Knight vs Orton vs Styles Set for WWE SmackDown New Year’s Revolution
WWE will hold New Year’s Revolution special on SmackDown episode of January 5. 2024, and the show will feature a triple threat match to find new #1 contender for Undisputed Universal Championship.
WWE taped December 22 episode of SmackDown this week in advance due to Christmas Holidays coming up. The show featured a segment between Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles where they staked claimed to face WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
It was ultimately announced that these three stars will be competing for the chance to become the #1 contender. The winner of this match will go on to challenge Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble 2024 PLE.
LA Knight had previously challenged Reigns for the Undisputed Universal title at Crown Jewel 2023 PLE, but unfortunately, Knight was unsuccessful in securing the championship.
During December 15 episode of SmackDown, Roman Reigns commenced the show alongside his bloodline members. However, the proceedings were interrupted when Randy Orton interfered, confronting Reigns.
Orton referenced his previous injury, which had kept him absent for 18 months, and boldly challenged Reigns to a match for the Undisputed Universal Championship at Royal Rumble 2024 PLE event.
In the main event of December 15 episode of SmackDown, Orton was scheduled for a one-on-one match against Jimmy Uso, whom he defeated. Post-match, Orton received assistance from LA Knight, preventing Solo Sikoa from interfering.
💥 "VINTAGE ORTON!" 💥
— WWE (@WWE) December 16, 2023
Jimmy @WWEUsos may be fast… but @RandyOrton is faster! 🐍 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/vZYiXIzmyh
However, Reigns intervened, attacking Knight, leading to a brawl between Reigns and Orton. Sikoa and Uso joined in, overwhelming Orton and Knight. Suddenly, AJ Styles emerged and took down Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm.
Styles enjoyed a momentary alliance with Orton and Knight, appearing to stand united. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when Styles unexpectedly turned on Knight, launching an attack. Subsequently, Styles departed from the scene, leaving the show to conclude on that tense note.
Styles had been absent from television following the September 22 episode of SmackDown, during which he was ambushed backstage by Solo Sikoa, leading to his time away from the show.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED???? 🤯👀@AJStylesOrg just took out @RealLAKnight in front of @RandyOrton and #TheBloodline! WHY?? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/S4MnPMC6nR
— WWE (@WWE) December 16, 2023