by Tonight’s SmackDown tribute of the troops special episode on 8 December started with a special singing performance by 2 time Grammy award nominee The War and Treaty’ and then the US Championship tournament kicked-off with a match between Dragon Lee vs Santos Escobar. Randy Orton main evented the show tonight along with LA Knight as they teamed up against Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso.
CM Punk’s promo was the biggest highlight of tonight’s SmackDown episode as he made his intentions clear about main eventing WrestleMania 40. Punk was also seen interacting with multiple superstars backstage including Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, and Randy Orton.
WWE SmackDown 8 December 2023 (Tribute to the Troops Special) Full Match Card with Winners Names
1. Santos Escobar vs Dragon Lee – US Championship tournament Round 1 Match
Winner – Santos Escobar wins via Pinfall
Match Rating – 2.5/5*
2. Bobby Lashley vs Karrion Kross – US Championship tournament Round 1 Match
Winner – Bobby Lashley wins via Pinfall
Match Rating – 2.5/5*
Also read – Written updates of WWE NXT 5 Dec 2023 EP along with results and highlights
3. Charlotte Flair vs Asuka – Singles Match
Winner – Asuka wins via Pinfall
Match Rating – 3/5*
4. Randy Orton and LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso – Tag Team Match
Winner – Randy Orton and LA Knight wins via Pinfall
Match Rating – 3.5/5*
WWE SmackDown 8 December 2023 All Segments Highlights
- Randy Orton backstage complains to Nick Aldis about teaming him up with LA Knight tonight. Randy says that he doesn’t even know who LA Knight is? Nick says that you both got a problem with Bloodline and that’s enough. Orton paid $100000 fine to Aldis for RKOing him last week and Aldis says but the fine was $50000, Orton says that’s for next time.
- Cody Rhodes came to the ring and he thanked all the troops for their service, Cody then invited the US Army drill team on stage and they showcased some tricks with the guns.
- Backstage, Bayley apologized Damage CTRL girls for the mess up last week and she advised them to not accompany Asuka at ringside tonight. Dakota tells Bayley to stay back as rest of the Damage CTRL crew will support Asuka
- CM Punk came to the ring and crowd was chanting very loud for him. Punk said he has a lot of time tonight. Punk cuts a promo and he talked about his desire to main event WrestleMania. Punk even acknowledged Roman Reigns and then he said that he’s the OG Paul Heyman guy. Punk gives a shout out to Jey Uso for his recent comments on him. Punk took a dig at Seth Rollins by saying that he’s not even the man in his own household and then ends his promo by saying that he will finish his story by main eventing WrestleMania.
- CM Punk interacts with Kevin Owens backstage and he asks him about Nick Aldis whereabouts.
- Cody Rhodes meets CM Punk backstage and he tells him that to finish your story, you need to win the Rumble. Cody welcomed back Punk.
- CM Punk wished good luck to Randy Orton and LA Knight right before the main event.
