HARTFORD, Conn. — A historic week for WWE, which included Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble Match win, WWE Network surpassing 1 million subscribers and a blizzard that had Superstars and Divas snowed in, culminated with an epic live episode of SmackDown.
Not even the freezing temperatures could cool off the hottest show on Thursday nights as WWE COO Triple H kicked off SmackDown LIVE by addressing WWE’s wild week, which included WWE Network surpassing 1 million subscribers! The Game declared that he will deal with his "problem" — something the NFL has failed to do with “Deflategate” — after challenging the vigilante Sting to meet face-to-face at WWE Fastlane.
Triple H mocks NFL's "Deflategate" | Watch: Mr. McMahon's WWE Network announcement
Triple H soon turned his attention to the Royal Rumble, stating that he will address the Royal Rumble Match’s controversial finish by making an announcement Monday night on Raw that will likely “shake the WWE Universe to its core.” Despite Roman Reigns’ arrival and assurance that he won the over-the-top-rope extravaganza, The King of Kings quickly introduced The Big Dog to his next opponent, Big Show.
After weeks of explosive encounters, Roman Reigns went head-to-head with Big Show in a massive collision. Despite just learning of Triple H's upcoming "announcement" regarding his Royal Rumble Match victory, the powerhouse Superstar continued his rapid rise through the WWE Universe after delivering a giant Spear on The World's Largest Athlete to pick up the victory.
Photos: Reigns vs. Big Show | WrestleMania 31: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
After boasting over his Royal Rumble performance where he came within one second of beating Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Title, Seth Rollins issued an open challenge that was answered by a hungry Ryback.
Photos: Ryback confronts Rollins
A match never got started, however, as J&J Security pounced on The Big Guy. Before long, Erick Rowan and Dolph Ziggler arrived to even the odds, sending Mr. Money in the Bank and his security team running for the hills.
Amid an action-packed clash between Tyson Kidd and WWE Tag Team Champion Jey Uso, Cesaro jumped onto the ring apron, providing enough of a distraction for "Nattie's husband" to take control of the match and pick up the victory over the high-flying Samoan Superstar.
Photos: Uso vs. Kidd | 10 tag teams we want to see return
Following their heated backstage encounter at Royal Rumble Fallout, John Cena and Rusev again stood toe-to-toe, this time inside a WWE ring.
Photos: Cena comes face-to-face with Rusev | WWE Fastlane: Cena vs. Rusev
The Super Athlete and Cenation leader traded barbs, but just as they seemed ready to fight, the United States Champion decided to retreat. What will happen when the undefeated Rusev squares off with the 15-time World Champion for the first time at WWE Fastlane on Feb. 22?
Resembling a scene straight out of "Mean Girls," The Bella Twins interrupted Renee Young's backstage interview with Paige to put down The Diva of Tomorrow's appearance. Perhaps upset that Nikki has to defend her Divas Championship at WWE Fastlane against the British beauty, The Bellas then attacked their "Total Divas" co-star, reminding her of the power of Twin Magic.
WWE Fastlane: Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Paige
Coming off an impressive victory over The New Age Outlaws at the Royal Rumble, The Ascension continued to show little respect for the rest of WWE’s tag team division before introducing their SmackDown opponents, Stardust & Goldust, to the wasteland.
Photos: Gold & Stardust vs. The Ascension | Backstage with Justin Flom from "Wizard Wars"
After Stardust tagged himself in, prompting a brief dispute between the bizarre duo, Konnor and Viktor laid waste to the starry-eyed Superstar via the Fall of Man.
Coming off an impressive performance in the Royal Rumble Match, the enigmatic Bray Wyatt delivered maybe his most mysterious message yet.
Daniel Bryan and Kane’s heated history came to a head on SmackDown Live as the two former tag team partners turned bitter enemies clashed in a hellacious Casket Match.
Photos: Bryan vs. Kane Casket Match
Both Superstars narrowly escaped getting enclosed inside the horrific casket as they battled inside and outside the ring. It seemed as though WWE’s Director of Operations had the victory lined up after smashing a steel chair onto the “Yes!” Man’s back, but it was a running knee from the leader of the “Yes!” Movement that would allow Bryan enough time to shut the casket door and pick up the victory.