After SmackDown went off the air, AJ Styles, Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Dolph Ziggler, Jinder Mahal & Erick Rowan. Below are some photos and videos of what went down after SmackDown:

https://twitter.com/TsarinaVonBlack/status/859619178394902528

@RSWLive Here are your winners! #SmackdownLive dark match. pic.twitter.com/Qe01EVtSIZ

— Tim Butler (@armyxrays) May 3, 2017

@ShinsukeN @AJStylesOrg @RandyOrton vs @HEELZiggler Eric Rowan and @JinderMahal was the main event and it was awesome pic.twitter.com/piOkEaOacu

— Clayton (@Claytototo) May 3, 2017

https://twitter.com/TheNextBlGThing/status/859613805935960064

Kevin Owens defeated Chris Jericho in the main event on SmackDown to recapture the United States Championship. After the match, Kevin Owens brutally attacked Jericho and placed his head between a chair. Owens then slammed the chair into the ring post. WWE has uploaded a new video of Kevin Owens ripping Jericho’s name plate of the United States Championship.

One of the featured attractions at tonight’s WWE Payback pay-per-view will be the first-ever House of Horrors match between Bray Wyatt and WWE Champion Randy Orton.

WWE has not clearly defined exactly what the House of Horrors stipulation entails. A WWE Fan Council survey sent out earlier this month indicated that WWE wasn’t even sure what would be involved, but we know the survey asked fans if the match should include pitchforks, fog, darkness and “sheeple.”

It seems likely that the match would include some pre-taped footage involving a lot of gimmickry and that it would ultimately wind up in the arena to determine a winner. According to a report by Dave Scherer of PWInsider, that’s exactly what we’ll be seeing.

The “House” aspect of the House of Horror match has already been recorded. Randy Orton will arrive in a limousine and enter the house. Orton and Wyatt will brawl in various rooms of the home, including one that has dolls of children hanging from the ceiling. The fight then leads to the kitchen, where Bray Wyatt traps Orton and then goes out outside and steals the limo. Then it’s off to the arena for the actual match.

To find out, out who is scheduled to win the match, check out the final WWE Payback Betting Odds.

This week marked 15 years Randy Orton has been in WWE. Orton defeated Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania 33 to capture the WWE Championship. Orton was recently interviewed by WWE.com and discussed his 15 years in WWE and his favorite RKO. Here are some highlights from the interview:

How does it feel to be a fifteen year veteran in WWE?

“How does it feel? It feels like, “Where did the time go?” to be honest. I’ve been around a long time, and it seemed for the longest time like I was the young guy. Now, all of a sudden, I’ve got fans with beards telling me, “I used to watch you when I was a kid.” So, I don’t know what happened to all those years, man, but the little bit I do remember? It was definitely a fun ride.”

With everything you’ve achieved, what do you consider to be the single greatest accomplishment of your career?

“There’s honestly not one thing. Youngest champ; I think I’ve won more Survivor Series Matches than anything else, maybe I’m tied with Ultimate Warrior; won two Royal Rumbles; won Money in the Bank; I’ve main-evented WrestleMania; I’ve wrestled in 13 WrestleManias — those are all up there. I’ve stolen the show numerous times. I’ve wrestled in Seoul, I’ve wrestled in Auckland, New Zealand. There’s not one thing, there’s a bunch of things.”

The RKO has taken on a life of its own within your career. As the man who performs the move, what is your single favorite RKO of all time?

“I would say probably the one with Evan Bourne. It just shows you how important timing is and I felt like the timing on that particular one was harder to achieve than any of the other ones. The one on Seth [Rollins] at WrestleMania was difficult, too. I’ve done some cool ones with Dolph [Ziggler] and Cesaro, too, and springboards in with Carlito and CM Punk. The timing is what makes that. But the hardest one, the highest-risk one to hit perfect was the Evan Bourne one, and that’d probably be why it’s my favorite.”

Now that WrestleMania 33 is in the rear view mirror and the RAW/SmackDown rosters have been shaken up, we look ahead to what’s next for the top titles on WWE’s red and blue brands. Courtesy of Wrestling Observer, here’s what WWE currently has planned for the the WWE Championship and Universal Championship over the next several months:

– WWE Payback is just weeks away (4/30). The event is being billed as a RAW-branded show, yet SmackDown’s Randy Orton will be defending the WWE Championship against Bray Wyatt in the main event. That aside, the title will be on the line in a House of Horrors match.

WWE has yet to explain what that stipulation entails. Based on a WWE Fan Council survey sent out this week, even they’re unsure about it, but it might involve pitchforks, fog, darkness and “sheeple.” The House of Horros match is being set up as a blowoff to the Orton-Wyatt feud, with Orton retaining and keeping the WWE Championship on SmackDown. Orton’s next feud will most likely be with Baron Corbin, since it’s “to early for Nakamura” and SmackDown does not have a lot of depth with top-level heels.

After being traded to SmackDown this week during the Superstar Shake-Up, United States Champion Kevin Owens will be feuding with AJ Styles next, with a title match planned for next month’s Backlash PPV.

– Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is on hiatus from WWE and will feud with Braun Strowman when he returns. A title match between the two monsters is scheduled for either June (Extreme Rules) or July (Bad Blood).

The longterm plan is still for Brock Lesnar to defend the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns next year at WrestleMania. Reigns and Strowman will be facing off at Payback and there’s been some discussion about it being a gimmick match. With Strowman being primed for a title shot against Brock Lesnar in June/July, a gimmick match would allow Strowman to get the win and continue his momentum without Roman having to lose clean.

WWE Champion Randy Orton did a Q&A panel over the weekend at Wizard World’s latest convention in St. Louis and showed disdain for his WrestleMania 33 entrance.

Orton’s match with Bray Wyatt involved a variety of special effects, including maggots being projected onto the ring mat. Randy Orton’s ring entrance included him “riding a snake” to the ring as he walked down the digitized ramp. Orton wasn’t pleased with the visual, echoing the sentiment of fans on social media who thought the snake looked like a giant sperm.

BleedingCool.com did a write-up of the Q&A session, including Orton telling the crowd, “the snake looked like giant sperm.” Orton said he has absolutely no input in his WrestleMania entrances. He would love to have an elaborate entrance like Triple H typically gets, but he’s usually “screwed out of entrances” at WrestleMania.

Later in the panel, a young fan asked Orton what his favorite pay-per-view is. Orton said he loves the “Big Four” (WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble), but even WrestleMania can have its negative side, such as having to “ride a giant sperm” to the ring.

Randy Orton became a nine-time WWE Champion after defeating Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship at tonight’s WrestleMania 33 PPV in Orlando.

Orton won the fairly short match “outta nowhere” with the RKO, the culmination of a longterm storyline that saw Randy Orton infiltrate the Wyatt Family last year, break free, burn down the Wyatt Family compound and win the Royal Rumble to earn the title shot.

This marks the 9th World title reign for Randy Orton.

Randy Orton was recently interviewed by Matt Fowler of IGN. Orton was promoting Wrestlemania 33, but also commented on his recent injuries and his match against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Below are some highlights from the interview. You can check out the entire interview by clicking here. 

Orton’s thoughts on missing last year’s Wrestlemania:

I think WrestleMania XX would have been my first one, yes, and then I had 12 in a row. Twelve years in a row. So it did suck to miss last year’s but I had an injury and, on one hand, it was kind of nice to go to WrestleMania in that big of a venue — I think there were close to a hundred thousand people there, I’m not positive — but it was great to go because I got to just go there as a fan.

His match against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam:

I’ve been back since last July and it was a rocky start when I came back from my injury. I had Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam and he’s a machine right there. I got a concussion, got split open, blood all over the place. It kind of put me back a few steps. It took a couple months to get my feet under me again.

Facing Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania 33:

I’m looking forward to bringing the kids, all five children, and their going to watch their father whip Bray Wyatt’s ass. Instead of going to it with them as a fan, I get to possibly main event it with them sitting in the front row. So personally, it’s a huge victory.

Looking forward to watching Jim Cornette at the WWE Hall of Fame:

I heard that Jim Cornette is going to be given a live microphone and so I’m going to have a bag of popcorn, maybe a little flask of some good stuff in my breast pocket, and I’m going to sit back and listen to Jim Cornette and just cross my fingers that it’s as good as I think it can be. Because he is amazing on the mic, he doesn’t hold anything back, and I think it says a lot about WWE and whoever made that final decision — I’m sure it was Vince — to have Cornette induct the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express.

AJ Styles defeated Luke Harper to become the new #1 contender on tonight’s SmackDown. Styles is set to face Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 33 but that match has not been confirmed by WWE yet.

It appears we may get a Triple Threat with Royal Rumble winner Randy Orton being the third particiapnt. Orton turned on Wyatt and set fire to the Wyatt Family compound during the closing segment this week. Orton issued a warning to Wyatt and said he was coming for the WWE Championship and Wyatt at WrestleMania.

We will keep you updated on any official announcements regarding Wyatt’s WrestleMania match.

I'm coming for you @WWEBrayWyatt and I'm taking the title at #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/UCIzKmPWC0

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) March 1, 2017

Last night’s WWE SmackDown ended with Randy Orton pledging allegiance to WWE Champion Bray Wyatt and refusing his WrestleMania 33 championship shot against Wyatt that he earned by winning the Royal Rumble. Video from the segment can be seen above.

It was later announced on Talking Smack by SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan that next week’s SmackDown will feature a battle royal with the winner facing Wyatt at WrestleMania. The first confirmed name for the battle royal is AJ Styles.

BREAKING: @WWEDanielBryan announces a #1Contender #BattleRoyal NEXT WEEK on #SDLive to replace @RandyOrton, who refuses to face Bray Wyatt! pic.twitter.com/f9WCD4D6Tz

— WWE (@WWE) February 15, 2017

– ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary profiling the XFL premieres tonight.

– 2017 Royal Rumble winner Randy Orton be this week’s guest on the “Off the Top Rope” segment on ESPN SportsCenter.

This was the XFL, and you will find out everything you need to know on @ESPN's @30for30 when it premieres TOMORROW NIGHT at 9/8c! #XFL pic.twitter.com/zZWdMGy2VO

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2017

– Former English rugby star Eorl Crabtree recently toured the WWE Performance Center and attended a set of NXT tapings, seen in this video. Crabtree predicts a definite future for the WWE in the UK and in regards to the WWE UK tournament, he says WWE is going to be massive for the British Wrestling scene, and that he wants a behind the scenes role. Crabtree’s uncle was UK wrestling legend Big Daddy.

– RAW Superstar Luke Gallows is partnering up with former WWE producer Joey Mercury to open up a pro wrestling school. Called the Bulletproof Dojo, the school will open in Jenkinsburg, Georgia later this year. Mercury will be installed as head trainer while Gallows and other special guests will assist as their schedules permit. For season wrestlers only, camps are scheduled for February 7th to February 9th and February 28th to March 2nd. The cost is $100. Email bulletproofdojo@gmail.com for more information.

https://twitter.com/Wrestlemerica/status/824260400552222721

Former OVW Head Trainer Rip Rogers has started a new GoFundMe campaign to help with his personal finances. The campaign can be seen at this link. He currently has a $16000 goal and has raised just under $2000. $1000 of those funds came from Randy Orton, who trained in OVW when it was a WWE developmental territory.

Below is the description of the campaign from Rogers himself:

Here I am 60+ years old with a kid on the way to College. A broken down vehicle and struggling to make ends meet. Spent my life in a profession (Wrestling) I Loved but only reward was seeing others succeed as I never got the respect I deserved. Maybe I was too talented, maybe I was too cocky or maybe I just dont f…Ing know. All I do know is that I deserved better because I put my heart and soul into it. I have a wife who is still with me even after all the terrible things I put her through while I was trying to live the dream. So much sadness I put here through, which are too horrendous to detail here, but men we know what we sometimes do to the ones we love; Foolishness!
Help is what I need, a major windfall is what I want but a miracle is what am looking for. What is worse than a man who has to beg and borrow to take care of his family. Relying on the compassion of others but feel completely degraded and less of a man for all his failures. Many of you know what am talking about. Trying to keep it together teaching others the profession I love and watching as they grow and succeed and knowing the thrill of success they are feeling. I dont mind sharing the wisdom and I love seeing all I touch succeed in living the dream. There’s nothing like it!
If you are so inclined even as little as$1.00 will warrant overwhelming gratitude from me. Too late for me to do much else now but hope, humble myself and ask for compassion.

Thank you sincerely.

Roman Reigns entered the Royal Rumble match last night at number thirty. There were rumors swirling around for weeks that there would be some big names showing up at this year’s Royal Rumble. Samoa Joe, Kenny Omega, Kurt Angle and Finn Balor were some of the names people were throwing around that might show up at the Royal Rumble. None of them did. That would be fine if Roman Reigns didn’t enter the match last night.

The crowd in San Antonio was ready to erupt for whomever came out an number thirty. They were hoping for a gigantic surprise and were ready to jump on their feet to celebrate. Everyone watching around the world on the WWE Network were ready to see who that last man was going to be. Who was going to go face to face with The Undertaker, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt to determine who would be main eventing Wrestlemania. The buzzer hit, there was a second of silence and out came Roman freaking Reigns.

It has become a yearly tradition. The Royal Rumble inevitably falls apart and the WWE Universe collectively loses their minds. The stakes are massive at the Royal Rumble and it essentially signifies the direction the WWE is going in. When Roman Reigns came down to the ring, there was a collective thought of “holy sh** here we go again”. I was completely shocked that Reigns was in the Royal Rumble and I started to just root for anyone to win the match besides Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns lost his match with Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship last night before the Royal Rumble match. It makes absolutely no sense for him to be apart of the match. If he was there, why didn’t AJ Styles get a spot in the match? All of these thoughts were going through my head that I barely had any time to comprehend that Roman Reigns actually eliminated The Undertaker.

Randy Orton eventually own the Royal Rumble and I was just ecstatic that Reigns didn’t win it. I couldn’t believe that the WWE was once again going to attempt to shove Roman Reigns on the WWE Universe. Randy Orton wasn’t even on my radar of Superstars that I wanted to see win the Royal Rumble. However, I was happy that he did because I have absolutely zero interest in Roman Reigns main eventing another Wrestlemania.

In my reaction article, I said that the Royal Rumble was great. It was until Roman Reigns showed up in the Royal Rumble match. Then I was just happy that Roman Reigns didn’t win. I still think last night’s show was very good. Kevin Owens and Reigns put on a very good Universal Championship match. AJ Styles and John Cena stole the show and put on a terrific WWE Championship match. However, the fact that Roman Reigns was even in the Royal Rumble has been bothering me more and more as time goes on.

I thought it was a given that if you are in a match for a major title, you are not in the Royal Rumble match on the same night. Apparently those things do not apply to Roman Reigns. At this point, none of this negative reaction is the fault of Roman Reigns. He is who he is. I’ve always thought he would be best served to just come down to the ring, say very little and kick ass. Instead, the WWE is seemingly determined to have Reigns be something that he is not. He is simply not “The Guy” in my opinion. The only reason I can come up with that Reigns was in the Royal Rumble match was that the WWE wanted to annoy people. If that was the goal, then mission accomplished.

RT if this was you when Roman Reigns came out at number 30 #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/FlQsvh00IW

— WK (@WrestleKliq) January 30, 2017

Reports that fans walked out of their seats when @WWERomanReigns came out at number 30. #RoyalRumble.

— Wrestling News Source ⚡️ (@WNSource) January 30, 2017

https://twitter.com/HEEL_TEM/status/825916273972371456

Roman Reigns vs Twitter #RoyalRumble #WWE pic.twitter.com/Y4CGPnKqc1

— Ten Count Media – Steve Fall (@TenCountSteve) January 30, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08vmiPyINhk

Discussion: What was your reaction to Roman Reigns entering the Royal Rumble match at #30? Are you interested in a possible Roman Reigns and The Undertaker feud? Do you think that last night did more harm than good for Roman Reigns? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Randy Orton won the 2017 WWE Royal Rumble main event and will be going on to main event WrestleMania 33. Video from the match can be seen above.

Below is the full list of Royal Rumble entrants for this year:

1. Big Cass
2. Chris Jericho
3. Kalisto
4. Mojo Rawley
5. Jack Gallagher
6. Mark Henry
7. Braun Strowman
8. Sami Zayn
9. Big Show
10. Tye Dillinger
11. James Ellsworth
12. Dean Ambrose
13. Baron Corbin
14. Kofi Kingston
15. The Miz
16. Sheamus
17. Big E
18. Rusev
19. Cesaro
20. Xavier Woods
21. Bray Wyatt
22. Apollo Crews
23. Randy Orton
24. Dolph Ziggler
25. Luke Harper
26. Brock Lesnar
27. Enzo Amore
28. Bill Goldberg
29. The Undertaker
30. Roman Reigns

Randy Orton was involved in an altercation with a fan at a gym in Jonesboro, Arkansas earlier this week. According to NEAReport.com, a site covering news in the Northeast Arkansas area, Orton was working out at the Trim Gym in Jonesboro when a few fans approached him for a photo opportunity. Orton was in the middle of his workout and indicated that he was busy. The fan snapped a photo of Orton anways, which set him off. Orton allegedly grabbed the fan’s hand and yelled at him.

The fan in question, Anthony Martin, spoke to NEAReport and gave his side of the story. “He saw me snap the picture and came up to me got in my face and said, ‘What the f**k are you doing? I said no **ddamn pictures! Are you f**king stupid?’” Martin said. “I said, ‘No. You said you couldn’t hear me.”

Cody Halstead, a friend of Martin’s who was present, added, “(Orton) said, ‘I can’t hear you, bro,’ and walked away,” Halstead said. “So Anthony walked back and took a picture anyways and then Randy came over to Anthony, grabbed his hand and was belittling Anthony and pretty much was saying m’fer this, m’fer that.”

After the story made news, Randy Orton reacted on Twitter, interacting with fans who had varying opinions regarding what transpired.

Apparently I hurt a fans feelings when I told him to F off at the gym yesterday. That's news? Been happening for 15 years. #getalife

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) January 18, 2017

I paid to train. In between every set, I can't take pics. He needs to suck it the F up and go to the gym to train not be a fan boy. https://t.co/I8rFn5N8qO

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) January 18, 2017

Lance Storm chimed in on the situation, taking Orton’s side and stating that pro wrestlers, like everyone else, deserve their private time and are not obligated to interact with fans when they’re not working. Training is part of Orton’s job and the fans might have had a positive interaction with the Viper had they been more respectful.

https://twitter.com/lancestorm/status/821595347579535360

Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper has been announced for next week’s WWE SmackDown from Toledo. Bray Wyatt made the match on tonight’s SmackDown to resolve the issues between the two. Wyatt said one will stand and one will fall but the group will be stronger in the end.

All three members of The Wyatt Family are also now confirmed for the 30 man Royal Rumble match in San Antonio on 1/29. Here’s the updated list of Royal Rumble participants:

• Brock Lesnar
• Goldberg
• The Undertaker
• Chris Jericho
• Braun Strowman
• Seth Rollins
• Baron Corbin
• Dolph Ziggler
• The Miz
• Dean Ambrose
• Cesaro
• Sheamus
• Bray Wyatt
• Luke Harper
• Randy Orton
• Kofi Kingston
• Xavier Woods
• Big E

Randy Orton was active on Twitter late last night and as always, there were some interesting tweets between he and the WWE Universe.

Orton took a shot at UFC star Conor McGregor when a fan asked if Orton could beat McGregor if he made the jump to WWE. Orton replied:

If he gains 120lbs im here. Until then, #205Live bro https://t.co/XZdWqCvt2V

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) January 10, 2017

Orton was asked if he believes Donald Trump will “badly screw up America” when he’s inaugurated later this month. He replied with the following:

No I don't thanks for asking https://t.co/lVph8lg2Jk

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) January 10, 2017

Orton also had these exchanges with fans:

https://twitter.com/NayfunGrimmy/status/818770368341090304

When I have more $ then the history of your family tree (could be next week) too bad for u I luv wut I do. Keep watching mark https://t.co/rkNjnViRuN

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) January 10, 2017

why do your tweets wreak of an online hacking?

— MODE 🇵🇸 (@mode992) January 10, 2017

Cuz I never tweet and when I do LTFO https://t.co/JFsQXgpBhG

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) January 10, 2017

Tonight’s SmackDown Live will feature a tag team battle royal to determine the #1 contenders to SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Wyatt Family. Participating teams include:

• Heath Slater & Rhyno
• American Alpha
• The Hype Bros
• Breezango
• The Vaudevillains
• The Ascension
• The Usos

Join us here later tonight for our weekly SmackDown Live Results & Discussion.

BREAKING: The No. 1 Contenders for the #SDLive #TagTeamChampionship will be determined TONIGHT in a #BattleRoyal! https://t.co/JIdjyn5w5x pic.twitter.com/eLXyCVBgMf

— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2016

Randy Orton recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about his memorable match against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, his guest spot on the USA Network series Shooter, John Cena’s success in the entertainment industry and more.

You may recall that Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar were involved in a backstage altercation at SummerSlam after Lesnar brutalized Orton in the ring and Jericho thought Lesnar had been reckless. During an interview with SI’s Justin Barrasso, Orton confirmed that an altercation did take place and he thinks it’s awesome Jericho was concerned for his safety.

“Basically, what happened is Jericho saw what was going on in the ring and wanted answers as to whether my best interests were in mind as far as my health and safety,” Orton said. “I had my family there, sitting front row, and Chris knew that, as well. He was just coming up to check on his boy, that’s what it boiled down to, and I think that’s awesome.”

He continued, “You hear all these things about how they were going to fight, but I don’t think Jericho wanted to fight Brock, I’m just going to throw that out there. I think he was coming up to just make sure everything was cool. It’s unfortunate that in that small space, with the dozen bodies in there, somehow that leaked and everybody knew about it. That’s very unfortunate. It was blown way out of proportion, and Jericho just wanted to check on one of his fellow boys in the locker room.”

Orton says he’s got a lot of respect for Brock and has fond memories of their time together in OVW, one of WWE’s former developmental territories. Despite all of Brock’s success in WWE and MMA, Orton says he remains the fun and humble guy he’s always been.

Visit Sports Illustrated to read the full article.

#TheBeast @BrockLesnar is inflicting an ALL-OUT ASSAULT on @RandyOrton… #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/THGLEz4ePh

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2016

Broken Matt Hardy invited “The Family of Wyatts” to participate in the Tag Team Apocalypto fight this Thursday at the Total Nonstop Deletion. Whether Matt expected it or not, he got a response from Bray Wyatt.

https://twitter.com/WWEBrayWyatt/status/808547751424303104

I do. And if #BrotherNero & I have to come there to make this MANDATED war happen, WE WILL.

We are DESTINED to collide, Family of Wyatts. https://t.co/x01OE3GU6T

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) December 13, 2016

Thursday’s Impact will be a two hour extravaganza that will all be taking place at the Hardy compound. There most certainly will be people shooting fireworks at each other and hopefully a dilapidated boat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSjnOCtjJLc

It wasn’t too long ago that Final Deletion was the most popular thing in wrestling. The WWE tried to capitalize on the buzz of Final Deletion by producing a similar match. It wasn’t nearly as popular and a lot of fans accused the WWE of trying to copy TNA.

Five months later, Matt Hardy is still bringing up the Wyatt Family on social media. Broken Matt Hardy recently joined The Ross Report and revealed that his contract with TNA is expiring at the end of February. Hardy went on to state that he wanted to play a more prominent role in TNA once negotiations begin in a couple of months. Both Matt and Jeff Hardy have seen their careers revitalized in TNA. It would make sense for them to resign there and continue to try to build up the TNA brand.

If that turns out to not be the case and the Hardy Boyz wind up back in the WWE, this would be an amazing feud. Obviously, there is no chance in hell that Randy Orton, Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt would ever show up on an episode of Impact. The much more likely scenario is that Matt and Jeff Hardy return to the WWE to finish their careers. I’ve always rooted for TNA to be a success and for them to provide a viable alternative to the WWE. Unfortunately, they have never really been able to gain traction and have essentially been running in place while surrounded by constant financial problems. TNA will certainly try their best to resign Matt and Jeff Hardy in February but it remains to be seen if they will accomplish that goal.

Discussion: Would you be interested in seeing Matt and Jeff Hardy get one last run in the WWE? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Last night on Talking Smack, Rhyno walked out on Heath Slater. Rhyno blamed the loss on Smackdown to Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton on Slater. Rhyno stated that he was the only one competing in the match and Slater let him down. Slater and Rhyno lost the Tag Team Championships to Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt at WWE TLC on Sunday. Heath Slater responded to Rhyno’s accusations that Slater was holding them back by pointing at that Rhyno was the one who got pinned on Sunday. Rhyno didn’t seem to take that well and stormed off the set.

It appears that this is the beginning of the end for the tag team of Heath Slater and Rhyno. It was an unexpected run, given the fact that Heath Slater wasn’t drafted to either Monday Night Raw or Smackdown during the brand split. The two going their separate ways makes sense given the fact that they lost the titles and all of their momentum with the WWE Universe. It will be interesting to see where things go from here, especially for Heath Slater. Heath has become a bit of a crowd favorite and he earned the crowd’s praise by constantly battling for a roster spot when he wasn’t drafted. As for Rhyno, I’m not sure what the future holds for him. I don’t believe the initial plans were for Rhyno and Slater to form a tag team in the first place. It was lightning in a bottle and the team was destined to be short-lived.

• Naomi Pissed About Being Left Off Of Total Divas Ad, Sasha Banks Comments

– Heath Slater and Rhyno will get their rematch against SmackDown Tag Team Champions Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt on tonight’s show from Houston, XT. As noted, the main event will see WWE World Champion AJ Styles defend against James Ellsworth.

TONIGHT on #SDLive: New #TagTeamChampions @WWEBrayWyatt & @RandyOrton defend their titles vs. @HeathSlaterOMRB & @Rhyno313 LIVE on USA!

— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2016

– “Bushwick” starring Dave Batista and Brittany Snow will have its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival in January.

https://twitter.com/davebautista/status/805899578415386624

The synopsis for the film is below:

“Lucy emerges from a Brooklyn subway to find that her neighborhood is under attack by black-clad military soldiers. An ex-Marine corpsman, Stupe, reluctantly helps her fight for survival through a civil war, as Texas attempts to secede from the United States of America.”

– Courtesy of BOOM! Comics and WWE Publishing, below is a look at the new WWE comic book series:

Preview of new @WWE comic series from @boomstudios. pic.twitter.com/Vo7Ylh5Vfz

— WWE Publishing (@WWEpublishing) December 6, 2016

WWE posted the above video looking at The Wyatt Family making a “power grab” at TLC last night with their SmackDown Tag Team Championship win over Rhyno and Heath Slater.

On a related note, there’s speculation that we may see The Wyatt Family defend the belts with the Freebird Rule on SmackDown, similar to The New Day has done on RAW. It appears we will see a combo of Luke Harper, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt defend the titles.

For the family… #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/nRwpdCQfZ1

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) December 5, 2016

Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton are the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions after defeating Rhyno and Heath Slater in tonight’s WWE TLC opening match. You can see video and a photo from the match below.

Orton is now a two-time tag team champion while this marks Wyatt’s first championship win on the main roster.

Despite the attacks by @RandyOrton AND @WWEBrayWyatt, @HeathSlaterOMRB has a TON of fight in him! #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/nfdagFGAQT

— WWE (@WWE) December 5, 2016

With an #RKOOuttaNowhere, @RandyOrton and @WWEBrayWyatt are the NEW #SDLive Tag Team Champions!! #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/E3F9wyjUAW

— WWE (@WWE) December 5, 2016

CHAMPIONS!#WyattFamily #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/s2bEcZ0Bhs

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 5, 2016

WWE Smackdown (11/29)

This week’s episode of Smackdown kicked off with Renee Young in the ring. Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch joined her in the ring for a contract signing for their Smackdown Women’s Championship match this Sunday at WWE TLC. Alexa Bliss told Renee Young to get out of the ring. Bliss also scolded Renee for her fashion choices. Becky Lynch then compared Alexa to her four year old cousin. Bliss continued to insult Becky Lynch and they both signed the contract. After they both signed it, they brawled in the ring. Lynch hit the Becksplex on Alexa Bliss. Alexa then fought back and shoved Becky through a table off of the turnbuckle.

Reaction: I thought this promo was really good. Becky Lynch can be a bit of adventure on the microphone but tonight she did a good job. Alexa Bliss is excellent on the microphone and her facial expressions are hilarious. I find this feud to be much more interesting than the one between Charlotte and Sasha Banks on Raw.

.@AlexaBliss_WWE blocks @BeckyLynchWWE's #Bexploder, and sends the Champ crashing through the table! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/gbOh4XYeVU

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto vs Baron Corbin & The Miz

Corbin dominated the match early and threw Ziggler out of the ring. The Miz was then tagged in and he immediately grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Ziggler got up and connected with a DDT on The Miz outside the ring. Ziggler then hit Corbin with a Superkick. Back in the ring, Ziggler tagged in Kalisto. The Miz hit Kalisto with a boot to the face and dove outside the ring onto Ziggler. Miz then launched Ziggler into the barricade surroinding the ring.

Kalisto then dove onto Corbin outside the ring. Ziggler hit a Superkick on The Miz as he was lying on the ring apron. Maryse shoved the ladder into Ziggler’s face. Kalisto landed the Salida del Sol on The Miz in the ring. Before the referee could count to three, Baron Corbin nailed Kalisto in the back with a chair. The referee then disqualified The Miz and Baron Corbin.

Winners via DQ: Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto

Reaction: This was a quick match but it served a purpose. Ziggler will be facing The Miz in a ladder match for the IC Title on Sunday. Corbin will be squaring off with Kalisto in a chairs match at TLC. Both the ladder and a chair came into play during this match. I like it when things make sense, don’t you?

.@BaronCorbinWWE, you can't do that until Sunday at #WWETLC! @HEELZiggler & @KalistoWWE win by DQ! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/IDPvwvv19j

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

American Alpha were interviewed backstage about their match tonight versus Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton. Gable and Jordan stated that they will prove again tonight why they are the best team in the WWE.

Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Luke Harper were then shown backstage. Orton interrupted Wyatt and questioned Luke Harper. Orton asked Harper if he was going to do what needs to be done tonight against Kane. Harper looked aggravated and Wyatt instructed Harper to go send Kane back to hell. There is obviously some friction between Harper and Orton. I do not believe that Harper is completely sold on Orton joining the Wyatt Family.

"Harper … go send @KaneWWE back to HELL!" – @WWEBrayWyatt #SDLive #WyattFamily pic.twitter.com/GLnJn5MvrR

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Carmella came down to the ring for a match but that never happened. Carmella gave a special message to John Cena. Carmella apologized for what she will do to his girlfriend, Nikki Bella at TLC. Carmella claimed that she was going to rearranged Nikki’s “Bella twins” and her face as well. Nikki Bella came sprinting from backstage and attacked Carmella. The referee seperated them and that allowed Carmella to haul off and slap Nikki in the face. Nikki then got up and continued the assault on Carmella.

"@JohnCena, I want to publicly apologize for what I'm going to do to your girlfriend [at #WWETLC]." – @CarmellaWWE #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lNqKBBw8PB

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Ambrose Asylum w/ Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose introduced James Ellsworth as his first guest on the Ambrose Asylum. An “Ellsworth!” chant broke out amongst the crowd. Ambrose poked fun at Ellsworth’s old wrestling boots. Ellsworth thanked Ambrose for helping him become an official WWE Superstar. Ellsworth stated that if Ambrose ever needed anything he would do it. Ambrose asked Ellsworth to wash his car, do his laundry and pick him up a six-pack and some candy for later.

Ambrose asked Ellsworth who he will be rooting for this Sunday at TLC. Ellsworth stated that it would be an honor to wrestle Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. AJ Styles interrupted the party and stood on the announce table. Styles poked fun at Ellsworth and called him a dummy. Ambrose stated that Styles had then lost to a dummy three times.

Styles got in the ring and claimed that he was tired of Ambrose making him out to be a joke. Styles demanded respect and claimed that he was going to beat the hell out of Ambrose at TLC. Styles dared Ellsworth to show up during his match againt Ambrose at TLC. Ambrose claimed that Styles was weak mentally. Ambrose stated that this Sunday the fun and games were over. Ambrose went on to state that he will recapture the WWE World Championship at TLC.

Styles pushed Ellsworth into Ambrose who fell into a ladder. AJ then whipped Ellsworth into a table and smashed Dean Ambrose with the steel steps. Styles returned to the ring and beatdown Ellsworth. Styles hit Ellsworth with a ladder and then tossed him out of the ring. Ellsworth’s feet got caught up in the bottom rope and Styles hit him with a steel chair. AJ then hit the Styles Clash on Ellsworth off of the steps onto the floor outside the ring.

Reaction: Finally, Styles got the upper hand on Ellsworth and Ambrose. I find Ellsworth to be very entertaining but I’m not really interested in seeing him in the WWE World Championship picture. Having said that, this was a very good promo. There has only been one match in the first hour and fifteen minutes of tonight’s Smackdown. Usually that would annoy me but tonight’s promos have all ended in brawls.

"@AJStylesOrg has just delivered the MOTHER OF ALL #StylesClashes to @RealEllsworth!" – @MauroRanallo#SDLive #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/KKihIY7zO4

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Luke Harper vs Kane

Kane and Harper tied up to begin the match. Kane shoved Harper down and Harper got back up and they locked up again. Harper bounced off of the ropes and hit a couple of shoulder blocks but Kane was not phased. Kane then leveled Harper. Luke Harper got back up and hit Kane with a series of uppercuts. Kane once again shrugged them off and came right back at Harper. Smackdown went to a commercial break with Luke Harper outside the ring with a shocked look on his face.

When Smackdown returned, Harper was in control of the match and had a Chinlock applied to Kane in the center of the ring. Kane battled out of the Chinlock and hit a Jawbreaker. Kane went for a Chokeslam but Harper blocked it and kicked Kane in the head. Harper went for a pinfall but Kane kicked out at two. Kane fought back and connected with a DDT on Harper. Kane followed it up with a Sidewalk Slam and went for a pin but Harper kicked out. Harper battled back and hit Kane with a Dropkick to the ribs. Kane was affected and hunched over in the corner. Harper leaped on him twice and connected with a couple of shots to the ribs. Harper then then climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit Kane with a couple of punches.

Kane fought out of the corner by hitting a Powerbomb on Harper. Kane once again went for the Chokeslam but Harper grabbed the rope. Harper connected with a Sidewalk Slam of his own but Kane kicked out once again. Kane slammed Harper to the mat and climbed to the top rope. Kane went for a Clothesline off of the top rope but Harper ducked it and drilled Kane with a Superkick. Kane once again powered out of the pinfall at two. Harper then climbed to the top rope but Kane got up and punched him in the face. Kane then joined Harper on the turnbuckle and connected with a massive Superplex to Harper.

Both men slowly got back to their feet and began to trade punches. Kane blocked a punch by Harper and grabbed his throat. Kane then connected with a Chokeslam and picked up the victory.

Winner: Kane

Reaction: When you think of Kane versus Luke Harper it doesn’t sound like it would be a good match. This match was actually quite good. The announcers made a comment after the match that Bray Wyatt will not be happy with Luke Harper following this loss to Kane. I’m intrigued with the Wyatt Family storyline right now. It appears that Harper may be on his way out and Orton will be replacing him. I’m curious if this will wind up with Orton turning his back on Bray after he has already destroyed the Wyatt Family from the inside. I do not really know where they are going with this and that is a good thing. Luke Harper has always been one of the more underrated Superstars on the roster. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Intercontinental Championship picture and having a single’s run of his own. Harper can work well with almost any male Superstar on the Smackdown roster. I think if you put him up against someone like Baron Corbin they would put on some very physical and entertaining matches.

#CHOKESLAM by @KaneWWE!!! ONE TWO THREE!! #SDLive @LukeHarperWWE pic.twitter.com/46nPuNNTqZ

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Smackdown Tag Team #1 Contenders Match: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt vs American Alpha

Randy Orton and Jason Jordan started out the match. Jordan went on the offensive to start things off. The WWE cut to Slater and Rhyno watching the match from backstage. This was humorous because the television screen they were watching was black for a second and essentially Slater and Rhyno were staring at nothing.

Bray Wyatt entered the match and Jordan went to jump onto him but Wyatt ducked and Jordan went flying into the ropes. Bray tagged in Orton and he continued the assault on Jordan. Gable tagged himself in and immediately connected with a Crossbody off the top rope on Orton. Gable climbed to the top rope again but Wyatt knocked him to the outside of the ring and Smackdown went to a commercial break.

When Smackdown returned, Wyatt and Gable were in the ring. Wyatt hit Gable with a DDT on the ring apron. Wyatt then went for a pin but Gable kicked out at two. Orton then entered the match and applied a Chinlock to Gable. Orton hit a Powerslam on Gable and once again went for a pinfall but it was unsuccessful. Orton tagged in Wyatt and Gable connected with a Dropkick then sent Bray to the mat. Gable tried to tag in Jordan but Bray got up and punched Jordan off of the ring apron.

Bray mounted Gable on the mat and punched him in the face several times. Orton was tagged back in and propped Gable up on the top rope. Orton connected with a Superplex on Gable. Jason Jordan and Bray Wyatt were then tagged in. Jordan leveled Wyatt with an overhead Belly to Belly Suplex. Chad Gable hit Orton with a Cannonball off of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Jordan hit a German Suplex on Bray Wyatt.

The lights then went out and Luke Harper was ringside. Bray went for the Sister Abigail but Gable prevented it. American Alpha then went for the Grand Amplitude but Orton hit Gable with an RKO out of nowhere. Jordan went to hit Bray with a Spear but Harper pulled Bray out of the way. Wyatt then hit the Sister Abigail on Jordan for the victory. Wyatt and Orton will now face Slater and Rhyno at TLC this Sunday. Slater and Rhyno were interviewed backstage but AJ Styles interrupted. Styles stated that nobody cared about the Tag Team titles. Ambrose then appeared out of nowhere and attacked Styles and Smackdown went off the air.

Reaction: This was a very solid match to close out a good episode of Smackdown. It appears that Harper and Orton are back to getting along for now. Tonight’s episode was promo-heavy but they all were effective. TLC is shaping up to be an exciting show and I cannot wait to watch it on Sunday.

Winners & #1 Contenders For The Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt

#SisterAbigail!! The #WyattFamily is going to #WWETLC to face @HeathSlaterOMRB and @Rhyno313!! #1Contender pic.twitter.com/telCi0c0T9

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

205 Live (11/29)

Austin Aries and Corey Graves joined Mauro Ranallo on commentary. All of the Superstars on 205 Live were on the entrance ramp and they were introduced to the WWE Universe. A vignette for the Bollywood Boyz was then shown.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803797913251917824

Bollywood Boyz vs Drew Gulak & Tony Nese

Harv and Gurv Sihra started out the match on the offensive. Tony Nese was laid out by both of them but was able battle back and tag in Gulak. For the next few minutes, Gulak dominated the match. Nese was tagged back in and he continued the assault on the Bollywood Boyz. Gulak got back into the match and maintained control of the match.

Nese got back in the match and he applied a Chinlock to one of the Bollywood Boyz. Harv battled out of the Chinlock and connected with a Neckbreaker. Harv tagged in Gurv and he hut Gulak with several chops and a kick to the face. The Bollywood Boyz hit a double Superkick on Drew Gulak for the pinfall victory.

Winners: The Bollywood Boyz

Reaction: Not the best way to start off the debut episode of 205 Live. There were some cool spots in this match but overall it was very clunky.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803800282756878338

TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick had a confrontation. Perkins stated that he is still owed a rematch and that he wants Kendrick to retain the Cruiserweight Championship tonight. Perkins wants Kendrick to keep the belt so he can get his rematch and take the title away from him.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803801771600580608

Ariya Daivari vs Jack Gallagher

Gallagher started out this match extremely cocky and applied a few submission holds to Daivari while posing for the crowd. Daivari battled back and but Gallagher escaped his Headlock. Gallagher did a handstand on the top turnbuckle and then took Daivari down. Gallagher then tied Daivari up in a knot in the center of the ring and taunted him from the corner. Gallagher then hit him with a running kick and Daivari escaped the knot.

Daivari connected with a Neckbreaker on Gallagher and slapped him in the face a couple of times. Daivari applied a Chinlock but Gallagher fought out of it and connected with a couple of Dropkicks. Gallagher then headbutted Daivari and hit him with a Dropkick in the corner for the victory.

Winner: Jack Gallagher

Reaction: This match was bizarre and entertaining. Jack Gallagher may look ridiculous but he is fun to watch. The main positive to take from this match is that Gallagher was able to get the crowd into it. That is something that has escaped the Cruiserweight division when it is featured on Monday Night Raw.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803803266274369537

Cruiserweight Championship Match: Brian Kendrick (c) vs Rich Swann

Kendrick started off the match in control. Swann battled back and hit a Dropkick. Kendrick kicked out of a pinfall and Swann applied a Chinlock. Kendrick reversed the Chinlock into a German Suplex. Kendrick attacked Swann in the corner but Swann fought back and connected with several chops to the chest of Kendrick.

Swann landed a Tiger Bomb on Kendrick and Kendrick rolled out of the ring. Swann followed him out of the ring and hit a Summersault Clothesline off of the barricade. The action returned to the ring and Kendrick connected with another German Suplex. Kendrick then hit a Neckbreaker and Swann’s head hit the top turnbuckle. Swann then fell out of the ring and to the floor.

Swann was able to get back in the ring before the referee counted him out. Kendrick immediately hit him with a Suplex. Kendrick went for the Captain’s Hook but Swann blocked it. Swann then connected with a Michinoku Driver on Kendrick. Swann followed it up with a kick to the face of Kendrick. Swann went for the Standing 450 but Kendrick got his knees up and then locked in the Captain’s Hook.

Swann was able to reach the bottom rope and the crowd cheered him on. Both men were on the top turnbuckle and Kendrick bit Swann’s wrist and hit Sliced Bread. Swann kicked out and the crowd started to chant “this is awesome!”. Swannt connected with three spinning heel kicks in a row and pinned Kendrick for the victory.

After the match, Swann thanked his mother that has passed away and dedicated the match to her. Kendrick was also interviewed on the entrance ramp. Kendrick blamed the loss on TJ Perkins for playing mind games with him earlier in the night. Kendrick also stated that the WWE Universe should not get used to Swann as the Cruiserweight Champion. Kendrick vowed to get his title back and walked away.

Winner & New Cruiserweight Champion: Rich Swann

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803809979639558144

Reaction: 205 Live started off slow but picked up momentum and wound up being a pretty decent show. I thought the match between Kendrick and Swann was very good. I hope that the Cruiserweight division gets some more time on Monday Night Raw as a result of this show but I doubt that will be the case. Overall, both Smackdown and 205 Live were good shows tonight.

What did you think of this week’s episodes of Smackdown and 205 Live? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at TLC will now be a Tables Match. It was also announced that Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt will face SmackDown Tag Team Champions Rhyno and Heath Slater after defeating American Alpha to become the new #1 contenders.

Here’s the current card for Sunday’s PPV:

– AJ Styles defends the WWE World Championship against Dean Ambrose in a TLC Match

– The Miz defends the WWE IC Championship against Dolph Ziggler in a Ladder Match

– Becky Lynch defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss in a Tables Match

– SmackDown Tag Team Champions Rhyno and Heath Slater defend against Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt

– Carmella and Nikki Bella battle in a No DQ Match

* Kalisto faces Baron Corbin in a Chairs Match