WWE News: Several matches confirmed for tonight's SmackDown Live

What’s the story?

The WWE has confirmed several matches for tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live.

The Usos will defend their SmackDown Tag Team Championships, whereas WWE Champion AJ Styles will compete in a non-title singles matchup. A few other segments that will be featured on SmackDown were also revealed.

In case you didn’t know…

With the WWE having put on an electrifying first episode of RAW for 2018, the promotion’s blue brand looks to outdo Monday Night RAW by putting its best foot forward.

The WWE Universe has also been speculating about the SmackDown brand’s male and female Superstars possibly declaring for the Royal Rumble which takes place later this month.

The heart of the matter

The WWE has alluded that several SmackDown Live Superstars will announce their entry into the male & female Royal Rumble matches respectively on tonight’s tapings. Besides, Hideo Itami will face Jack Gallagher on 205 Live—a matchup from last week’s tapings which will see the duo continue their rivalry.

Furthermore, WWE Champion AJ Styles will compete in a non-title match against Sami Zayn; whereas the blue brand’s Tag Team Champs The Usos will defend their titles against Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable.

Additionally, the WWE United States Championship tournament continues with a couple of matches set to take place tonight—Mojo Rawley vs. Zack Ryder, and, Xavier Woods vs. Aiden English.

What’s next?

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live (January 2nd, 2018) airs from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

Fans can expect several storylines to progress on the year’s first SmackDown Live episode, in the buildup to the Royal Rumble PPV which takes place on January 28th.

Author’s take

The Usos are on a hot streak right now, and may very well cement themselves as one of the greatest Tag Teams of all time, provided that they continue to keep performing the way they have over the next few years.

Of all the matchups tonight, it’d be safe to say that the WWE Universe would be looking forward not only to ‘The Uso Penitentiary’ but also to ‘The Phenomenal One’ AJ Styles going toe-to-toe with Sami Zayn.