Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for January 15, 2019

The show begins with Becky Lynch arriving at the arena. Kayla Braxton interviews her, and when asked if she is ready for Asuka, Becky says Kayla knows the answer and that she will answer that question in the ring. She tosses her keys to Kayla (who can't catch), then notices Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) mixing salmon with pancakes in a blender as The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) watches. Becky takes a drink and says "It's a little weak," then heads into the ring. Becky tells the fans that in two short weeks, she has her chance to take back the SmackDown Women's Championship - the same title that got people talking about her - and the women backstage think her last title win is a fluke. She says people think being her is easy until they try it, and that Asuka is finding out how hard leading the SmackDown Live women's division really is. Becky says there are those who discredit her, calling her "hype," but she has delivered every time. She says that real hype is Asuka walking into WrestleMania unbeaten only to lose to Charlotte Flair and to be shaken to the core. When she questions Asuka asking if she is ready for her, Asuka shows up. Asuka tells Becky she likes to talk and that she likes hype, but says she is like a bee with no sting. She says that after Royal Rumble, Becky will not be in Charlotte's shadow; instead, she will be in hers. The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) then show up, and Billie Kay says that making scary faces and threats is not how a proper champion should behave, as there is no dignity or class. Peyton Royce says Becky isn't much better after treating Kayla Braxton like a valet, and Billie says that is behavior typical of "a man." Peyton says it won't matter who wins at Royal Rumble, as she and Billie will win the women's Royal Rumble and the Women's tag titles. After that, they will make WrestleMania iconic. Becky then tells Asuka she will show her why she is the talk of the industry, then challenges The IIconics to a one-on-one match so she can make an example out of them.

Becky Lynch beats Peyton Royce with the Dis-Arm-Her. After the match, Asuka yells at Becky in Japanese. Peyton walks away with Billie Kay, but Asuka drags Billie into the ring. This starts another match, which Asuka quickly wins when she makes Billie tap out with the Asuka Lock. Becky and Asuka confront each other, but they are interrupted when "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring and deep into the crowd..

After the commercial break, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is at the concession with the fans, whom he gets fired up. He says these people paid their hard money to do what they like at the show, and that he will beat "The New" Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble. Styles then gives away his own merchandise to the fans until he is suddenly attacked by Daniel Bryan. Both men brawl, and AJ comes out on top until security pulls him off Daniel.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are doing a photo shoot when Jimmy gets a red gift box. When he opens it, Jey takes the note and reads it only to find out the note is from Mandy Rose. Inside the box is a hotel room key.

Backstage, Samoa Joe meets up with EC3, who is admiring himself in a mirror.

The Hart Family is the recipient of the Little Caesars Seat Upgrade.

Kayla Braxton interviews Andrade "Cien" Almas and Zelina Vega. Andrade says Rey Mysterio was his idol, but last week, he showed him times have changed; now he is the future. Zelina says it is time to focus on the future, and that Andrade will win the men's Royal Rumble Match and the main event of WrestleMania.

Samoa Joe vs. Mustafa Ali ends before it begins following a vicious attack before the bell by Samoa Joe. Joe goes back to hurt Mustafa Ali again not once, but twice, and on the second time, he teases putting Ali through the announce table only to toss him into the barricade.

Sonya Deville tells Mandy Rose that what she is doing is scandalous. Mandy says she cannot stand Naomi, and if she can make her life miserable, it will be worth it, and that she plans to break up their marriage. Sonya is shocked.

Backstage, Rey Mysterio is startled by Nikki Cross, who shakes a fence as she demands to play.

Backstage, Samoa Joe tells Kayla Braxton that his attack on Mustafa Ali was a statement, as he will win his first Royal Rumble Match. He tells everyone else in the men's Royal Rumble that what happened to Mustafa will happen to them. He then says any man who declares themselves a champion will become a target, and he will hunt them down and put them to sleep.

Andrade "Cien" Almas - now known simply as "Andrade" - beats Rey Mysterio in an intense match following the distraction by Zelina Vega.

Jimmy Uso heads to Mandy Rose's hotel room. Jimmy opens the hotel room door to find Mandy Rose in a black robe, daring him to come closer. She says the time to play "hard to get" is over, and she disrobes to show some black lingerie underneath. After asking what he thinks - and what Naomi would think - a man with a photo camera shows up and takes photos. Mandy tells Jimmy she despises Naomi, saying Naomi will never be as hot as she is and that she knows it. She then says that when he sees the photos, they will destroy her entire life. Jimmy Uso leaves, then Naomi comes into the hotel room and attacks Mandy. Mandy gets the upper hand on Naomi and escapes the hotel room, and Jimmy checks on Naomi.

The Miz shows up for Shane McMahon's birthday bash. Miz introduces Shane, and wishes him a happy birthday on behalf of the fans. Shane says he is uncomfortable with birthday parties, but Miz tells him this isn't a Chuck E. Cheese's party and introduce shim to the two cakes in the ring. The vanilla cake has a picture of Miz and Shane with the Best In The World trophy. Miz then hands Shane a present, and inside is a pair of Jordan 33s. We then see a video package of Shane McMahon throughout the years in WWE. Shane thanks Miz for the party as well as for opening up about his dream of becoming a tag team champion. Shane opens up about his relationship with his father, and says he is glad to walk into Royal Rumble as his partner. Miz says that at Royal Rumble, they will capture the SmackDown Live tag team titles and make Shane's dream come true. He leads the crowd into a rendition of "Happy Birthday" until The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) arrives. Sheamus calls the whole proceedings an embarrassment, and says Shane's father didn't bother show up before saying he and Cesaro will win at Royal Rumble. Shane brings up The Bar's attack on The Miz last week, and puts Sheamus in a match with The Miz. Miz has his misgivings, as he is in a suit, but Shane says he wasn't dressed for the ring when he won the Best In The World trophy.

The Miz beats Sheamus with a schoolkid pin after Shane McMahon sends Cesaro off the apron and through a birthday cake. After the match, Sheamus attacks The Miz, but Shane overpowers Sheamus and hits him with a coast to coast drop kick that sends cake right into Sheamus' face.

Here are the top 10 moments from tonight's show!