Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have been causing big problems on SmackDown Live, and they’re also created a lot of tension between SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon, and General Manager Daniel Bryan.
Daniel and Shane have been at odds with each other for weeks now, and on the most recent episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan made a huge announcement regarding the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
The General Manager revealed that WWE Champion AJ Styles will be defending his title against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match.
The odds are definitely stacked against AJ Styles, and Kevin Owens seems confident that he’ll be walking out of the event with the WWE Championship in his hands.
I like how checking on a referee’s well-being is enough of a reason for @shanemcmahon to put his hands on his top superstar.
Thankfully, @WWEDanielBryan is a normal person who understands that such kindness and talent should be rewarded. #ThankYouDaniel #NextWWEChampion#YEP
— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) January 3, 2018
Owens and Zayn were both able to score victories over AJ Styles on SmackDown recently, and Sami reacted to his big win by gloating on Twitter.
Yep! Pinned the WWE Champion in my first match of 2018. #YearOfSami pic.twitter.com/MvYPHddSxh
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) January 3, 2018
The Royal Rumble will air live on the WWE Network on Sunday, January 28 2018, and you can check out the updated card below.
WWE Universal Title Match
Brock Lesnar vs. Kane vs. Braun Strowman
2 On 1 Handicap Match For The WWE Championship Match
AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Royal Rumble Match
John Cena, Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura, Elias, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin
First Ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Naomi, Asuka, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Paige, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Lana, Carmella, Tamina