How did AJ Styles, LA Knight and Randy Orton share a subtle nod to The Shield on WWE SmackDown? What you probably missed!

By Manik Aftab

Modified Jan 13, 2024 04:27 GMT

The Shield comprised of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose — The Shield comprised of Roman Reigns (right), Seth Rollins (middle), and Dean Ambrose (left).

AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton gave a subtle nod to The Shield on WWE SmackDown this week.

These three men were involved in a three-on-two Handicap Match against The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa) on the latest edition of the blue brand. The heels took out Orton before the match, but The Viper came back to pick up the win for his team.

Styles, Knight, and Orton joined forces to plant The Enforcer with a Triple Powerbomb through the announcer's table after the match. For those unaware, this was a subtle homage by the three top WWE Superstars to The Shield on SmackDown this week.

Watch the clip below:

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Since Orton was hit with a Samoan Spike by Solo before the match, The Viper came up with the idea to put the former NXT North American Champion through the table with a Triple Powerbomb. It remains to be seen if this angle will lead to a lengthy program between The Apex Predator and The Enforcer.

Were AJ Styles and LA Knight able to co-exist in their match on WWE SmackDown?

AJ Styles shocked the world when he attacked LA Knight on WWE SmackDown a couple of weeks ago. The Phenomenal One (accidentally) busted open the Megastar during their Triple-Threat Match on SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution.

Both men tagged against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa on SmackDown this week. They were barely able to co-exist and had heated exchanges throughout the match. It was only after Randy Orton arrived that the three men were able to score the win against The Bloodline.

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Orton, Styles, and Knight will make their match against Roman Reigns official by signing the contract next Friday.

Check out the match card of next week's episode of WWE SmackDown below:

Contract signing for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at the 2024 Royal Rumble.
Logan Paul appears on Kevin Owens' KO Show.
Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (c) vs. Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre - WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

Sportskeeda Wrestling will have full coverage of the show as it airs.

Do you think Roman Reigns will be dethroned at the 2024 Royal Rumble? Sound off in the comments section below!