WWE SmackDown December 22: Lee vs Butch, Woman Tag & More Set
WWE has announced four matches for December 22, 2023, episode of SmackDown, including #1 contender tournament matches and Dragon Lee vs Butch.
During December 15 episode of SmackDown, it was announced that Dragon Lee will defend his NXT North American title against Butch at next week’s episode of SmackDown.
Dragon Lee’s most recent title defense took place on December 12 episode of NXT, where he secured victory against Tyler Bate. Butch’s previous singles match occurred on December 1 episode of SmackDown, where he was defeated by Bobby Lashley.
An eight-woman Holiday Havoc tag team match is scheduled for the December 22 episode of SmackDown, pitting Damage CTRL (Bayley, Asuka, Iyo Sky, and Kairi Sane) against Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Michin.
The rivalry between Damage CTRL and Belair has been ongoing for quite some time. During the December 15 episode of SmackDown, Sane and Asuka defeated Zelina Vega and Michin.
The semifinal round matches for #1 contender for United States Championship will also continue next week. Kevin Owens will take on Carmelo Hayes, while Bobby Lashley is set to face Santos Escobar.
During the December 15 episode of SmackDown, Owens emerged victorious against Austin Theory, while Hayes secured a win against Grayson Waller. Following their respective matches, Owens and Hayes engaged in a confrontation where Hayes expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Owens. He encouraged Owens not to take it easy on him.
Bobby Lashley also cut a promo against Santos Escobar backstage, saying Escobar is not beating him.
Below is the announced line-up for December 22, 2023, episode of WWE SmackDown, which is being taped tonight itself.
- Damage CTRL (Bayley, Asuka, Iyo Sky, and Kairi Sane) vs Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Michin
- Kevin Owens vs Carmelo Hayes
- Bobby Lashley vs Santos Escobar
- Dragon Lee vs Butch – NXT North American title bout