SmackDown results, Dec. 2, 2022: Ricochet overcomes Escobar to win the SmackDown World Cup

Sami Zayn def. Sheamus

Sheamus’ power was on full display early as Sami Zayn’s multiple attempts at hip tosses were easily countered into a thunderous clothesline from The Celtic Warrior as Butch and Ridge Holland looked on from ringside. A distraction from Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos allowed Zayn to gain the upper hand, but a flying crossbody countered into an Irish Curse Backbreaker put Sheamus right back in charge.

Sheamus took to the top rope with a White Noise in mind, but Zayn countered into a sit-out powerbomb. As the action continued, Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Zayn, but a distraction by Jimmy Uso and a subsequent superkick from Jey Uso allowed Zayn to roll up Sheamus for the win.

After falling short at Survivor Series WarGames, Sheamus is looking for a fight and finds it in The Bloodline’s Honorary Uce. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Shayna Baszler def. Emma via Submission

The ruthless Shayna Baszler was at the top of her game against Emma, mercilessly targeting her opponent's arm. The savvy Emma fought back and hit Baszler with a neckbreaker through the second rope as well as a tarantula submission attempt. However, when Emma attempted a top-rope maneuver, Shayna countered and swiftly applied the Kirifuda Clutch to secure the win. 

Emma goes one-on-one with The Submission Magician for the first time ever. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

When Baszler attempted to attack Emma after the match, Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez hit the ring to confront Baszler, who promptly to avoid a 3-on-1 attack. 

Following her win on SmackDown, Shayna Baszler attempts to injure Emma, but she is thwarted by Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Gunther def. Kofi Kingston

Fresh off being the first competitor to declare for the Royal Rumble Match, Kofi Kingston battled Intercontinental Champion Gunther, with the high-flying former WWE Champion immediately using his speed to his advantage. 

Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci caused a distraction, allowing Gunther to knock down Kofi, but their actions prompted Braun Strowman to appear and neutralize the numbers advantage. As the two decorated wrestlers battled, neither could put the other away despite an S.O.S. from Kingston and a devastating powerbomb by Gunther.

With both men clearly spent, Gunther mustered the energy to plant Kingston with the Last Symphony to finally claim the victory.

Former Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston and current champion Gunther battle for the first time ever in a Championship Contender’s Match on SmackDown. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Tegan Nox returned to WWE and saved Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan confronted the brash and arrogant Damage CTRL, but the numbers game was not in her favor. Suddenly, Tegan Nox exploded back onto the WWE scene in jaw-dropping fashion and saved Morgan from the beatdown. Nox briefly unloaded on all three members of Damage CTRL before Bayley and company overwhelmed the returning Superstar and began to put the boots to her. Seconds later, however, Morgan blasted the menacing trio with savage Kendo stick strikes, and Nox clobbered Bayley with the Shiniest Wizard. 

Tegan Nox makes her shocking return to WWE to save Liv Morgan from the grasp of the villainous Damage CTRL. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Ricochet def. Santos Escobar

Ricochet and Santos Escobar battled in the finals of the SmackDown World Cup with a chance to challenge for the Intercontinental Title on the line.

As Ricochet went to the tope rope, Legado del Fantasma diverted the referee's attention and pushed Ricochet off to save Escobar. The referee subsequently ejected Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro, as well as Zelina Vega. Escobar proved worthy without them, nailing Ricochet with a dive through the ropes.

As both men looked for an advantage, Ricochet nailed Escobar with a ring-rattling superplex, but a subsequent double headbutt grounded both men. Thanks to absurd athleticism from each competitor, Escobar hit Ricochet with a hurricanrana off the barrier at ringside. Escobar tried to hit another hurricanrana, this time from the top rope, but Ricochet landed it and used his incredible offense to nearly put away Escobar.

More scintillating offense from both men saw Ricochet finally have Escobar in position for the 630, which secured him the win, an Intercontinental Championship Match and the SmackDown World Cup!

The electrifying Ricochet battles a determined Santos Escobar with the SmackDown World Cup trophy and an Intercontinental Title opportunity on the line. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown