The inaugural Smackdown of 2024 ended with a stunning attack on Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight during the main event battle.
The three were having a terrific match when Roman, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy Uso attacked them. The match was declared a no contest.
Roman's decision to disrupt the main event backfired, as Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis subsequently revealed that the champion will now defend his championship against all three superstars.
The Royal Rumble 2024 will host the Championship match. Surprisingly, Roman made no mention of The Rock. Paul Heyman did respond to the former WWE Champion's apparent challenge to the Tribal Chief.
The evening began with Roman Reigns coming out of his car and into the backstage area without replying to the host.
Kevin Owens was the first superstar to compete, and he punched his ticket to the Royal Rumble with a victory against Santos Escobar in the show's opening match.
They competed for a long time and put on a premium live event-worthy performance.
Before completing the pin, Ownes stunned Escobar. The former Universal Champion will compete for the United States Championship against Logan Paul.