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The Christmas special kicked off with R-Truth dressed as Santa Claus and Carmella dressed as an elf. R-Truth and Carmella tried to spread Christmas cheer but were interrupted by WWE Champion Daniel Bryan.
Bryan objected to "Truthy Claus", i.e. R-Truth, and said he's not the real Santa Claus. Bryan said that the material desires of people have caused damage to the earth, as well as the glaciers melting and sea levels rising.
Bryan said that in 20 years there will be no North Pole or Santa Claus. R-Truth said that Bryan "better watch out", speaking about how he's #30 at Royal Rumble; and after winning the Rumble, he may face Bryan at WrestleMania, if he's still a champion.
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Bryan asked Truth how he could win the Rumble if he couldn't even count to 30. Truth began to count to 30, and Truth and Carmella stop for a dance break, which incenses Bryan, who assaults R-Truth. Bryan then put R-Truth in the LeBell Lock before attacking him even more.
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Mustafa Ali vs. Andrade Cien Almas
Almas went to work immediately with a huge dropkick. He then landed another kick to the side of Ali's face. Ali fought back but was pushed from the top rope to the outside by Almas, as we headed to a commercial break.
Back from the break, Ali had the advantage and went for the pinfall, but Almas just kicked out at two. Ali then landed a kick to Almas' face, while Almas himself landed a huge right, and went for the pinfall, but Ali kicked out.
Almas stomped with both feet on Ali's body and Almas once again went for the pinfall, but Ali kicked out once more. Almas went for the double knees, but Ali moved away; Ali landed a DDT and the 054, getting the pin.
Result: Mustafa Ali def. Andrade "Cien" Almas
The Usos & Anderson and Gallows vs. SAnitY & The Bar
The New Day made their way to the ring spreading some Christmas cheer ringside to watch the 8-man tag team match at commentary. Anderson and Sheamus kicked off the match. Sheamus landed a huge kick and tagged in Cesaro, while Jey Uso was tagged in.
Jimmy tagged in and The Usos double teamed. Cesaro tagged in Wolfe and Dain was now tagged in. Jimmy landed a few chops while Dain ran through Jimmy Uso. Back from the break, Killian Dain landed a lariat on Jimmy Uso. Wolfe was tagged in and landed a standing moonsault.
Cesaro was tagged in as the tag team champion landed blows to Jimmy Uso's chest. Anderson landed a neck breaker; Cesaro was thrown out of the ring. Sheamus tagged in and the tag team champions double teamed. The Usos landed superkicks all around; Cesaro landed a Brogue Kick. Anderson and Gallows got the Magic Killer and the three count.
Result: Gallows and Anderson and The Usos defeat Sheamus and Cesaro and Sanity
Backstage, Mustafa Ali was congratulated by the rest of the 205 Live Superstars and was welcomed to the SmackDown roster by Shelton Benjamin, before being attacked from behind by Daniel Bryan.
Miz TV with special guest Shane McMahon
Next, we had a special edition of the Miz TV, hosted by Miz, with Shane McMahon as the guest. The WWE World Cup trophy, the tournament which was won by Shane McMahon, was in the ring. Shane said that the McMahon family are listening to all the fans. Miz said that now that Shane had time on his hands, he should be free to become his tag team partner.
The Miz revealed that his dad is the reason why he wanted Shane McMahon as his partner. The Miz then said despite all his achievements, his dad wasn't proud of him and his accomplishments.
He then said that his dad is a fan of Shane and that he asked him to tag team with Shane. The Miz then asked the crowd if they want to see Shane McMahon and The Miz tag team, and got a resounding 'yes'.
Shane told The Miz, "you better not screw me" and we had a new tag team - Shane McMahon and The Miz. The Miz seems to now be a face on SmackDown.
Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy started off strong and hit a huge dropkick on Joe in the corner. Samoa Joe took control with a few stiff hooks and locked in an abdominal stretch. Joe went for a roll-up but Hardy kicked out and hit the atomic drop followed by a dropkick for a near fall.
Hardy hit the whisper in the wind but Joe kicked out again. Hardy then hit the twist of fate but Joe rolled out of the ring before the finisher. Hardy instead leapt at Joe on the outside and used the barricades to break down Joe. Hardy threw Joe over the announce tables but Joe locked in the coquina clutch as the match was called in Joe's favour via DQ.
Samoa Joe def. Jeff Hardy via DQ
Up next was Rusev's shot at the US Title, and it's his birthday; on Christmas, which is also Rusev Day.
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Rusev - United States Title match
Rusev started off strong and took the champ to the corner for a few big lariats. Nakamura realized he was in trouble and tried to lock in the Triangle lock as we headed into commercials. Rusev hit a big suplex as we returned and the crowd chanted 'Rusev Day'.
Shinsuke hit knees to the midsection of Rusev and locked in an armbar and then a triangle but Rusev got out. Rusev went for a superplex from the apron but Nakamura kicked him in the head making Rusev fall off the apron. Rusev was being choked out by Nakamura but the Bulgarian got a second wind and hit the spin kick for a near fall.
Rusev hit another big kick and Shinsuke sent him into the steel steps outside. Nakamura then set Rusev up on the apron and hit a knee drop to the back of the head. Rusev got the Machka kick after dodging the Kinshasa but it was two count. Nakamura locked in the triangle but Rusev lifted him and dropped the champ.
Rusev finally connected with the Machka kick and got the three count becoming the new United States champion.
Result: Rusev def. Shinsuke Nakamura to become the new United States champion
Backstage, Mr McMahon pleaded AJ Styles to bring out the monster within him, the true AJ Styles. He punched AJ in the face and AJ went wild, hitting the WWE Chairman and taking him down before the crew came and dragged him away.
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