SmackDown results, May12, 2023: AJ Styles wins the right to battle Seth “Freakin” Rollins at WWE Night of Champions for the World Heavyweight Title

AJ Styles def. Edge and Rey Mysterio in World Heavyweight Title Tournament Triple Threat Match

The Rated-R Superstar, The Phenomenal One and The Legendary Luchador battle it out to advance to the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

In an incredible Triple Threat Match filled with explosive moments, Edge foiled Rey Mysterio's attempt to attack from the top rope. As The Rated-R Superstar turned, though, AJ Styles hit Edge with the Phenomenal Forearm to pick up the victory over his two WWE Hall of Fame opponents.

As a result, The Phenomenal One advanced to the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament later in the same evening.

Bobby Lashley def. Sheamus and Austin Theory in World Heavyweight Title Tournament Triple Threat Match

Bobby Lashley, Sheamus and United States Champion Austin Theory clash to advance to the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

In the final moments of the second hard-hitting Triple Threat Match of the night, Bobby Lashley locked United States Champion Austin Theory into the Hurt Lock. As Theory fought to escape, Sheamus suddenly blasted him with a Brogue Kick out of nowhere. Nevertheless, The All Mighty had the presence of mind to throw The Celtic Warrior to the ringside floor and pick up the three-count. 

With his victory, The All Mighty advanced to the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament to battle AJ Styles. 

Cameron Grimes pinned Baron Corbin in three seconds on SmackDown debut

Hot off the WWE Draft, Cameron Grimes scores an impressive win right out of the gate against Baron Corbin. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

Hot off the WWE Draft, Cameron Grimes scored a win that was as impressive as it was super fast, executing the Cave In on the outspoken Baron Corbin seconds after the opening bell. 

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns returned to SmackDown to makes The Usos apologize to him and to declare that he and Solo Sikoa will challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at WWE Night of Champions

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown to make Jimmy & Jey Uso take responsibility for their failures while he was away. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

In a shocking turn of events, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns declares that he and Solo Sikoa will challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at WWE Night of Champions instead of The Usos. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez def. Damage CTRL in a Women’s Tag Team Title Match
Although Bayley attempted to have Dakota Kai cause a distraction and set up IYO SKY by giving her the title to use as a weapon, Raquel Rodriguez grabbed it from her at the last second and allowed Liv Morgan to roll up The Role Model for the victory.

Asuka blinded Bianca Belair with a mist sneak attack

The Empress of Tomorrow uses the mist to launch a surprise attack on the Raw Women’s Champion. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

AJ Styles def. Bobby Lashley to earn the right to take on Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title at WWE Night of Champions

After winning their respective Triple Threat Matches earlier in the night, The Phenomenal One and The All Mighty square off to see who will battle Seth “Freakin” Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title at WWE Night of Champions. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #SmackDown

After winning their respective Triple Threat Matches earlier in the night, AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley squared off in the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament. At the end of the brawl, Styles ducked and sent The All Mighty into the steel post. He then hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the second time tonight to pick up the important win. 

With the victory, Styles earned the right to battle Seth “Freakin” Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title at WWE Night of Champions.