become friends.
[Cole] He's here!
Kevin Owens coming to Sami Zayn's aid.
[Knight] We've made moments.
[Cole] Oh my God!
Mom, shut up!
[Knight] We've made headlines.
[Cole] Bad Bunny is here!
You out.
And I'm out too.
[Cole] Oh my God!
We've seen new champions crowned.
[Graves] She's cashing in.
[Cole] Iyo Sky wins the championship.
An incredible outpouring of emotion…
With one right hand full of brass knuckles,
Logan Paul is the United States Champion!
We've seen "champions" break records and make history.
["Head of the Table" playing]
[Irvin] And still…
[Heyman] …your reigning, Undisputed
WWE Universal Champion…
Roman Reigns.
[Reigns] Acknowledge me!
What am I, Kayla Braxton in here? What am I talking about right now?
That's why I'm here? That's why you guys brought me here?
To talk about The Bloodline? As far as I'm concerned, eggnog 'em!
Yeah!
[static]
Where were we?
Resolutions.
Champagne.
Confetti.
2024, we will see you soon.
Deuces, Uces.
But tonight, SmackDown: The Absolute Best of 2023
begins in… Well, what's the matter?
I ain't getting paid by the hour. Hit the countdown, dummy.
Yeah!
♪ Better than me ♪
[Jackie] Happy New Year, everybody,
and welcome to a very special edition of SmackDown on Fox,
which is sponsored by Progressive,
a triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
Welcome to the show, everybody. I'm Jackie Redmond
alongside one of the voices you hear every single Friday night on SmackDown.
The man, the myth, the legend, Corey Graves.
And, Corey, for the next couple of hours,
we're gonna relive the absolute best of 2023.
Without a doubt, this past year has been one of the greatest in WWE history.
And as you just saw, some new and some familiar faces
made 2023 truly unforgettable.
But perhaps none bigger than the return of the greatest of all time, John Cena.
["The Time Is Now" playing]
[crowd cheers]
The 16-time champ came all the way back to prove to himself and the WWE Universe
that he still had the hustle, the loyalty, and the respect needed to remain on top.
[Jackie] He certainly did, but that would, of course, make John Cena
a target of The Bloodline and more specifically,
Solo Sikoa, who, at the direction of his Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns,
looked to eliminate John Cena from the WWE once and for all.
Well, last month, these two men would meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
at Crown Jewel.
Would Solo and his devastating Samoan Spike
silence John Cena for good?
Or could the 16-time champ overcome one of the most dangerous obstacles
in his storied career?
[Cole] Cena looking to wear down Solo.
-Twenty-year-plus veteran of the game. -[crowd chants "Let's go, Cena"]
Cena knows every trick in the book.
Oh! Continuing to make Sikoa suffer.
John Cena set the stage last night on SmackDown,
laying out Solo Sikoa.
And looking to continue here tonight. Again, wrapping up the… the arm of Sikoa.
And Cena's been doing a great job, a relentless attack.
And now Sikoa with a headbutt,
drives Cena back to the middle of the ring.
[Wade] Think of the variety of opponents, top-level opponents
Cena has fought in his career.
He's had a strategy on how to defeat every single one,
but this is a very complex equation for him to solve
in the form of Solo Sikoa.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
[Cole] And now Solo Sikoa has slowed things down
and gone on the offense of Cena.
And now looks to punish the 16-time World Champion.
Sold out tonight at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Solo Sikoa versus John Cena.
You have to wonder too, Wade,
is this the final time we could see John Cena in a WWE ring?
[Wade] Well, all good things must come to an end at some point.
Father Time is undefeated.
[Cole] Sikoa from the second rope!
And again, John Cena saying things coming into this matchup like,
"I need to deliver. I can't lose."
"I can't lose the WWE fans and the noise behind them."
"That's what drives me."
[Wade] John Cena will always be the first to know when it's over.
He won't need anybody else to tell him that. I'll tell you this, if Cena…
[Cole] Solo Sikoa may tell him that tonight, Wade,
as he looks for the Samoan Spike now on Cena.
Cena able to duck underneath.
And now lifts Sikoa up on his shoulders for an AA.
Sikoa, though, with a kick.
You were saying? Cover now by Sikoa on Cena.
Kickout at two.
[Wade] John Cena, as much as we don't ever wanna see that big R-word,
the retirement,
facing guys like Solo Sikoa, when you've been out of the spotlight,
when you're not battle-hardened like you used to be,
it's very difficult to see a path to victory at times for Cena.
He's spoken openly about his body not allowing him to compete
at the level he used to.
And I'll say it, if he doesn't win here tonight,
we may well be staring down the barrel of retirement.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa now backing it up.
Of course, paying homage to the late, great Umaga.
Solo Sikoa looking for a Samoan Spike
to finally put John Cena away.
And again, Cena avoids.
There's the shoulder tackle.
Now Cena looks for a last-second rally.
[Wade] Spoke too soon. Here's that second wind.
[Cole] And Cena now has Solo where he wants him.
-Dig down deep one more time, perhaps. -[crowd] You can't see me!
With a Five-Knuckle Shuffle.
And now Cena measuring Sikoa.
Has Solo up.
Went for the AA, Sikoa able to counter into a Samoan drop.
And Solo Sikoa now to put Cena away.
And again, the heart of Cena still beating here tonight.
[Wade] Just as Cena re-found that belief and was about to hit that AA,
immediately taken away by this monstrous Samoan.
[Cole] Solo Sikoa now has Cena where he wants him.
Went for the Spike, blocked again by John.
John Cena able to block the Samoan Spike again by Sikoa.
Takedown, trying to wrap him up in the STF.
Doesn't quite have it all. Now he does.
Solo Sikoa trying to drag himself to the bottom rope or tap out, perhaps.
[Wade] Almost saw a tap-out from Solo Sikoa.
Something I never thought we'd see,
but that desperation lunge just about reaching the bottom rope.
[Cole] Made it to the rope. John Cena kicked away by Sikoa.
[Wade] The powers of recovery.
-Oh, he got it! He got him with a Spike! -[Wade] Spike!
[Cole] Solo got Cena with a Spike from out of nowhere.
But again the previous damage by Cena to the arm.
Solo Sikoa collapsed as well.
[Wade] Well, if Solo Sikoa could've made a pin there,
this one would've been over.
Must have sent shock waves down the arm of Solo Sikoa,
but such is the sacrifice he's willing to make
to put away the greatest of all time.
[Cole] John Cena back to his feet, suffering from the effects of…
Another Samoan Spike by Sikoa!
[Wade] Sikoa is like a man possessed.
[Cole] But yet Cena, again, trying to drag himself to his feet.
And this time, a third Samoan Spike.
[Wade] A defenseless John Cena is being annihilated.
And still no cover.
[Cole] Cena. I'm not even quite sure John knows where he's at.
Just crawling around the ring, gasping for air.
Choking for breath.
[crowd chants] Let's go, Cena!
[Cole] Does he have one rally left?
And again…
Another Samoan Spike.
[Wade] This is becoming grotesque.
Is Solo even trying to win at this point?
[Cole] He was assigned the task of taking out Cena.
And he's doing just that with a savage beatdown of the greatest of all time.
-[Wade] Referee needs to stop it. -[Cole] Just pin him already.
-[referee] Three! -[bell rings]
♪ …not take a loss, taking it all ♪
[Rome] Here's your winner,
Solo Sikoa.
[Cole] An emphatic win.
A massive statement from The Bloodline's Enforcer
as Solo Sikoa steps out of that shadow.
Solo Sikoa has his own star now.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] That man right there is a man who defines sports entertainment
for an entire generation.
A man who has selflessly given of himself to children in need worldwide.
-[crowd chanting] Thank you, Cena! -A true leader.
I can say, the man who has meant more to me in my career…
than anyone in this business.
Ladies and gentlemen,
John Cena is truly the greatest of all time.
[Graves] An absolutely surreal scene in Riyadh,
as the WWE Universe paid their respect
to the man who has epitomized it for over two decades.
[Jackie] And this left us with many unanswered questions
about the future of John Cena.
Let's hear from the greatest of all time.
WWE Universe, John Cena here.
All dressed up to celebrate a wonderful group of people.
A toast to the WWE Universe
for making my 2023.
As you know, I was able to return to SmackDown in the fall and…
the reception and the respect,
I will never forget.
I do not know how much time in the WWE I have left.
But I do know in recent times when I've been able to return home,
you have always welcomed me as one of your own.
I am forever indebted to your generosity, your empathy, your respect,
and your excitement.
I look forward to the next time we can get together,
but I wanted to take a moment to truly say
thank you for making this a wonderful year for me and for my family.
To the WWE Universe.
Until the next round.
Cheers.
[Jackie] Still to come on SmackDown: The Absolute Best of 2023.
It's a night of returns…
-[Cole] Pat McAfee is here! -[Jackie] …swerves…
This is "Austin Theory Live."
[Jackie] …and OMG moments.
♪ If you smell what The Rock is cooking ♪
[Graves] And up next, who will have their WrestleMania moment
when lifelong friends Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
take on the longest reigning Tag Team Champions of all time, the Usos?
♪ Better than me ♪
[Jackie] Welcome back to SmackDown: The Absolute Best of 2023,
which is sponsored by Progressive's Keys to Progress program.
Gifting cars to veterans since 2013.
♪ I say I'm the best 'Cause ain't nobody got me ♪
[upbeat music playing]
Prediction for 2024.
First off, The All Mighty linked up with the baddest tag team in WWE.
-Amen. -Yes, sir.
What we want is more.
-Ooh! -Talk to them, fellas.
Talk to 'em. He said, "Talk to 'em."
-So I'ma talk to 'em. -Talk to 'em.
-I mean, we are The Street Profits. -Talk to 'em.
The Triple Crown that always puts it down. This is the holiday season of giving.
What are we giving out at the beginning of the year, my brother?
[Dawkins] Angel, Humberto, we ain't forgot about y'all.
New year, new beatdown. But nah, real talk.
2024 finna be the year of all the gold
because 2024 finna be all good.
[laughs]
No, no, no, no. Not all good.
All Mighty.
Talk about an All Mighty New Year's resolution
for Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits.
Now, Jackie, the new year is all about new horizons.
-Sure. -New beginnings.
And no two men represented that in 2023 more than Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
And it was back at the Royal Rumble
where Kevin Owens tried to take down Roman Reigns.
But The Bloodline would once again prove to be too much.
-[crowd] …three! -[bell rings]
[Jackie] I mean, the Honorary Uce could barely stomach the vicious beatdowns.
So when push came to shove, I mean, Sami Zayn did what he had to do.
He made the choice to stand with his former best friend.
[Graves] Unfortunately for Sami, he also learned that
blood is thicker than friendship,
suffering a merciless beating alongside Kevin Owens.
And after weeks of being decimated by the numbers game,
KO would finally come to Sami's aid and reunite with his lifelong friend
in one of the most emotional moments in SmackDown history.
Which would lead us to the main event of WrestleMania Saturday
as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn challenged the Usos,
who had stood atop the WWE for a record 622 days as Tag Team Champions.
So, Corey, two sets of brothers,
one main event on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
♪ Day one ish, line 'em all up ♪
[Cole] Sami driven into the ring post
as the Usos begin the slow dissection of Zayn and Owens.
Another tag made.
[Graves] Remember the champion's advantage.
The onus to get this match back in the ring is on the challengers,
Zayn and Owens.
[Cole] Jey Uso taking out Sami Zayn.
-Now Kevin Owens. -[Graves] This is brilliant.
The Usos are trying to lure Kevin over to possibly force a disqualification.
It's a brilliant strategy by the veteran champions.
[Jey] What now? Huh?
[Graves] Suplex on the outside.
[referee] Six!
[Cole] And again, there's so much at play here tonight.
You're trying to set the tone for the weekend,
for the entire Bloodline.
You wanna beat down Sami and Kevin Owens for everything,
all the problems they've caused Roman and company.
[Graves] Well, listen, if you look at WWE as a whole,
The Bloodline have everything on lockdown. They are airtight.
The Usos don't wanna be the ones to spring the first leak.
Look at this vicious side of Jey Uso.
-Boom! -[Cole] Oh!
[Graves] Jimmy right in the mouth with a big foot.
[Cole] And Kevin Owens realizing that…
[Graves] …as the illegal competitor, if he makes contact with the legal Uso,
it's gonna force a disqualification.
And the WrestleMania tag team dreams go up in smoke.
[Cole] This is our main event of WrestleMania Saturday.
Sold out, over 80,000 people here tonight.
We're sold out again tomorrow night as well.
[Graves] Uh-oh! Jey over the top to the floor.
Sami's got a little bit of daylight to make the tag.
-It's a long climb. -[Cole] Can he get there?
Dragging himself, though, as he makes the tag.
KO the legal man.
[Graves] Owens wasting no time. From the top…
[Cole] Kevin Owens taking the Usos out!
[Graves] Owens like a rabid dog that's been unleashed on the Usos.
[Cole] Kevin Owens taking out the Tag Team Champions.
[Graves] From the apron. Frog splash!
[Cole] Now Kevin turns his attention back into the ring.
From the top rope.
Frog splash by KO!
To win the Tag Team Titles.
Hook of the leg, and a kickout.
[Graves] A credit to the determination of the Usos,
as we look again at the first and then second frog splashes.
This is 270-plus pounds crashing down across your core.
Jey Uso not ready to give up yet.
[Cole] Kevin Owens, kick to the midsection,
went for the Stunner. Jey Uso able to counter.
Oh my goodness, what a neckbreaker.
Cover now to retain.
Hook of the leg on KO. And a kickout by Kevin at two.
[Graves] And just that quickly, with one maneuver,
Jey Uso has taken control in this matchup back to the favor of the Usos.
-[Cole] Look at that neckbreaker. -[Graves] Innovative offense.
[Cole] One of the things the Usos had to do was
weather that emotional storm, Corey.
KO and Sami Zayn came in with a ton of momentum,
a ton of emotion.
And the Usos, to use their term, "locked it down."
-Tag. -[Graves] Tag is made.
Jimmy Uso on the outside is legal but Owens not…
Won't stop swinging.
[Cole] KO again up to the top rope.
Swanton. Knees up, though.
Uso Splash. For the win, to retain, hook of the leg.
Kevin kicks!
-Huh? Huh now? -Whoop his ass. Let's go.
It's funny though.
[Cole] Oh, and Kevin Owens…
Looked like they were going for the 1D.
Sami rolls him up to try to win the title.
Did he get him? No, two and a half!
[Graves] Oh, but wait, look out!
Owens bringing the fight on the outside, dribbling Jimmy Uso's skull.
Oh, no, no, no.
No.
[Cole] Kevin Owens looked like he was going for the powerbomb.
The hell…
Superkick to KO.
On the Spanish announce table now.
Double-team!
[Jimmy] Look at you now.
[Cole] Sami Zayn can't even stand.
Sami Zayn can't even function.
1D! 1D!
Here's the cover to retain the title.
-[Cole] Sami Zayn kicked out of the 1D! -[Graves] No, he didn't!
[Cole] Nobody's ever, ever kicked out of the 1D!
[Graves] He didn't… I'm not… No way!
[Cole] Nobody in history has kicked out of the One and Done.
Nobody! Jimmy Uso is in disbelief.
[Graves] I gotta look at this again. There's no way.
[Cole] One and Done!
One, two… No!
Sami got the shoulder up at two and three quarters.
They're gonna have to peel Sami Zayn off the mat.
Oh. A Helluva Kick.
Sami Zayn's own finishing maneuver.
A Helluva Kick delivered by Jey Uso.
This is what they do, Sami.
You should have never left The Bloodline, bruh.
-[Graves] Oh my God. -[Cole] Oh!
Exploder into the corner by Zayn.
[Graves] Sami can't possibly have anything left.
Zayn somehow able to muster the power to deliver an Exploder suplex.
[Cole] And now Kevin is crawling up to the apron.
Can Sami make it to Kevin Owens?
-Tag is made. -[crowd cheering]
Here comes KO.
Pop-Up Powerbomb!
[Graves] And another.
[Cole] How are Kevin and Sami functioning?
Helluva Kick!
Stunner!
-Cover. -[crowd] One, two…
[Cole] Oh, a kickout! A damn kickout! A damn kickout!
[Graves] That was it. That was the best shot Sami and Kevin
will ever, ever, ever have.
And we may be in Hollywood, but this ain't the movies.
There isn't always a happy ending.
[crowd] One, two…
[exclaiming]
[Graves] And you can almost feel the collective heart of SoFi Stadium
shatter in that moment.
[crowd cheering loudly]
[Cole] And it's come to this.
-It has come to this. -[crowd cheers]
There are 80,000 people in this stadium on their feet.
For the Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
[kicks]
Superkick!
Another one.
Tag. Tag was made.
[Graves] I don't know if Kevin's aware.
[Cole] He is now.
Down goes KO.
Sami Zayn.
Putting Kevin in position.
The Usos gonna end this with a massive exclamation point.
[Graves] Get ready to throw 'em up.
[Cole] Stereo Uso Splash.
Kevin Owens kicked out!
[crowd cheers]
What is going on?
[Graves] This is unbelievable.
[Cole] I don't even know what to say anymore.
[Graves] Look again at the Uso Splash, doubled up, on point, on target.
And Kevin Owens kicks out.
[Cole] How?
And Jimmy says it's time for a big one.
[Graves] I shudder to think at what he means.
[Cole] Sami! Sami!
[Graves] Ripping Jimmy to the outside.
[Cole] Jimmy sent over the Spanish announce table.
-Kevin Owens now. -[Graves] Oh no!
[Cole] Oh my goodness! Owens connected! Owens connected!
He's got a chance!
-They've got a chance! -[Graves] Does Owens have anything left?
Can Kevin make the cover?
Or the tag?
-[Cole] Come on, KO! -[crowd cheers]
Tag! Sami's legal!
Long time coming.
That had to feel, oh, so good.
Helluva Kick!
[speaking indistinctly]
-And another. -[crowd cheering loudly]
[Graves] Here comes Jimmy.
[Cole] Stunner!
[Cole] Three's the one!
-Cover. The Bloodline be damned! -[crowd] One, two, three!
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheers]
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Rome] Here are your winners,
and the new
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn!
[Cole] An incredible outpouring of emotion.
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens win their Tag Team Titles
for the first time in their WWE careers.
[crowd cheering loudly]
As we crown the brand-new Undisputed…
[fireworks]
…Tag Team Champions.
[Jackie] What an emotional scene at SoFi Stadium.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn defeating one of the greatest tag teams of all time
in the main event of WrestleMania.
And let's take you now to Cathy Kelley, who's standing by with Kevin Owens.
Kevin, what a wonderful moment.
You and Sami Zayn winning championship gold at WrestleMania.
Yeah, I mean, uh, it's very hard to put into words how great that was
and what that meant to us.
I'm still pretty heartbroken about how it all ended, to be honest.
But, uh, that's another story for another time.
And I'm looking… I'm looking ahead to next week.
I'm in the finals of the tournament. I'm so close.
Santos Escobar stands in my way. But I will beat him. I really will…
Because, you know, it's not even just about getting more gold.
It's about taking it away from Logan Paul.
Because I've said it before, I'll say it again.
Him in my ring, in WWE, and as US Champion is an absolute nightmare.
And I will do everything I can, broken hand or not,
to make that go away.
Next week, I beat Santos. I go on to beat Logan,
and then restore prestige to the United States Championship.
Sounds like you've got your New Year's resolution set for…
New Year's resolution is ready for New Year's Revolution.
Awesome. Perfect. [yelling]
That was my bad. I'm the one who offered the wrong hand.
No! I should… I saw it in slow motion as it happened.
It's okay.
-I gotta go. -Okay.
-Thank you. -Thanks, Kev.
[Jackie] Still to come. Social media mogul, professional boxer,
United States Champion?
Logan Paul looks to add to an already Impaulsive 2023.
But standing in his way, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.
[Graves] But up next…
♪ If you smell… ♪
…The Great One shocks the WWE Universe with an electrifying return.
In about three seconds, The Rock is gonna whoop your candy ass all over Denver.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Play WWE Mayhem, the number one action arcade game
with a massive roster of 250-plus Superstars.
Enjoy the ultimate WWE action.
♪ 'Cause there ain't nobody ♪
♪ Look in my eyes… ♪
Well, it looks like hell froze over at Survivor Series when CM Punk
made his return after nearly a decade.
The clip has become WWE's most social moment in history,
amassing over 105 million views across all social media platforms,
shattering records here in WWE.
[Jackie] And two guys also looking to shatter records in 2024
is the team known as A-Town Down Under.
This is an embarrassment, Grayson.
Nick Aldis asking us to give our New Year's resolutions?
Could've at least asked us to do it on the award-winning talk show,
The Grayson Waller Effect. This is all just so… meh!
Actually, you know what? I've got an idea.
Hit my open! Roll the ticker! Grayson Waller Effect. Here we go.
♪ Hard work, let's go ♪
♪ Now do it 'cause I say so, say so ♪
♪ When I pop out they lay low, they know ♪
♪ Blood run hot, but that heart cold Stay froze ♪
♪ You know how that thang go I can't stop ♪
Hey, now that's more like it.
Look at all the nice things that people have to say about us. Good blokes.
Hey, Nick Aldis, this is how you show respect to your top Superstars.
So let's go through our New Year's resolutions for 2024.
Win singles gold.
-Win tag team gold. -Ooh.
How about win the Royal Rumble?
Headline WrestleMania.
Win the Money in the Bank match… again. [laughs]
Or, you know, for the first time. Could be me.
Could be you.
Uh, personal one for me.
Headline Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia.
That would be so…
Hey, wait in a minute, I saw that.
Wait, what?
On the… on the ticker.
Oh, really funny, Kevin Owens. "Kevin Owens."
We do not have very punchable faces. That's a lie.
"The only thing better than punching one face
is punching two at the same time."
Why is he…
"Grayson and Austin's resolution for 2024 should be to just shut up."
You know what? We don't have to take this. We're better than this.
A-Town Down Under. I'm out of here. I'm going.
I ain't taking this. Where you going?
I can't take it!
I'm sick of this guy.
Why is it so amusing watching Kevin Owens get under those two skins?
Why am I not surprised that you find that to be so much fun?
It's funny. Come on.
I also wanna know why Kevin Owens insists on continuing to harass
two of the biggest rising stars on SmackDown.
Well, to be fair, Corey, Theory and Waller did break
Owen's hand a few weeks ago, and even you have to admit,
they do tend to rub people kind of the wrong way.
Just like back in September when Austin Theory
decided to confront Pat McAfee on SmackDown for no reason.
♪ I'm doing it my way, all day ♪
Don't get me started on Pat McAfee.
If you ask me, Pat McAfee should have never been on SmackDown to begin with.
All right, well, listen, your issues with McAfee aside,
his surprise visit obviously didn't sit well with Austin Theory…
who claimed that SmackDown was his show.
But we all know, SmackDown is the people's show. Am I right?
[narrator] Match Flo is sponsored by Progressive.
A triple threat of protection with home, auto, and more.
♪ If you smell what The Rock is cookin' ♪
["Electrifying" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Theory] It's been a long time, Rock.
-Let me go ahead and tell you… -Shut your bitch ass up.
You clearly don't know how all this works.
[dramatic music playing]
Finally, The Rock has come back
to Denver.
[crowd cheers]
Maybe I should try.
Finally,
the ignorant people
get to see the The Rock and Austin
back in the ring again one last time.
-Well, The Rock says… -It doesn't matter what The Rock says!
[crowd boos]
You see, it actually does matter what The Rock says.
In about three seconds,
The Rock is gonna whoop your candy ass all over Denver.
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] Oh, and Rock with a spinebuster!
And here it comes. Here it comes.
The most electrifying move in all of entertainment,
-People's Elbow! -[crowd cheers]
And now, McAfee with the opportunity.
[Graves] Are you kidding me?
[Cole] What a star-studded night.
-Welcome home. -Amen.
[crowd chanting] Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
[Graves] Still to come. Will The American Nightmare
achieve his dream at the Grandest Stage of Them All?
To do so, Cody Rhodes would have to overcome the man who lives in G.O.D. Mode.
[Jackie] But up next, sound the alarm. It's time for war.
WarGames, that is.
With the SmackDown women's division under siege at the hands of Damage CTRL,
it's time for The EST, The Queen, The Ballsy Badass,
and The Man to even the odds.
But could they coexist?
[narrator] WWE is proud to support our local communities
this season of giving.
This holiday season,
WWE Superstars and employees
have provided more than 5,000 gifts
and donated more than 10,000 volunteer hours,
providing magical holiday experiences for Boys & Girls Clubs of America,
Seacrest Studios Foundation, and Make-A-Wish.
Happy holidays from our family to yours.
Welcome back to SmackDown: The Absolute Best of 2023.
-I am still Corey Graves. -And I'm Jackie Redmond.
With us now is the roughest, the toughest, the fastest,
and the longest reigning Raw Women's Champion in history.
Am I missing anything else?
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The EST of WWE,
Bianca Belair.
[Graves] Bianca, it's great to see you. Happy New Year.
Uh, I'm gonna ask you to look back at 2023
and ask you if there is one particular thing
that you're most proud of.
Ooh! Well, 2023 was an amazing year for me.
Um, but I would hands-down have to say
becoming the longest reigning Raw Women's Champion.
Hands down, the most exciting thing for me this year.
[Jackie] Understandably so. I mean, you make history.
That's a big deal.
So I guess moving forward,
what is next in the mind of Bianca Belair?
Are you a goal-setter during the new year?
Like, what do you have your eyes on going into 2024?
You know, I'm honestly not a person that makes New Year's resolutions
because I always say I stay ready so I don't have to get ready.
But while I did a huge accomplishment
by becoming the longest reigning Raw Women's Champion,
I also had one of, uh, the hardest times in 2023.
I got cashed in on by Iyo Sky.
So my new goal this year is to go back after Iyo Sky,
um, and take that WWE Women's Championship.
I want to become the champion again in 2024,
and make this another great year.
Well, if you're talking about Iyo Sky,
you've got to mention Damage CTRL as a whole
who definitely gave you a run for your money over the past year.
Is it safe to say that Damage CTRL is
sort of near the rearview mirror for The EST?
Definitely not!
I've been going through with Damage CTRL for,
I would say, the past, what, two years?
They played a huge part in having Iyo Sky cash in on me.
We just went through it with them at WarGames.
I'm still going through it with them right now.
They're very dangerous right now, and I always have to keep my two eyes
in the front of my head and in the back of my head
on Damage CTRL.
Not done with Damage CTRL just yet for Bianca Belair,
and understandably so. I mean, we talked about
you making history as the longest reigning Raw Women's Champion.
That's a big accomplishment of 2023.
But do you have any special moments from the year
that really stand out for you, that-that you'll remember forever?
Uh, definitely WrestleMania.
You know, going out and being able to three-peat at WrestleMania,
but also my entrance.
I mean, I think that that's gonna stick with me for the rest of my life,
being able to bring the Divas of Compton out with me,
uh, have them, you know, break it down and show up and show out
in front of 70,000-plus people.
I think that moment's gonna stick with me for the rest of my life.
I think that was a special moment for me.
And not just for me, but for them and for all of the fans.
But that was probably one of the most special moments for me in 2023.
You've still got your eyes on the prize,
but I think busy-EST might be an apropos descriptor for 2024.
Talk to us about the new show,
the premiere of Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez.
Yeah, so my husband and I, Montez Ford, we have a reality series coming out.
It's coming out on Hulu on February 2nd.
Uh, we're super excited for it. I am very nervous for it,
but I'm excited for the fans and the WWE Universe to see it
and everyone else to see it.
Uh, we filmed it on the Road to WrestleMania last year,
so everyone knows that that's the most busiest, most hectic time of the year.
So we really want to show everybody who we are, you know,
outside of the ring, show everybody how we navigated the Road to WrestleMania
as husband and wife and WWE Superstars.
We're super excited to share it with everyone.
So, guys, tune in. Uh, I hope you guys are excited for it as well.
Looking forward to 2024,
what would you say your overall goals entail?
I would say my overall goals in 2024, hands down,
is becoming the new WWE Women's Champion.
I wanna go back to WrestleMania. I wanna four-peat.
I wanna continue to be undefeated at WrestleMania.
So those are my goals for 2024.
-No big deal. Minor goals. -I always go big.
I've got to ask you, next week on SmackDown,
Michin will have the opportunity to challenge Iyo Sky for her championship.
How do you see this one playing out?
[Bianca] I think, uh, Iyo Sky has, um, a big task on her hands.
I see Michin bringing it to her.
Of course I'm, you know, I'm cheering for Michin.
But selfishly, you know, I do want, you know, Iyo Sky to retain.
Because I wanna be the one to take it off of her because she took it off of me.
But, with that being said…
I think Michin's gonna bring it to her, 100%.
We might… we might be seeing a new champion in 2024.
Oh! My goodness. I love that from Bianca Belair.
Thank you so much for hanging out with us, Bianca.
We appreciate it.
All of the best in 2024. I'm such a huge fan.
You really are The EST of WWE. Happy New Year.
Thank you. Happy New Year, guys.
All right, well, Corey, Bianca has certainly had her issues with Damage CTRL.
That's no secret, but she's not the only one.
No. Damage CTRL has dominated SmackDown over the past several months.
And with the returning Kairi Sane and Asuka joining the fold,
the group's stronger than ever.
Which led to Bianca having to recruit some big-time backup,
most notably The Queen, Shotzi, and The Man.
And there was only one match that could contain this hostility. Right?
So let's take you back to Survivor Series: WarGames.
[siren blaring]
♪ Generals gathered in their masses ♪
[Irvin] The following contest is the Women's WarGames Match.
♪ Oh Lord, yeah ♪
[Cole] A lot has been about whether or not Charlotte and Becky can get along tonight.
♪ Damage CTRL ♪
[Cole] Bayley is going to start WarGames for her team.
♪ I'm ready for whatever ♪
♪ You won't find nobody better ♪
♪ I will bring the storm to you whether You ready or not, coming in hot ♪
♪ I am a legend in the making ♪
♪ Everything I see, man, I'm taking ♪
♪ You're looking Into the eyes of greatness ♪
♪ Gotta push through The world is waiting ♪
[Cole] Oh my God!
♪ Yeah, legends always live forever ♪
♪ You better get out of my way ♪
♪ Can't nobody stop what's great ♪
[Irvin] And now…
let the WarGames begin!
[Cole] The first team to gain pinfall or submission
will win WarGames.
[referee] One, two…
[Cole] Charlotte's 15 feet above the ring!
[dramatic music playing]
For the win.
And a kickout.
Longtime rivals Becky and Charlotte
working together for the good of the team.
[tense music playing]
[crowd cheers]
What a moment!
Figure-Eight in now by Charlotte.
Elbow by Bayley.
-Becky with the Disarmer. -[Graves] Save after save.
Bayley right now is the MVP for Damage CTRL.
[Cole] And Bayley took a bullet for her team.
[triumphant music playing]
Manhandle Slam through the table!
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[bell rings]
[Cole] Team Bianca with the win inside WarGames.
You know what, guys?
Let's-Let's not dwell on the past, okay?
Let's talk about all the good things that happened in 2023, huh?
Let's talk about Iyo Sky becoming the WWE Women's Champion.
Why don't we show that?
Let's talk about Kairi Sane returning to the WWE,
standing side-by-side with us,
or our favorite, Asuka deciding on her own to join Damage CTRL.
I mean, come on. That put us above everyone else.
Oh, didn't it? And not only that.
Next week, at New Year's Revolution, our champion, Iyo,
grants Michin her biggest opportunity yet.
[Iyo cackles]
Michin just got lucky when she pinned me. I will walk out with my title.
[laughter]
[speaking in Japanese]
-[laughing, cheering] -Yes. Yes.
In translation, that means:
2024 is gonna be Damage CTRL's biggest year yet.
-[laughter] -Believe it. Believe it.
[Jackie] Coming up, the greatest luchador of all time, Rey Mysterio,
defends the United States Championship at Crown Jewel against Logan Paul.
Of course, leave it to The Maverick to arrive in style.
[Graves] And up next, we reflect on the life and the legacy of a man
who left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe.
The one and only Bray Wyatt.
["Live in Fear" playing]
Earlier this year, we lost a beloved member of our WWE family,
one of the most captivating and unique personas in the history
of sports entertainment,
Windham Rotunda.
Tonight, we honor the legacy and celebrate the life
of a man who touched us all
with his passion, his creativity, and his spirit.
The man simply known as Bray Wyatt.
-[voices harmonizing] -[soft, somber piano music playing]
♪ He's got the whole world ♪
♪ In his hands ♪
♪ He's got the whole world ♪
♪ In his hands ♪
[Bray] I guess I've created some kind of buzz here, man.
You ain't seen nothing yet.
["Everknown" by NEEDTOBREATHE plays]
Behold a new face of fear.
Walk by my side, and I will lead you to paradise.
We're here.
[blows out lantern]
♪ I see your body dancing Feel the magic on the floor ♪
♪ They try to say we lost you But they never kept score ♪
♪ You never had a last time You couldn't outshine ♪
♪ You gave us everything And now your memory's mine ♪
This is the Firefly Fun House.
♪ You never give in ♪
[laughing]
♪ You are the everknown ♪
♪ You shine on, you shimmer ♪
You wanna see my secret?
♪ We'll follow you on to wherever you go ♪
♪ Your currency moves From every inch of your bones ♪
♪ You never give in ♪
Yowie Wowie.
♪ You are the everknown ♪
♪ In the golden hour sunset And the space between the shores ♪
♪ You never met a darkness You couldn't outshine ♪
♪ You left us everything But still you're leaving us more ♪
I can truly say that I have the whole damn world in my hand.
♪ You never give in ♪
♪ You are the everknown ♪
[Bray] I would like to welcome you all to the era of Wyatt!
♪ You are the everknown ♪
This is my favorite new toy.
This is such good [bleep].
♪ You're more than just a photograph ♪
♪ Fluorescent in my mind We're still together ♪
♪ Your spirit is all over me ♪
♪ Your smile is with me While I'm dreaming ♪
♪ I miss you, but I know It means you're mine ♪
[Bray] I am the color red in a world full of black and white.
I am the eater of worlds.
I, Bray Wyatt, am forever.
♪ We'll follow you on to wherever you go ♪
♪ You never give in ♪
♪ You are the everknown ♪
And I can look all of you in the eyes, and I can say… thank you.
[music fading]
♪ Who better than me ♪
[Jackie] Welcome back to SmackDown: The Absolute Best of 2023,
which is sponsored by Progressive Insurance.
For a job you'll love, visit Progressive.
♪ 'Cause they're ain't nobody ♪
♪ LA Knight ♪
Yeah!
[Graves] This past week, the WWE Live Event Holiday Tour
took the country by storm,
landing in multiple cities and jam-packed arenas across the US.
[upbeat music playing]
WWE Universe couldn't get enough of seeing their favorite WWE Superstars
during this joyful time of year.
New York City!
[fan yelling]
[Rollins] We are packed in the most famous arena in the world.
[Graves] Madison Square Garden would shatter the gate record
for a non-televised WWE event,
with a sold-out crowd of nearly 16,000 fans in attendance,
highlighted by CM Punk's incredible return to MSG
for the first time in over a decade.
[Punk] This is for all of you.
[man] I love you, Punk.
[Punk] You have carried me throughout my career to my greatest moments.
And this is one of them.
[Graves] An amazing way to close out 2023.
And here's General Manager Nick Aldis with a preview of the first SmackDown of 2024.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk!
Well, I think it's safe to say that 2023 has been a banner year for the blue brand.
And yours truly is so proud to be the General Manager of SmackDown.
But 2024 is shaping up to be a whole different level
because I'm kicking things off with a big, big bang at New Year's Revolution.
Iyo Sky defends the Women's Championship against Michin.
The finals of the United States Championship Tournament,
with Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar.
And then a Triple Threat Match,
LA Knight, AJ Styles, Randy Orton,
the winner gets Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble.
-Hello! Hello. -Mr. Aldis.
Can I just say, terrific job so far?
-You are very nailing it. Wow. -Very… A British icon.
-But can I just say something? -Sure.
A pretty suggestion, if I will? Instead of next week,
Pretty Deadly taking on Butch and a "mystery partner" of his choice…
-We hate mystery. -Let me give you an opportunity.
Because we could do Pretty Deadly against the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.
Come on. The Undisputed Tag Team Champions against the team
with the right amount of hair and the right amount of flair.
-That's what you want, right? -And let me guess,
-also with the titles on the line? -Of course!
-Exactly. -He gets it. He gets it.
-We just need one thing. -You just plant a seed and, poof!
-Love it. -Does he get…
-I'm thinking maybe he gets us. -How about give us…
-A "Yes, boy." -Just a little "Yes, boy."
And we can get it booked in. Come on, just do it.
All right. I'm feeling festive. So you know what?
-No. -What do you mean, no?
You two will face Butch and a partner of his choosing.
-And that is final. -Well, isn't that funny?
Because guess what? You just made a big mistake.
-Big. -Huge.
-Yeah, exactly.
[both shudder]
[sighs]
Did Pretty Deadly just get denied?
Yes, boy!
-Yes, boy? I can't. -Stop it.
-You're embarrassing yourself. -Yeah, I really can't do it.
Let's just leave that to the professionals, okay?
That is no way to treat our future Tag Team Champions.
But do you know who wouldn't stand for that sort of treatment?
The social media sensation, Logan Paul.
[Jackie] You're not kidding, Corey.
The Maverick is no stranger to going viral, that's for sure.
Either knocking out his opponents in the boxing ring,
or by signing Super Bowl MVP
Patrick Mahomes to an endorsement deal for Prime Energy.
[Graves] It's good stuff. I'm waiting for my deal.
-Jealous, huh? -I sure am.
The Logan Paul brand skyrocketed throughout 2023,
and the only thing left to do was capture WWE gold.
But to do that, Paul would have to defeat the legendary luchador Rey Mysterio.
And it all came to a head last month at Crown Jewel
for the United States Championship.
[Cole] Leapfrog. The athleticism of Logan. Ducks underneath.
Mysterio able to hang on.
[crowd cheers]
[Wade] We know Logan Paul can be a hothead too,
and that will cause him to make some errors.
[Cole] And Mysterio sends Paul to the 619 position.
[Wade] Finish this one early. What a big statement that'll be.
[Cole] Logan Paul launching Rey out to the apron.
Again, the tremendous balance of Rey, with a shot to the kidney.
And now a right hand. Logan Paul…
-[Wade] Shot to the kidney… -[Cole] Something started here.
[Wade] Shot to the kidney, highly illegal in boxing,
but perfectly fine in our ring.
[Cole] Crossbody. Paul grabs him, though, and he's able to roll through,
showing the power now.
Got Rey Mysterio on his arms and dropping him into the corner.
Now rolling through on Mysterio.
[Wade] He's with Fit Finlay. He has been studying.
[Cole] There's a nice springboard moonsault.
Hook of the leg. Mysterio gets the shoulder up.
[Wade] Yeah, well, we've all seen what Logan Paul has done
against the likes of Ricochet.
And clearly, aside from being a big slugger,
he can go toe-to-toe with some of the best fliers in the world.
Can you imagine Logan Paul creating headlines around the world
with that glimmering United States Championship around his waist?
[Cole] He'd be talking about it on his podcast.
He'd be going everywhere with it.
Now hammering away on the back of Rey Mysterio's neck.
Logan Paul has Mysterio in trouble in the corner.
[Wade] The press are like vultures around Logan Paul. Oh no!
[Cole] Shoulder-first to the post, and now Mysterio's got an opportunity.
[Wade] Well, you don't get abuse like that in a boxing ring,
and I don't know how you can throw that big haymaker
if you've just separated a shoulder.
[Cole] And now Mysterio gonna fly, suicide dive.
Down goes Logan Paul.
And Paul's in trouble for the first time in this match.
Rey Mysterio building momentum now
with the United States Championship on the line.
We're going up.
[Cole] And now Logan Paul dragging Rey Mysterio
up toward the top rope, trash-talking as always.
[Wade] We're going high risk. And that is the realm of Rey Mysterio.
It's a brave strategy, and it doesn't look like it's gonna pay off.
[Cole] Logan Paul knocked down back into the ring.
Now, Rey Mysterio. He's at home… up there.
Logan Paul, though, gonna meet him there.
[Wade] Rey Mysterio signaling for those big moves.
He just doesn't have it in his body to pull him up.
[Cole] Oh my goodness! A fallaway slam into a cover by Paul!
And Mysterio kicked out.
[Wade] A moonsault fallaway slam. That is absolutely ridiculous.
The risk to pull a maneuver like that off this deep into a matchup.
[Cole] Into a moonsault by Logan Paul,
who went into a pinning combination on Mysterio,
who was still able to kick out.
Oh no, this is not gonna be good.
[Wade] Electric Chair perhaps being attempted here.
[Cole] This is not gonna be good.
From way up above the ring,
as Rey Mysterio turns it around into a sunset bomb!
[Wade] Launching the carcass of Logan Paul across the ring.
[Cole] And now Mysterio. Look at Mysterio!
[Wade] Code Red.
[Cole] Almost had him, and a kickout.
That Code Red powerbomb
shows the ever-evolving offense of Rey Mysterio.
[Wade] Well, that's a move he's taken from his LWO running buddy Zelina Vega,
who has perfected that. But again, you're absolutely right.
[Cole] That's one of those fools from Logan Paul's entourage.
And they just handed Logan Paul brass knuckles.
[Wade] Well, that's how he beat Ricochet at SummerSlam.
And again, one of Logan Paul's cronies walking out here to the ring
and handed the brass knuckles to Logan Paul.
And Mysterio has no idea.
-[Wade] Will lightning strike twice? -[Cole] Well, there go the brass knuckles.
[Wade] And there go the hopes of Logan Paul's victory in this match.
[Cole] Maybe not because this goof is still roaming around at ringside.
Somebody get this guy out of here! Where the hell is security?
[crowd cheering]
Not so fast. Santos Escobar of Mysterio's LWO!
[Wade] The Emperor of Lucha Libre saves the day.
[Cole] And I think Escobar may make this man pay.
[Wade] This guy better start running.
You do not wanna fight with Santos Escobar.
[Cole] Escobar in pursuit… chasing that jerk out of the arena.
And now Logan Paul.
Mysterio. Oh, wait a minute. Paul got the brass knuckles.
The brass knuckles were left on the apron.
Mysterio has no idea. 619 connecting, though.
Mysterio with an opportunity to put…
-Oh my goodness! -[Wade] No, no, no!
[Cole] Knock-out punch with the brass knuckles.
-Logan Paul is the United States Champion. -[bell rings]
[Rome] Here's your winner
and new United States Champion,
-Logan Paul. -[crowd boos]
[Cole] With one right hand full of brass knuckles,
"The Maverick" Logan Paul has radically changed the complexion of WWE.
["Take Flight" playing]
This moment will shake WWE and social media
around the world to its core.
[Wade] As filthy a victory as you could ever imagine.
[fireworks]
[Jackie] A controversial ending, but a victory nonetheless for Logan Paul,
the new United States Champion.
And the actions of Santos Escobar left many wondering
about the status of LWO.
[Escobar] Never meet your heroes.
Rey Mysterio…
You became a father figure to me.
I deserved to be the United States Champion.
And who became the champion?
[tense music playing]
I wanted to rebuild the LWO.
And who took over and brought new members, new members like Carlito?
You sided with an outsider over me.
[crowd exclaims, boos]
I love you. You were my hero.
You know what, Rey? I know you're watching from your hospital bed right now.
From the bottom of my heart…
I hope the surgery didn't go well.
I hope you catch an infection and they have to amputate your leg.
I hope you never come back.
[crowd booing]
Me and you, we're through! We're done!
[crowd cheers]
Joaquin, Raul, you're gonna side with her over me?
Completely out of line.
[dramatic music playing]
[Patrick] Oh, from behind!
Who the hell is this man now?
Carlito arriving on the scene.
[Carlito] Santos, you made a very big mistake.
Carlito has a message for you, Escobar.
[speaking in Spanish]
Carlito, Rey's career is over.
He will never come back. And it's because of you.
[Cole] Escobar's gone off the deep end.
-[Graves] Wait, wait. Look behind you. Oh! -[Cole] A damn sneak attack.
[crowd boos]
A man who is driven by anger, disdain, by rage.
Santos Escobar revealing his true colors,
backstabbing his LWO family,
and putting his former brothers on the injured list.
But joining us now, he is a WWE Hall of Famer.
He is Rey Mysterio.
Rey, thank you so much for joining us. We know you're currently at home
recuperating from your recent knee surgery.
First things first, how's recovery going?
Recovery is going great.
I'm looking very forward to coming back and taking care of business.
Well, 2023, it had its highs for you.
It had its lows for you.
I mean, it kind of had everything in between.
When you look back at the last year, what stands out to you the most?
Oh, come on, that's-that's a very easy question to answer.
Unfortunately, what Santos did to me.
But-But at the same time, you know,
it's something that has occurred to me several occasions
throughout my longevity of-of being in the WWE.
For some reason, I keep on picking the wrong partners.
But, uh, things will be told when the time is right.
Well, Rey, what are your thoughts on Santos's new alignment
with Angel and Humberto?
[Mysterio] That alignment? I kind of saw it coming
once Santos stabbed me on the back.
I don't sweat it. You know, I have my people, I have my crew.
I have people that I really trust.
Things will be taken care of sooner or later.
You've been in the business for a minute. You kind of know how these things go.
But I want to ask you about your Hall of Fame induction at WrestleMania.
Obviously a career high for you, but kind of an interesting situation
because, you know, you're falling out with your son, Dominik,
at the time that it happens.
When you reflect on that induction night, uh, what does it mean to you?
Well, it was very hard for me to-to… at the corner of my eye,
see my son get up
as I was conducting my speech and see him walk away.
Really hurtful.
But at the same time, you know, like I mentioned before,
these are reoccurring events that have happened to me in the past.
You know, it's-it's almost like I'm already molded.
My heart is already set in stone for situations like these.
So I just gotta man through it and, uh, keep moving forward like I have.
I do wanna go back to your son, Dominik, and sort of the year that he's had.
He's kind of become one of the most hated Superstars in WWE.
Do you think he will ever, um, find his way here?
I truly hope so, as a father, that he finds his way.
I mean, deep down inside,
I give him credit for what he's accomplished.
He's my son. He turned his back on me.
But overall, uh, his growth in that ring has been tremendous, you know?
And I can't take that away from him.
And he's doing an incredible job as the person he wants to be.
I'm gonna ask you, Rey, about the man who defeated Dominik
for the NXT North American Championship.
That being a man that you have christened the future of lucha libre, Dragon Lee.
What do you think 2024 holds for Dragon Lee?
[Mysterio] That kid is a Superstar.
I truly endorse him as the future of lucha libre.
I truly believe that I see a lot of young Rey Mysterio in him.
He steps into the ring every time, willing to give it all.
You know, he's incredible. Uh, he's, uh, unique.
He's very creative.
I really enjoy watching Dragon Lee, uh, when he steps into that ring.
And that means a lot coming from you.
I mean, you've worked with the best of the best in this business.
I do wanna get your thoughts on Logan Paul,
because you guys obviously had a huge match this year at Crown Jewel.
And, though his tactics might be questionable,
what do you think of Logan Paul as a WWE Superstar
and what he does in the ring?
Logan is doing what he needs to do for himself
to become the Superstar that he is now.
You know, um, I give him credit for it.
I can't take that away from him either.
Is it safe to say that there may be a little unfinished business
between you and Logan Paul,
or at least as pertains to the United States Championship?
Most definitely.
I've already started my 2024 list.
Santos is there, Dominik's there,
and whoever wants to get added to the list, just jump on board.
The naughty list is, uh, in full swing as Rey Mysterio gets ready for 2024.
All the best. Happy holidays. Happy New Year.
We can't wait to see you back in WWE. Thank you so much, Rey.
Thank you guys very much. I can't wait to come back, and happy holidays.
[Graves] When we return, we relive
the blockbuster main event of WrestleMania Sunday,
Rhodes versus Reigns.
[grim music playing]
[Lawler] Brock Lesnar. Goldberg.
John Cena. Roman Reigns.
Let's bring on the mayhem.
From the top rope.
She's unloading on her.
[hard rock music playing]
619. Brutal.
Oh baby.
That was pure mayhem.
Download now from the App Store and Google Play.
♪ Who better than me ♪
For all of the major shakeups and surprises in 2023, Corey,
one thing remained constant,
the dominance of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
["Head of the Table" playing]
I mean, The Tribal Chief has now held that title for an astonishing 1,216 days.
I mean, it's the longest reign in, like, 40 years.
With a little help from The Bloodline, the Head of the Table
has decimated every Superstar who has dared to challenge him.
But recently, Roman's reign has become a perilous one.
Especially with the return of "The Apex Predator" Randy Orton…
♪ I hear voices in my head ♪
[Jackie] …who missed 18 months of action thanks to The Bloodline.
I mean, let's not forget about LA Knight who skyrocketed to Megastardom in 2023.
And just two weeks ago on SmackDown, yet another Superstar from Roman's past
returned to stake his claim to the championship.
[narrator] Tonight's Highlight of the Night is sponsored
by WWE 2K23.
[upbeat music playing]
[Orton] Roman Reigns, you took 18 months from me, so I am going to take
everything away from you.
And I don't care which one of your family members
I have to go through to get the job done.
I'm coming for you.
[tense music playing]
It's promotion season.
If you're able to handle Randy Orton alone,
just imagine what's in store for you.
[Patrick] Off we go. It's a hot start from Randy Orton.
Jimmy Uso's task is clear from the Tribal Chief.
End Randy Orton tonight, and by himself.
[Graves] Just that quickly, Orton turns the tides of momentum
back into his own favor.
[Patrick] The Viper, ready to feast.
["Taking It All" playing]
[Graves] And here comes The Enforcer of The Bloodline.
♪ LA Knight ♪
[Graves] It's "The Defiant" LA Knight, bringing the fight to Solo.
[Patrick] RKO!
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[bell rings]
[Graves] Oh! It's Roman Reigns.
-[crowd boos] -[grim music playing]
Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, toe-to-toe.
But Jimmy Uso from behind.
[Cole] The pack-like mentality in full force.
[Graves] And LA Knight's back.
[Patrick] Solo from behind.
The numbers spell trouble for LA Knight and Randy Orton.
[crowd boos]
["Phenomenal" playing]
-[Patrick] Could it be… -[Graves] AJ Styles!
♪ No, they don't really want none ♪
[Cole] Phenomenal Forearm!
[Graves] AJ Styles evening the odds.
[Cole] The Bloodline has made a lot of enemies.
And there's gonna be hell to pay.
[music fades]
[crowd gasps]
[ominous music playing]
The Phenomenal One is back,
and he has inserted himself into a crowded field,
Corey, of would-be challengers for Rom-- for Roman Reigns.
Um… did you know that…
I was not aware, but apparently we've got a very special guest.
Uh, the Special Counsel to the Tribal Chief,
The Wiseman himself, Paul Heyman.
-Mr. Heyman, welcome. -Nice shoes.
-Excuse my reach. -Sir.
Appreciate that, sir. While we have you here,
I can't think of a better person to ask this question.
Uh, Roman Reigns has switched roles recently from hunter to hunted.
What with Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles
all breathing down the champion's neck, is Roman starting to feel the heat at all?
Yes.
Well, uh, what about his preparation?
Has it… Has it changed at all, considering who he's up against?
Yes.
Of the three men who will compete to battle Roman at the Royal Rumble,
does the Tribal Chief have a preference?
Preference for?
Is one maybe a-a… a bigger threat than the other?
No, just three top challengers,
all of whom are qualified to be World Heavyweight Champions,
Universal Heavyweight Champions,
en masse coming after the number one box office attraction
in the history of sports entertainment is enough for me,
for I, for The Wiseman,
to be concerned.
Well, you know, I'd actually be really curious to get your thoughts on Jimmy Uso
and how he might feel about Solo Sikoa,
uh, being deemed the Tribal Heir.
Now we're gonna get personal.
[sighs]
[whispering] Oh, wait, this is where he does the call Roman Reigns thing.
Call Jimmy Uso.
[line ringing]
-Yo. -[Jimmy chuckles]
Hot tag.
OG!
What is the deal?
Okay, check this out. Now I hear you, Corey Graves.
And I hear everybody out there talking about,
is Jimmy Uso hating on the little brother? Is he hating on the Tribal Chief?
I mean, please, it is the New Year's, and it's all about 'tis the season.
Have you been naughty? Have you been nice?
We've been nice over here. So, to answer your question,
The Bloodline, is Roman Reigns scared of LA Knight?
No. Is he afraid of "The Viper" Randy Orton?
Hell no! Do he give a damn about… And do you think he thinking about y'all?
No, the Tribal Chief is at home, sitting by a nice warm fireplace
with some roasted chestnuts, with some eggnog.
You think he trippin' about y'all?
[scoffs] No, dawg. Matter of fact,
I'm about to call Tribal Chief right now, and I'm about to ask him.
"How are you enjoying your eggnog, Tribal Chief?"
"Do you like it?" Happy New Year to y'all.
-Happy New Year to The Bloodline. -[chimes]
Yeah, that's Solo. Holla at y'all. Deuces, Uces. [laughs]
[chimes]
So there's that.
-Uh… -They're all… They're all nice.
-Everyone's nice. -Everyone's nice.
-And we've got a lot to look forward to. -We certainly do, uh, in 2024.
And after what we just heard from Jimmy Uso,
I can't wait for next Friday night.
I mean, the New Year's Revolution edition of SmackDown,
where we will get an answer.
We will find out Roman Reigns' next challenger
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble.
[sighs] But, Jackie, it was this past year's Royal Rumble
where Cody Rhodes outlasted 29 other Superstars
and punched his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania.
[Jackie] Yes, Cody has had one mission since returning to WWE.
Capture the only title that eluded his family,
the WWE Championship.
So the stage was set for WrestleMania Sunday.
Cody Rhodes challenging Roman Reigns.
Could The American Nightmare vanquish the Tribal Chief
and finish his story?
[Cole] …wear Roman down.
Try to somehow force a mistake.
[Graves] And this is a smart strategy by Cody.
A classic strategy. Tried and true.
Isolate a body part and pick it apart.
You damage a leg. You damage an arm. You begin to limit Roman's weapons.
[Cole] Off the second rope. Uh-oh. Caught by Reigns.
[Graves] Rhodes wanted a Disaster Kick…
-[Cole] Powerbomb. -[Graves] Ended up being a disaster.
[Cole] Cover now by Roman. This could be quick work of Rhodes, who kicks out.
[Graves] Cody Rhodes is lucky that he survived this mistake
because when you're facing Roman Reigns, you rarely get more than one error.
[Cole] And now Roman.
And I'll tell you, already with injured ribs.
Corey, if he goes… If Cody goes through the table,
you might as well just count him out.
[crowd jeering]
[Graves] Roman just basking in the energy of the WWE Universe.
[grunts]
[Cole] Roman Reigns taking his time. Trying to lift Cody up.
Cody trying to somehow hang on.
Cody tried to hang on!
Back body drop through the table!
Roman went through the damn table!
Cody's got a chance!
Come on, Cody, you got a chance!
[Graves] Listen to the count, Cody.
You don't wanna let this opportunity go up in smoke.
[Cole] The referee's at six. He's at six. Cody, get in the ring. Break the count.
[Graves] Smart. Cody knew what he needed to do.
But now Cody needs to do the work.
Capitalize on Roman Reigns crashing through the announce table.
[Cole] Come on, Cody, get him in the ring, get him in the ring.
Roman back into the ring. Cody Rhodes…
Solo with that weight belt whipped right across the back.
[crowd boos]
But the official heard it. I believe he heard it, Corey.
[crowd boos]
Yes!
-Great call! -[crowd cheers]
Solo's been ejected!
[Graves] Solo got caught.
[Cole] Roman Reigns is alone.
[Jackie] WWE Royal Rumble is sponsored by Cricket.
With fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage,
you can stress less and smile more.
With that, let's take you to the conclusion
of the main event of WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
against Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] Cody fired up.
Driven by every person in this crowd that wants a new champion.
Roman misses wildly.
Oh! Superman Punch!
-Rhodes is out cold. -[crowd] One, two…
-[Cole] Cody's alive, though! -[crowd cheers]
Roman can't believe it.
Cody went for the Disaster Kick and Roman got him with a Superman Punch.
[Graves] Cody Rhodes looking for the Disaster Kick.
And instead ate a Superman Punch.
The right hand of the champ. The right hand of G.O.D. Mode.
[Cole] Will this be a true Hollywood moment for Cody Rhodes?
[crowd] Boo!
Yeah!
Boo!
Yeah!
Boo!
Yeah!
Boo!
Yeah!
Boo! Yeah!
[Graves] Smart move. Cody went to the body to get the upper hand.
And you can hear SoFi Stadium all experiencing
the same emotional roller coaster we are.
[Cole] Roman hung up. Now Cody going to the top rope.
The champ could be in trouble.
Cody Rhodes lands on his feet.
-Spear! -[Graves] No!
-[Cole] Good night, Cody. -[crowd] One, two…
-[Cole] Cody's in it! -[crowd cheers]
[Graves] Dude.
If Roman wasn't feeling doubt before,
he absolutely is right now.
A spear from The Tribal Chief.
We have seen it countless times,
but tonight at WrestleMania,
Cody kicked out.
[Cole] The Undisputed Championship match continues…
[Graves] Both champion and challenger,
both appear to have a little bit more fight left.
[crowd] Yeah!
Boo!
Yeah!
[Graves] This for the richest prize in sports entertainment.
[crowd] Boo!
[Cole] And for Cody, it's more than that. For Cody, it's legacy.
It's to do something that his family's never done before,
has never accomplished at this level.
[crowd] Yeah!
Boo!
[Cole] Battering the hell out of each other.
[Graves] Rhodes and Reigns dropping bombs on one another.
[crowd] Boo!
[Cole] Went for the Superman Punch. Cody sidestepped.
-Cody now with the left jabs… -[crowd cheers]
Hello, American Dream!
-[Graves] A little Flip, Flop, and Fly. -[Cole] With a Bionic Elbow.
Up goes the right hand.
He's gonna do it!
Cody Rhodes has realized…
-No, wait a minute. -[Graves] Do it again, Cody!
One more!
[Cole] Cody has realized the American Dream!
[Graves] Don't stop till the story's done!
[Cole] Heyman with the official…
Who the…
-[Graves] Solo! -[Cole] No!
With a Samoan Spike.
[Graves] Where the hell did Solo come from?
[Cole] Oh my God, not like this.
Spear!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd] One, two…
three!
[bell rings]
[crowd cheers]
["Head of the Table" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner,
and still
the Undisputed WWE
Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[fireworks booming]
[Graves] Roman Reigns making history as the only man
to successfully defend the WWE Championship
at three consecutive WrestleManias.
Yet another incredible accolade for the Head of the Table.
And conversely, a devastating loss for Cody Rhodes thanks to The Bloodline.
But it's not the end of the road for Cody Rhodes,
who has vowed to finish his story,
and was the first man to declare for the 2024 Royal Rumble match.
He certainly was. And as we head into 2024,
we get ready for WWE New Year's Knockout Week.
And it all starts Monday night on Raw: Day 1 with a massive main event.
Seth Rollins defending that World Heavyweight Championship
against Drew McIntyre.
And after that vicious assault two weeks ago
from the Scottish Warrior, Corey, you have to wonder
about the health of the champion heading into this huge title defense.
[Graves] You're absolutely right about that.
But don't forget Tuesday night on a special edition of NXT: New Year's Evil,
Ilja Dragunov defends his NXT Championship
against the Men's Iron Survivor Trick Williams.
[Jackie] And next Friday night on the New Year's Revolution edition
of SmackDown, we'll have a huge Triple Threat match
to determine who will face Roman Reigns
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
at the Royal Rumble.
Will it be Randy Orton, LA Knight, or AJ Styles?
-[Graves] But wait, there's more. -[Jackie] Oh, tell me.
Also, Iyo Sky will defend her WWE Women's Championship against the woman
who pinned her just last week on SmackDown, Michin.
[Jackie] And we're not done yet.
It's the finals of the United States Championship Tournament,
as Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar compete to see who will face Logan Paul
for the United States Title at the Royal Rumble.
And let's not forget, The Maverick himself will be live
from a sold-out Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC,
to witness that match firsthand.
I mean, what an incredible way to kickstart 2024, right?
With New Year's Knockout Week.
That's gonna do it for us here on the final show of 2023.
You have any New Year's resolutions?
I will most likely be asleep by 10:00 p.m.
Just a little… Less grinchy. I'm Jackie Redmond. He's Corey Graves.
From all of us at WWE, have a safe and happy New Year.
Thanks for watching.