The Clash of Champions PPV was hyped-up with an announcement from Shane McMahon that was bound to keep a fallout on the future of Smackdown Live. For the better part of the fall of 2017, a rift was going on between him and Kevin Owens. Sami Zayn decided to align himself with his Canadian friend to form a team against the commissioner.
It caused the prodigal son of WWE in his redemption match at Hell in a Cell. The duo also turned out to be the deciding factor at Survivor Series after turning their back on the entire Smackdown roster. So, their career was put on the line in Sunday’s match where they took on the team of Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Could this be the LAST time @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn walk down the ramp? #WWEClash @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/opzwakdjZr
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
The YES! Movement is alive and well! #WWEClash @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/NO3RxijRD4
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 18, 2017
Additionally, Shane McMahon also put on the referee’s jersey on him to ensure it turns out to be the last night for the two best friends, indeed. Daniel Bryan was not happy with this ongoing vendetta of the authority figure against these two heel superstars, and hence he decided to appoint himself as the second guest referee in the match. It was to ensure that everything remains fair.
Referees @shanemcmahon and @WWEDanielBryan are figuring things out as @ShinsukeN & @RandyOrton look to end the @WWE CAREERS of @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn! #WWEClash pic.twitter.com/DBhbTTGEEv
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
When you’re #TheViper, even the ring rope can become WEAPON! #WWEClash @RandyOrton @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight @ShinsukeN @shanemcmahon @WWEDanielBryan @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/vbyyVZ0FLq
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
The rift continued even before this match when Shane and Bryan had a confrontation at the backstage segment. They were determined to do the best for the blue brand. The match turned out to be a dramatic one with these two officiating the contest.
.@FightOwensFight is willing to ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to keep his and @SamiZayn‘s job! #WWEClash #FlyOwensFly @ShinsukeN @WWEDanielBryan @RandyOrton @shanemcmahon pic.twitter.com/ZvFBWUKHkD
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
THAT WAS FAST! @WWEDanielBryan does a fast count as @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn secure the VICTORY and their JOBS in @WWE! #WWEClash @ShaneMcMahon @ShinsukeN @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/YPtXZlBWG4
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
At one point, Randy Orton connected with the RKO on Sami Zayn and went for the pinfall. Owens pushed Bryan into Shane intentionally to break the count. The commissioner became furious with Bryan for this while Bryan became frustrated, as well.
YEP! The #SamiAndKevinShow is going NOWHERE!!! #WWEClash @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/tBUhMjApap
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 18, 2017
In the meantime, Sami Zayn rolled up Randy Orton to get a pinfall. But, Shane wanted to seek retribution and hence stopped the count to screw Owens and Zayn and cost their career.
Is there dissension brewing between the two special guest referees? #WWEClash @WWEDanielBryan @shanemcmahon @FightOwensFight @ShinsukeN @SamiZayn @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/yKHunMd1mP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 18, 2017
Very interesting, @WWEDanielBryan… #WWEClash@FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/0a9LoTh3Ii
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
Daniel Bryan got into the face of Shane for doing this and fix things off. For the second time, Zayn rolled up Orton when Daniel Bryan himself went to count. He did a fast count to ensure that the heel team can retain their spot on the Smackdown roster.