WWE SmackDown will return to a Thursday timeslot starting this week and the show's change of schedule coincided with the return of popular superstar Daniel Bryan.

Bryan, who was sidelined for seven months after suffering from a neck injury that put his career in jeopardy, will be haunted by a familiar foe -- Kane, the same superstar who almost ended his career last year.

Following the Dark Match between Luke Harper and Curtis Axel, the episode started with Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton and Michael Cole on commentary. Lawler got a big pop and Cole was welcomed with boos from the crowd inside the Baton Rouge River Center in Louisiana.

Following an interview with Saxton, Bryan was pitted against Kane in the first match of the evening. The match between the rivals did not last long, though, as Bryan won by disqualification after Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble interfered.

Seth Rollins and Big Show made their first appearance of the night as they tried to go after Bryan, who managed to escape. Roman Reigns also appeared in support of Bryan before Triple H announced a six-man Tag Team match -- Big Show, Rollins and Kane against Bryan, Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

The Miz, Damien Mizdow and Alicia Fox won against The Usos and Naomi as Miz managed to end the match with his Skull Crushing Finale. After the match, it was announced that The Miz and Mizdow will face The Usos for the tag team title at Royal Rumble.

Paul Heyman then came out to cut a promo, but he was cut short by Rollins, who said that he wants to cash in on Brock Lesnar, but Lesnar was not present.

Natalya won against WWE Divas champion Nikki Bella via Sharpshooter in their non-tile fight. Following Natalya's victory, Big Show announced in an interview that he will enter the Rumble match, while Kane also interrupted to confirm his participation in the 30-man match.

Before the main event of Thursday night's SmackDown, Bad News Barrett retained his WWE Intercontinental title with a win against Sin Cara with his Wasteland finisher. Ambrose also confirmed his Rumble participation in a backstage interview.

In an action-packed main event that featured a lot of collisions outside the ring, Bryan, Reigns and Ambrose defeated Big Show, Kane and Rollins as Bryan pinned Kane.

Triple H spoiled their celebration, though, announcing that Bryan will face Kane in a one-on-one match next week. According to Triple H, Bryan will not earn a slot at Royal Rumble if he loses to Kane.

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