This past Friday, it was announced Brock Lesnar would be making his return to SmackDown the following week. That announcement was more than a little rain on the parade of Sami Zayn just moments after he became the No. 1 contender to the universal championship by winning a battle royal. At SmackDown this week, Lesnar's return proved to be more of a thunderstorm for Zayn.
Lesnar strong-armed Zayn into cashing in his chance at Roman Reigns' title during SmackDown, rather than waiting for the Day 1 pay-per-view on Jan. 1. Lesnar was also locked in as the challenger for the winner of Reigns vs. Zayn at Day 1.
Already facing steep odds, Zayn was then brutalized by Lesnar before the match started, ensuring Lesnar would get his chance to avenge his loss to Reigns at Crown Jewel in October.
CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from AT&T Center in San Antonio.
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar official for Day 1
Brock Lesnar opened the show to address his return from suspension when he was interrupted by Sami Zayn. Zayn tried to flatter Lesnar, but Lesnar asked why he shouldn't rip Zayn's head off for the interruption. Zayn pointed out that he's the No. 1 contender for the universal championship and would be wrestling Roman Reigns for the title at Day 1. Lesnar told Zayn he was getting played and should not wait for his title shot and should instead fight Reigns later in the night and win the title. Zayn declined but put his hand on Lesnar's chest in the process, allowing Lesnar to literally twist his arm until Zayn agreed to cash in his title shot later in the night. Sonya Deville later made the match official and said that Lesnar would challenge the winner of Reigns vs. Zayn at Day 1.
Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) def. Sami Zayn via submission to retain the title. Before the match, Zayn cut a promo in the ring, saying he never wanted the biggest match of his career to come in Texas, his least favorite state. Lesnar came out to watch the match and Zayn suggested Lesnar help him win because Lesnar has not had much success against Reigns. Lesnar hit Zayn with a series of German suplexes and an F-5 -- followed by another after the fans chanted for him to do it "one more time." Lesnar then propped Zayn in the corner and walked off. Reigns made his entrance, hit a spear and locked in a guillotine choke to get the quick win.
It was obvious Zayn wasn't getting a title shot on a major pay-per-view and Lesnar was the only man to fill that spot opposite Reigns. Ignoring that last week's battle royal was a complete waste of time, Lesnar and Zayn had some fun chemistry on the mic early in the show and this was a decent way to get Zayn out of the way while boosting his character work wherein he's been convinced there is a conspiracy to hold him back in WWE. Grade: B+
What else happened on WWE Raw?
Sasha Banks def. Shayna Baszler via pinfall with a roll-up. Baszler had Banks locked in the Kirifuda Clutch when Banks was able to escape and counter into the Banks Statement before scoring the quick roll-up.
Drew McIntyre and Jeff Hardy attacked Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. Corbin and Moss were hosting "Happy Talk" when they took shots at McIntyre and Hardy. McIntyre made his way to the ring before Hardy struck from behind.
Los Lotharios def. The Viking Raiders via pinfall when Humberto Carrillo pinned Erik with a roll-up. Rick Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura came to ringside to try and distract Los Lotharios with Boogs playing guitar, but it set up Carrillo to get the pin. Boogs then played the Raiders theme song on guitar to ease the tension.
Jey Uso def. Xavier Woods via disqualification after interference by Kofi Kingston. Woods announced that Kingston was back before the match and it didn't take long before Kingston could wait no longer to attempt to get revenge on the Usos, taking out Jey before Kingston and Woods also ran off Jimmy Uso.
Toni Storm hit Charlotte Flair in the face with a pie. Earlier in the show, Storm made it clear she wants a shot at Flair's SmackDown women's championship. Flair came to the ring to cut a promo and ultimately refused Storm's challenge. Storm then ran out to hit Flair with a pie, just as Flair had done to her the previous week.
Sheamus def. Cesaro via pinfall with a Brogue Kick.
Sonya Deville slapped Naomi when Naomi confronted the WWE official backstage. Naomi challenged Deville to a match and Deville said yes, but not before a slap and a threat that Naomi not touch her when she's in her role as official.