WWE taped this week’s episode of Thursday Night Smackdown from Austin, Texas. Michael Cole and Byron Saxton came out for commentary first, followed by Jerry Lawler.

Daniel Bryan comes out to start the show. He talks about his match with Kane, the fight against The Authority, and brings down Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan. They all get some time to talk, but are cut off by Rollins, Big Show, Kane and the goons. Corporate Kane announces that they’ll all get a chance to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble match if they can beat their opponents tonight.

(1) Dolph Ziggler def. Bad News Barrett. This was a non-title match.

-Renee Young interviewed Roman Reigns about the Royal Rumble match.

(2) Ryback def. Rusev. They fought outside and Rusev failed to beat a 10-count, so he lost by count-out. Rusev attacked Ryback after the match and they fought back and forth, with the “Big Guy” standing tall.

(3) Brie Bella def. Naomi. Nikki Bella was ringside, and did not compete. Paige and Natalya were on commentary.

(4) Luke Harper def. Erick Rowan. Rowan missed a top rope move and did NOT qualify for the Rumble match.

-The Miz and Damien Mizdow are announced for the Royal Rumble match. There’s a bit of tension between the two.

No Disqualifications Match

(5) Daniel Bryan def. Kane. There were a lot of shenanigans with J&J Security, but ultimately Bryan pulled it out.

Big Show is out to beat down on Daniel Bryan. Roman Reigns made the save and a giant brawl with half the roster broke out to end Smackdown heading into Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

The main event match was fun to watch. Everything was alright.

Best thing in this match was the opening segment.

The ending segment was your normal Royal Rumble hype where they have guys charge into the ring and throw each other out.