Credit: Michael Bluth
WWE SmackDown (Airing Thursday)
The following are spoiler results for Thursday’s episode of WwE SmackDown from Austin, Texas:
– Daniel Bryan kicks off the show and introduces Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and Erick Rowan. The “fired” WWE Superstars return to a big pop. Rowan spoke and got the “what?” treatment. They’re interrupted by The Authority, minus Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. It’s announced that the three Superstars can get into the Royal Rumble main event if they win their matches tonight – Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett, Ryback vs. Rusev and Rowan vs. Luke Harper.
– Dolph Ziggler defeated IC Champion Bad News Barrett Barrett in a non-title match to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble match.
– Renee Young interviewed Roman Reigns about the Royal Rumble match.
– Ryback defeated Rusev by count out and earned a spot in the Royal Rumble. After the match, Rusev attacked and beat on Ryback but Ryback turned it around. Rusev avoided a Shellshocked attempt and retreated to the back.
– Brie Bella defeated Naomi in a short match. Nikki Bella was at ringside while Paige and Natalya were on commentary.
– Luke Harper defeated Erick Rowan after Rowan missed top rope splash. As a result, Rowan did not qualify for the Royal Rumble.
– Backstage, The Miz and Damien Sandow talk about the Royal Rumble. There was some tension, with Miz talking down to Sandow about dressing up as X-Pac at RAW Reunion.
– Daniel Bryan defeated Kane in a no disqualification match to keep his spot in the Royal Rumble. J&J Security got involved in the match. Afterwards, Big Show came out and attacks Bryan. This leads to a huge brawl with the entire locker room coming out. The Superstars left standing after that brawl were Ziggler, Reigns, Bryan, Ryback, Big Show, Kane and Dean Ambrose. SmackDown ended with the babyfaces celebrating.