The WWE Smackdown episode taped on December 29, 2015, in Washington, D.C., aired on December 31, 2015, marking the last Smackdown broadcast on the Syfy network before transitioning to USA Network. The show featured several key matches, including Bo Dallas confronting Dolph Ziggler in a lively encounter, as well as the main event tag team bout with Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose facing Kevin Owens and Sheamus. This WWE Smackdown 2015 review covers the action, backstage moments, and storyline developments highlighted during the episode.
Opening Moments Highlighting Past Rivalries and Announcements
The show began with a recap of the recent tension involving Vince McMahon and Roman Reigns from Raw, notably retaining the dramatic “bone through your nose” comment. As the camera showcased the live audience, commentator Rich Brennan announced the forthcoming move of Smackdown from Syfy to USA Network, setting excitement for the following week’s debut on the new channel. The main event featuring Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose against Kevin Owens and Sheamus was also previewed early on to build anticipation.
New Day’s Festive Entry and Challenge from Lucha Dragons
New Day entered the ring sporting New Year party hats, boasting that they held the perfect status in the WWE Universe and joking that no resolutions were necessary for them. Xavier Woods quipped that it was actually the WWE Universe that needed to improve, while Kofi Kingston emphasized the importance of recognizing greatness. Big E humorously shared three fan “resolutions,” including wearing glasses and hearing aids to properly witness New Day’s exploits, keeping a journal of their achievements, and greeting each morning with a spring in your step and the song “New Day Rocks” in your heart. The Lucha Dragons interrupted with Sin Cara wearing a sling on his injured arm and challenged New Day to a handicap match. As New Day scoffed, Kalisto declared they had allies of their own, and the Dudley Boyz arrived with “Happy New Year” displayed on their table, leading into the match.
Dynamic Tag Match: New Day Versus Kalisto and The Dudley Boyz
The tag match began energetically with Xavier Woods engaging D-Von Dudley, though his chatter gained no advantage. Big E demonstrated impressive power by belly-to-belly suplexing Bubba Ray and targeted Kalisto’s injured shoulder, weakening him on the apron. New Day dominated the early exchanges, including Woods playing a trombone at ringside to celebrate their control. After a commercial break, Woods executed a basement clothesline and coordinated with Kingston and Big E for impactful stomps and splashes. Bubba Ray tagged in to challenge Woods and received assistance from D-Von as they took control. Kalisto re-entered to stand on Bubba’s shoulders then hit Woods with a DDT. Big E endured a 3D from the Dudleys before the match concluded with Kalisto hitting Salida del Sol on Woods to secure the victory.
The Dudleys introduced a table, escalating the action as Bubba powerbombed Woods from the second rope through the table. This tag bout was praised as one of the best uses of the Dudley Boyz to date, allowing them to shine in brief but impactful moments.
Smackdown Transition to USA Network and Upcoming Appearances
Following the intense tag match, announcers acknowledged the end of Smackdown’s run on Syfy, expressing gratitude for the five-year relationship and promoting the upcoming show on USA Network. Jerry Lawler added his voice to the excitement. John Cena‘s nomination for a Celebrities Gone Good award in 2015 was mentioned, with notes of his positive progress in the voting. Cena was confirmed to return to Smackdown on USA Network in the coming week. Additionally, Becky Lynch pre-recorded a New Year greeting, encouraging fans to pursue “Beck-cellence” in 2016.
Goldust and Tyler Breeze’s Quick Encounter
The match between Goldust and Tyler Breeze was brief but intense. Goldust, notably absent from an entrance, contrasted with Breeze’s youthful debut year of 1988 coinciding with Goldust’s start in wrestling. The early exchanges involved quick arm-drags and counters. Breeze took advantage of Goldust’s bulldog attempt by landing a knee strike and later used a roll-up with his feet on the ropes to secure an unexpected victory. This move, typically caught by referees, surprised viewers by going unnoticed, highlighting Breeze’s cunning in the ring.
After the match, Summer Rae took the microphone to tease some “big news” but instead revealed she and Breeze had ended their relationship, subverting expectations of an engagement announcement. The two left together with one final affectionate selfie, a development that appeared sudden to fans.
Tag Team Battles Continue with The Usos Against Braun Strowman and Luke Harper
The Usos squared off against Braun Strowman and Luke Harper, escorted by Erick Rowan. The match started as expected with the larger, imposing heels controlling the momentum. Strowman utilized his raw power early while Harper delivered a slingshot move that stunned Jimmy Uso. Despite brief resistance, including Jey tagging in and Harper being thrown out of the ring, Strowman maintained dominance, eventually submitting The Usos after locking in his finisher. Rowan’s attempt to intervene ended with multiple superkicks from The Usos, but ultimately, Strowman and Harper prevailed.
This outcome was notable as the Wyatt Family appeared less active overall, prompting speculation on whether the booking served to keep them or Strowman strong ahead of encounters with The Undertaker, possibly at Wrestlemania. The Usos’ role as opposition in this match seemed underutilized by some observers.
Women’s Tag Match: Brie Bella and Alicia Fox Defeat Tamina and Naomi
In a contest without elaborate entrances, Brie Bella focused her offense on Tamina’s legs before tagging in Alicia Fox, who effectively countered Tamina’s charge and showcased her agility with dropkicks. The commentary touched on Fox’s hairstyle change, drawing some critique. Tamina retaliated with a surprise superkick followed by a slam that placed Fox at a disadvantage. Despite challenges, Brie obtained the hot tag and battled Naomi, who missed a crucial finisher. Brie finished the match with her signature move, securing the win for her team.
This marked a rare appearance for Team Bella, given Nikki Bella’s absence due to injury, though it was unclear how much lasting impact this result would have.
The Miz’s Refusal to Celebrate and Backstage Antics with Bo Dallas
The Miz was expected to wish fans a Happy New Year but instead abruptly declined and exited, looking for his manager. Meanwhile, backstage, festive Bo Dallas encountered a somber Curtis Axel, reminding him of Axel’s Royal Rumble appearances. Dallas teased Axel about deodorant usage before autographing a woman’s hand, instructing her never to wash it. Then Dallas confronted Dolph Ziggler, who mocked Dallas’ outfit, sparking a verbal barbs exchange where Dallas claimed victory. Their upcoming match was set, and fans noted Dallas’ toned-down showmanship and more serious presence, which improved the segment’s effect.
Bo Dallas and Dolph Ziggler Face Off in Singles Competition
Bo Dallas and Dolph Ziggler met in a match that started with technical wrestling exchanges. Dallas displayed confidence by taking a victory lap around ringside early, signaling his command. Ziggler responded with impactful dropkicks, but Dallas struck back with a back elbow and a short-arm clothesline. After disregarding the lap Dallas took inside the ring, Ziggler landed a decisive superkick and pinned Dallas for the win. This bout reminded viewers of Dallas’ previously aggressive style, which WWE had been emphasizing at the time.
Main Event Spotlight: Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose Battle Kevin Owens and Sheamus
The main event tag match featured Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose versus Kevin Owens and Sheamus in a highly physical contest. Ambrose entered with visible effects from a prior powerbomb by Owens onto a table on Raw. Sheamus was quickly sent outside after a clothesline by Reigns, and Ambrose followed with a suicide dive. Owens retaliated by eluding Ambrose and maintaining control outside the ring. The match paused for a break with Ambrose fighting back hard on return, staging a rebound clothesline that brought both Ambrose and Owens down. Tags kept the pace shifting between Reigns and Sheamus, with Reigns delivering a Superman punch and Owens using underhanded tactics, including tripping Reigns and pulling him crotch-first into the ring post. The match ended in a disqualification as the referee halted the bout due to Owens’ illegal actions.
Post-match chaos unfolded with Owens and Sheamus assaulting Reigns, including tossing him into steps and over the announce table. Ambrose retaliated against Sheamus but was stopped by a superkick from Owens. Reigns then cleared the ring with a Superman punch to Owens and a spear to Sheamus. The victorious babyfaces embraced and celebrated with their titles as highlights of Reigns’ heroic saves were shown. Commentator Brennan closed the broadcast by wishing everyone well and reemphasizing Smackdown’s transition to USA Network the following week.
Final Reflections on Smackdown’s Transition and Highlights
This episode of WWE Smackdown served as a fitting farewell to the show’s legacy on Syfy while building momentum for the move to USA Network. The variety of matches, backstage storytelling, and engaging moments—such as Bo Dallas’ humorous jabs at Dolph Ziggler and the explosive main event—demonstrated the roster’s depth as 2016 began. The card featured a balance of established stars like Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and John Cena’s upcoming return, alongside rising talent including Tyler Breeze and Kalisto.
The episode’s chaotic energy and numerous story threads poised WWE for a dynamic year ahead, hinting at fresh rivalries and high-profile matches expected to culminate at major events like Wrestlemania. Fans eagerly anticipated how the transition to USA Network would impact Smackdown’s presentation and reach, as the show promised to maintain its intense and unpredictable character.
