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The first SmackDown Live of 2019 is now officially over. The New Day came out to kick off the New Year Special edition of SmackDown Live.
New Day announced that they are going to participate in 30-men Royal Rumble match. They mentioned they aimed to become the WWE Champion and then took a shot at Brock Lesnar for not showing up to work. The New Day made a sad announcement: no more pancakes. Big E then announced a Fatal-5-Way to determine Daniel Bryan's opponent at Royal Rumble.
Next, on SmackDown Live, Samoa Joe faced Jeff Hardy in order to qualify for the Fatal-5-Way match. In an incredible match, Samoa Joe defeated Jeff Hardy after locking the Coquina Clutch on Hardy.
Rusev came out next to celebrate his victory over Shinsuke Nakamura to become the United States Champion. He talked about defending the US Title with honour and pride. Shinsuke Nakamura showed up and attacked Rusev from behind.
Lana tried stopping Nakamura with a Rear Naked Choke but Nakamura fell right on top of her when Rusev hit Nakamura with a superkick. Nakamura took advantage of the situation and hit another kick and then a Kinshasa on Rusev.
Naomi came out next to face Mandy Rose but before the match started, Sonya DeVille took Mandy Rose's place and faced Naomi. In the middle of the match, Mandy Rose took the mic and said that she couldn't help but think of her husband and showed a picture she sent him. It was her wearing just a towel. Naomi got distracted and DeVille hit her finisher to get the victory.
John Cena came out next to address the WWE Universe and asked for someone's music to hit. Becky Lynch answered the call. Becky Lynch mocked John Cena and added that if he had a problem, Nikki Bella wouldn't be the only one to drop him. They were then interrupted by Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Zelina Vega. John Cena wasted no time and challenged them to a mixed tag match against him and Becky Lynch.
John Cena and Becky Lynch faced Zelina Vega and Andrade 'Cien' Almas next on SmackDown Live. In the middle of the match, when Becky Lynch tried to lock in the Disarmer on Vega, Almas interfered but Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the new weird finisher of his.
Becky Lynch then threw Cena out of the ring before locking the Disarmer on Vega for the win. After the match, Cena wanted to shake hands with Becky but she waved, doing the 'you can't see me' and left.
Backstage, Asuka was confronted by Triple H, who praised her for being on a roll. Charlotte, Carmella, and Becky joined them, demanding a shot at Asuka's title.
In the main event of this week's SmackDown Live, AJ Styles won the Fatal-5-Way match against Mustafa Ali, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton and Samoa Joe. He earned the opportunity to face WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble.
Here is how Fans reacted to this amazing edition of SmackDown Live:
