The SmackDown Live roster's final live event show before the Royal Rumble took place in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday.
The show featured seven matches but was conspicuously lacking in any women's bouts. The Live Event was headlined by AJ Styles and Kevin Owens when the two of them faced off inside a steel cage. It also featured a match between Tag Team Champions the Usos and The New Day, and Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal amongst others. The fans were happy with the show, though the lack of a women's match confused them.https://twitter.com/Lesliespage/status/957490563032416257
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One fan suggested that WWE did not want any women to be injured ahead of the First Women's Royal Rumble.
In this article, we take a look at the results from the show and see what the fans made of it all. Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the heads-up!
#1 The New Day vs The Usos (C) for the WWE SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships
The show was kicked off by WWE's New Day facing the Usos in a match for the WWE SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships. The New Day got one of the biggest pops of the night from the WWE fans present.
The Usos defeated the New Day going into their match against Benjamin and Gable for the titles at the Royal Rumble.
Result: The Usos def. The New Day to retain their WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships
#2 Sami Zayn vs Sin Cara
Sami Zayn faced Sin Cara in a one on one match ahead of the Royal Rumble.
He is set to face AJ Styles in a Handicap Match teaming up with Kevin Owens with the WWE Championship on the line. He was able to beat Sin Cara at Richmond.
Result: Sami Zayn def. Sin Cara
#3 Breezango vs Rusev and Aiden English
In a backstage Fashion Files segment, Breezango talked about who will win the Royal Rumble.
In the ring, Rusev and Aiden English faced Breezango. The two teams have been involved in a feud recently. Rusev got a huge pop from the live crowd.
Breezango came out on top again over Rusev and English, as Rusev Day failed to reign supreme.
Result: Breezango def. Rusev and Aiden English
#4 Bobby Roode vs Jinder Mahal for the United States Championship
Bobby Roode was once again able to retain his championship in the match, as Jinder failed to win. Jinder received the most boos from the live audience.
Result: Bobby Roode def. Jinder Mahal to retain the United States Championship
#5 Zack Ryder vs Mojo Rawley
Zack Ryder went one on one with his former partner Mojo Rawley in a match at Richmond. The two have been involved in an on again off again feud since they split up as a tag team.
Ryder was able to emerge as the victor in their matchup.
Result: Zack Ryder def. Mojo Rawley
#6 Shinsuke Nakamura vs Baron Corbin
In a rematch of their bout on SmackDown Live, Shinsuke Nakamura faced Baron Corbin at Richmond. Their match had been interrupted by Randy Orton at SmackDown, but they were able to wrestle here until there was a conclusive winner.
The match was one of the best of the night. Nakamura was able to defeat Corbin and was the winner ahead of the Royal Rumble Match.
Result: Shinsuke Nakamura def. Baron Corbin
#7 AJ Styles vs Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship (Steel Cage Match)
AJ Styles faced Kevin Owens in the main event of the night. The match stole the show. The two had faced each other in a short match on SmackDown Live, where AJ defeated Owens with the Calf Crusher.
The match was the best of the night and received a huge pop from the crowd. AJ Styles was able to win the match.
Result: AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens to retain his title
In a post-match interview, AJ Styles revealed that he was not afraid heading into the Royal Rumble. He said that he would know whom to focus on during the match, as there would have to be a tag to get into the ring. He warned Sami and Kevin that he would retain his title at the Rumble.