Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 1, 2021

In memory of John Huber "Luke Harper", 1979 - 2020.

Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso head to the ring to start tonight's show. Roman wishes the fans a happy new year, then says 2020 has been rough, but when you are the head of the table and the tribal chief, you make your work. Roman says that everything he touches turns to greatness and that he saved the people that he has surrounded himself with, saying that Heyman is one of the most honest people he has done with and that Jey Uso is a prime example of what he can do. He says that Jey Uso cannot miss and has had the best year of his career after acknowledging him as his tribal chief, and says he did this because he knew who Jey is and understood that he was "Main Event Uso" and could knock it out of the park every time. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up, and Roman calls "a roach who won't go away" and wants more crumbs and tells him to go away, as tonigh is about Jey Uso and not him, but Owens tells Roman and his family failed to end his career while Roman tried to retain the Universal Championship. After saying that "The Big Dog" is long gone and replaced with "a giant bitch," Owens says that is indeed about Jey as Roman said and that tonight, Roman will pay when he gets a match with Jey, and Roman's family will have nothing to celebrate.

Sami Zayn guests on commentary for the next match.

Big E beats King Corbin by disqualification after Sami Zayn attacks Big E after Big E hits Corbin with the Big Ending. The Knights of the Lone Wolf (Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler) join in on the attack on Big E, then Apollo Creed runs into the ring and cleans house.

Big E and Apollo Crews beat King Corbin and Sami Zayn after Corbin and The Knights of the Lone Wolf (Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler) walk out on Sami Zayn for nearly inadvertently giving Corbin a Helluva Kick.

Backstage, Kevin Owens meets Adam Pearce, who says he cannot give Owens a match against Jey Uso. Owens tells him he wants Roman, and tells him that the fans are who matter, not who is backstage. Pearce tells Owens he has his match with Jey Uso.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Big E and Apollo Crews. Big E says he has had fans celebrate with him all over the world, then says he will be a fighting champion and will issue an open challenge for the Intercontinental Champion next week. Apollo immediately answers it, saying he helped him win it, then he and Big E laugh.

Billie Kay shows up before the next match, with Tamina assumingly being her tag team partner before Natalya shows up and the ring announcer announces that Billie Kay is accompanying her and Tamina.

The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan) beat Tamina and Natalya after Liv Morgan rolls up Tamina. After the match, Billie Kay celebrates with The Riott Squad, who want nothing to do with her.

Bayley and Carmella beat Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair following a rather acrobatic distraction from Reginald.

Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso is official for later tonight. Backstage, Roman Reigns shows his displeasure for this match being made, and says that whoever made this match does not appreciate him. Roman tells Paul Heyman to find out who does not appreciate him.

Backstage, Sonya Deville makes her first appearance on television in months, as it is revealed she has been reinstated.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up for their "New Year's Eve Smoketacular." As Angelo Dawkins tells 2020 to get out, Montez Ford reminds them that they beat The New Day at Survivor Series and won two Slammy Awards. The Street Profits reveal a drum kit from underneath a cover, and after Dawkins plays the drums, Montez predicts their T-shirt will be the top seller on WWE Shop and that Dolph Ziggler will be nicknamed "The Heartache Kid" for stealing "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels' style. Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode show up from out of nowhere and attack The Street Profits, with Roode hitting Dawkins with a steel chair before tossing him over the barricade. Ziggler then holds Montez Ford's left leg down on the ring post so that Roode can strike it with a steel chair.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Ziggler says The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)have provoked them for months, and Roode says it is always fun and games with them and that what happened tonight is on their hands. Roode says they have something they want, and Ziggler says that they are what champions look like, as they are "two dirty dawgs" who do what they want when they want and that they demand a rematch for the SmackDown tag titles in 2021.

Daniel Bryan and Otis beat Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura with a Yes! Lock to Nakamura.

Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Roman Reigns that Adam Pearce made the match between Jey Uso and Roman Reigns. Roman tells Jey to prove why he is "The Main Event Uso."

Kevin Owens beats Jey Uso with a Stunner after Jey lands on his feet and hurts his knee. After the match, Owens hits Jey with another Stunner, then tells Roman Reigns to come and protect his family before handcuffing Jey to the top and attacking him some more. When Roman still fails to show, Owens unlocks the handcuffs from the top rope before cuffing both of Jey's hands and bring Jey to Roman. Jey tries to get away, but Owens continues to beat him up. As Owens goes for a splash into the table, he is suddenly attacked from behind by Roman. Roman and Owens brawl at the Thunderdome screens, then Jey Uso shows up to outnumber Owens. Jey and Roman then attack Owens with steel chairs. Owens still fights back after this, but Roman slams him against the LED boards of the Thunderdome screens before throwing Owens through a table.

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