It’s the first WWE SmackDown of the new year, and it’s got a New Year’s Revolution theme (with, as some have pointed out, a horrible logo, but hey). That means it should be a loaded show tonight, and it begins with the Tribal Chief.
Who will become the No. 1 contender for Roman Reigns?
It seems like everyone wants a piece of the Tribal Chief. Certainly, AJ Styles, LA Knight and Randy Orton all have valid claims. But as the “Highlander” films used to remind us, there can be only one, and a Triple Threat match will decide which one of them gets his wish and takes on Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble.
Yet Reigns will also be in the house in Vancouver tonight, and since there are no DQs in a Triple Threat match, you can’t help but wonder if he or other members of The Bloodline could try to, um, influence the outcome. It’s something to watch for on SmackDown for sure.
Logan Paul will learn his next challenger as well
Logan Paul is in somewhat of the same boat as Reigns, except that there’s been a whole tournament to decide who his next challenger will be. He’s scoffed at all of the entrants, but now it’s down to just two: Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar.
To keep the heel-face dynamic correct, KO seems like the horse to back here, but you never know. We’ll see who leaves Vancouver with a title match at Royal Rumble.
Can IYO SKY keep flying into the new year?
It was a good 2023 for IYO SKY, who not only became WWE Women’s Champion at SummerSlam but was able to crystalize a larger, more dangerous version of Damage CTRL around her as the year went on. Technically, Bayley is still the leader, but we know who really makes the group go.
Tonight on SmackDown, SKY will get her first title challenge of 2024 in the form of Michin. You’d expect the champ to emerge victorious, but perhaps New Year’s Revolution will have a surprise in store for us.
Also on tap for tonight’s New Year’s Revolution edition of SmackDown:
- Butch needs to find a partner to take on Pretty Deadly
We’re gearing up to recap all the action tonight on FOX, so be sure to hop back to Wrestling Junkie tonight at 8 p.m. ET if you can’t watch the show live.