Smark Out Moment

The January 1, 2019 edition of WWE SmackDown Live was pre-recorded on December 29, 2018 at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The following are SPOILERS of what transpired during those tapings and what will air on the show, minus what extra footage WWE will edit into the mix:

• The New Day open the show. All three are in the Royal Rumble. Also, no more pancakes.
• A Fatal 5-Way will take place with the winner facing Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble for the WWE Championship. Four of the names are AJ Styles, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton and Mustafa Ali. The fifth name is either Samoa Joe or Jeff Hardy (they'll have a match to determine the final spot)
• Samoa Joe defeated Jeff Hardy by submission
• There's a backstage segment with AJ Styles addressing the Vince McMahon situation and not apologizing for it.
• There is a Rusev Day celebration for Rusev's United States title win last week. Shinsuke Nakamura attacks. Lana jumps on Nakamura and Rusev accidentally knocks her down in the process of kicking Nakamura. When Rusev checks on Lana, Nakamura takes advantage and nails Rusev.
• Sonya Deville defeated Naomi after a distraction by Mandy Rose on the mic
• John Cena and Becky Lynch defeated Andrade "Cien" Almas and Zelina Vega in a mixed tag match after Cena's promo is interrupted by Becky, then by Almas and Vega. 
• There's a backstage segment with Shane and The Miz about their new tag team and what they'll wear.
• Charlotte Flair, Carmella and Becky all argue about who deserves a shot at Asuka's SmackDown Women's Championship. Triple H doesn't make a decision but says he'll take their ideas into consideration.
• AJ Styles wins the Fatal 5-Way match and will face Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble.