Layin 'da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 22, 2015

The show starts with Daniel Bryan. He could talk about the Royal Rumble, The Authority, Sting or even himself, but instead, he's going to talk about how John Cena brough Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and Erick Rowan back. They're glad to be back. Soon after, Kane, Big Show, Seth Rollins and J&J Security (Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble) show up. Ziggler challenges Rollins to a fight, Rollins makes fun of D-Bry's fitness DVD joke from Raw, Rollins proclaims he'll be World Heavweight champ, and Brock Lesnar destroying Rollins, Kane and Big Show becomes a running gag. Kane then makes some Royal Rumble qualifying matches: one between Ryback and Rusev, one between Erick Rowan and Luke Harper (during the break after this) and one between Ziggler and Bad News Barrett, which happens next. Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan must each win their matches if they want to participate in the Royal Rumble match.

Dolph Ziggler beats Bad News Barrett and qualifies for the Royal Rumble match.

Renee Young interviews Roman Reigns. Reigns calls Big Show "a little, insecure man trapped in the body of a giant" and reminds everyone that Andre the Giant didn't have to tell people he was a giant every week. Reigns also plans to win the Royal Rumble match this Sunday night.

Fandango gets a good number for the Royal Rumble match. Dean Ambrose does too...by switching numbers behind Fandango's back as he kisses Rosa Mendes.

Ryback beats Rusev by count-out to qualify for the Royal Rumble match. After the match, Rusev attacks Ryback, but Ryback sends him fleeing.

Paige and Natalya guest on commentary for the next match.

Brie Bella beats Naomi.

Goldust and Stardust get their numbers for the Royal Rumble match.

Luke Harper beats Erick Rowan to keep Rowan from qualifying for the Royal Rumble match.

Damien Mizdow apologizes to The Miz for mimicking X-Pac last night, even though he acknowledges the WWE Universe loved it and cheered. Miz tells him he's a stunt double, and that nobody cheers for him. As he leaves to get another coffee. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up to ask him if he would go over the rope along with The Miz if Miz were eliminated in the Royal Rumble match.

Daniel Bryan beats Kane in a no-disqualification to stay in the Royal Rumble match. After the match, Big Show attacks D-Bry, and Big Show, Kane and J&J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) all beat him up. Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan make the save, but the locker room heels rush into the ring only to be joined moments later by the locker room faces. The WWE Universe gets a preview of what is to come this Sunday night.