WWE SmackDown preview 12/15/23: Roman Reigns returns, but will he like what he finds?

Also set for WWE SmackDown tonight, Kevin Owens faces Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes makes his blue brand debut.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown. That changes on tonight’s show from Green Bay, but the status quo on Friday nights has shifted a bit since he was last around.

Will Roman Reigns start his path to the Royal Rumble?

The first order of business for the Tribal Chief is to reestablish The Bloodline as the force on Friday nights. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa have been trying to hold it down, but their loss last week certainly won’t sit well with Reigns.

And with his group looking vulnerable, that may embolden someone to challenge Roman for his title at Royal Rumble. Say, someone who arrived on SmackDown not long ago? Say, someone who hears voices in his head? We might see if Randy Orton or someone else steps forward to try to knock Reigns off his perch in January.

Can even a broken hand stop Kevin Owens from punching Austin Theory in the face?

Sure, on the surface, a broken hand sounds like it would make it much harder for someone to punch anyone else in the face. But this is Kevin Owens we’re talking about. He’s not likely to let that stop him.

KO’s feud with Austin Theory and his loudmouth Aussie friend Grayson Waller has made for some entertaining television, and that should continue tonight in Green Bay. We’re anxious to see if Theory gets a victory to make Owens even madder.

Will Carmelo Hayes win his SmackDown debut?

When Shawn Michaels was offered the chance to put someone in the United States Title Tournament, he didn’t hesitate to go with Carmelo Hayes. To advance past his first match, he’ll have to defeat someone he knows well in Waller.

The former NXT Champion won both his singles matches with Waller in NXT, so expect that history to be referenced when they clash on SmackDown. Maybe WWE has faith enough in Hayes to give him a little push here.

Update: WWE has revealed that Randy Orton will take on Jimmy Uso tonight as well.

We’re excited to see what this final live SmackDown of 2023 has in store and will be ready to go with live results at 8 p.m. ET. Join us back here at Wrestling Junkie then if you can’t catch tonight’s show live.