Considering that it was the first episode of Smackdown Live, we expected it to be a great one that will set the tone for the Royal Rumble PPV in 2018. Only three weeks are remaining for the first big PPV of this year. So, as expected, we heard some big announcements from the blue brand showrunners. Also, there were two big returns in store on last night’s WWE programming.
It was up on the rumour mill that we can very well expect to witness Becky Lynch back onboard in time for the historic women’s Royal Rumble match. She was away from the live TV for over a month following the attack that happened at the hands of the Riott Squad. It was a storyline angle to keep her out of the picture for a while.
The #RiottSquad may have just met its match in the form of @MsCharlotteWWE @NaomiWWE and the RETURNING @BeckyLynchWWE! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/zP2fK7zACH
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018
She was gone to film The Marine franchise’s sixth movie alongside The Miz and Shawn Michaels. Once the filming purpose was over, she headed to Ireland but was quickly back to work in the Holiday tour of the WWE, last week. So, it was just a matter of time that we could have seen her back on Tuesday Night.
FEEL THE BURN, #RiottSquad!!!#SDLive @BeckyLynchWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce pic.twitter.com/Q6PXn7SyPg
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018
That’s what happened when Charlotte Flair introduced the former Smackdown women’s champion on the show. She was out seeking vengeance against The Riott Squad. The heel team felt the combined the wrath of Charlotte, Naomi and Becky. They were successful to shove their opponents away to keep the momentums by their side.
The DUKE OF DAB is BACK!!!! @megatjp is HERE on #205Live!!! @TozawaAkira pic.twitter.com/7iRV9UCqon
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018
Apart from the Irish Lass-kicker, another return took place on 205 Live. TJP came back in surprising capacity on the Cruiserweight division without no such prediction on the very first edition of 205 Live once Smackdown went off the air. He was out of action dealing with some knee issues and had the last match, three months ago.
Nope, @megatjp hasn’t missed a beat! #205Live @TozawaAkira @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/5dhkRbj5IM
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 3, 2018
The first-ever @WWE #Cruiserweight Champion @MegaTJP is BACK on #205Live, and he just earned a HUGE victory over @TozawaAkira! pic.twitter.com/bbIQ3LW3jI
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018
TJP returned in a match against Akira Tozawa and picked up the expected win. It is to be noted that his heel persona was retained on the roster. Hopefully, the former champion will be used in big capacities, going forward to make 205 Live better.