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WWE SmackDown Live: Mixed night for AJ Styles in final show before Royal Rumble

By Jefferson Lake, WWE Editor

Wednesday 24 January 2018 14:52, UK

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We've picked out the best moves and moments from this week's WWE SmackDown.

AJ Styles beat Kevin Owens but lost to Sami Zayn on a mixed final SmackDown before Royal Rumble for the WWE champion.

Styles' decision to accept the double match appeared to be a sound one when he overcame Owens relatively easily in the first leg.

But things did not go so well for the title in the second half of his encounter with the Yep movement, with Zayn hitting a big Helluva Kick and the Blue Thunder Bomb for the win.

AJ Styles beat Kevin Owens but was laid out by Sami Zayn after a loss to him
Image: AJ Styles beat Kevin Owens but was laid out by Sami Zayn after a loss to him

That outcome should ensure that Zayn heads into the two-against-one handicap match against Styles at Royal Rumble in high spirits, but his partner for that bout - Owens - is not in such great shape.

He left ringside on a stretcher after his quick loss to Styles and there could be doubts over his availability for the title showdown in Philadelphia.

Gable gets some Rumble momentum

Chad Gable inflicted what could turn out to be a psychological blow on the Usos with victory over Jimmy with a rolling German suplex in a singles contest.

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Chad Gable defeated Jey Uso with a textbook rolling German suplex
Image: Chad Gable defeated Jey Uso with a textbook rolling German suplex

Gable will team up with Shelton Benjamin to face the SmackDown tag team champions on Sunday night.

Victories have been spread pretty evenly between these two teams and they will do battle under 'two out of three' falls rules.

Orton makes a statement

The match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Baron Corbin ended in a no contest when it was interrupted by Randy Orton.

Having already floored Shinsuke Nakamura with an RKO, Randy Orton gave another one to Baron Corbin
Image: Having already floored Shinsuke Nakamura with an RKO, Randy Orton gave another one to Baron Corbin

Orton delivered RKOs to both competitors to leave the officials with no option but to scrub the match.

It was a timely reminder from the Viper that he can strike at any moment, and also suggests the man who won last year's Royal Rumble could have a big part to play in it this time around.

WWE SmackDown Live is repeated in full on Sky Sports Arena at 10pm on Wednesday nights.

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