This past Friday night, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Bloodline interrupted the main event, attacking everyone involved. The match saw LA Knight, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles competing to become the number one contender for Reigns’ title. When the contest ended in chaos due to The Bloodline’s attack, an incensed General Manager, Nick Aldis, informed Paul Heyman that his client would now have to defend his title in a Fatal 4-Way at the Royal Rumble.
On today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, it was noted that Reigns was originally planned to take on Orton in a singles match at the big premium live event. Things changed when some “parties involved” voiced concern about Orton losing a major match so shortly after his much-hyped return from injury. Now, the bout will see Knight and Styles in the mix, creating scenarios where Orton can lose without being pinned or made to submit. The report also stated that it is known internally that there is money to be made with a Reigns and Orton program, but it is just too soon to do it.
Outside of the main event being set, the Rumble card took further shape on Friday night when Kevin Owens won the WWE United States Championship tournament. Following the win, US champion Logan Paul sauntered to the ring while taking shots at Owens and Canada, where the show was being held, on the microphone. Tired of his insults, Owens dropped Paul with a big right hand, resulting in a big pop from the fans.
SmackDown also saw the debut of a new stable featuring Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Authors of Pain, and Paul Ellering. The group set its sights on Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits, but beyond that program, it is easy to envision Kross and company being at odds with Reigns and The Bloodline.