SmackDown Hotel: WWE SmackDown Recap for January 22, 2015

The show starts with Daniel Bryan. He could talk about the Royal Rumble, The Authority, Sting or even himself, but instead, he's going to talk about how John Cena brough Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and Erick Rowan back. They're glad to be back. Soon after, Kane, Big Show, Seth Rollins and J&J Security (Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble) show up. Ziggler challenges Rollins to a fight, Rollins makes fun of D-Bry's fitness DVD joke from Raw, Rollins proclaims he'll be World Heavweight champ, and Brock Lesnar destroying Rollins, Kane and Big Show becomes a running gag. Kane then makes some Royal Rumble qualifying matches: one between Ryback and Rusev, one between Erick Rowan and Luke Harper (during the break after this) and one between Ziggler and Bad News Barrett, which happens next. Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan must each win their matches if they want to participate in the Royal Rumble match.

Dolph Ziggler defeated Wade Barrett to qualify for the Royal Rumble match.

Renee Young interviews Roman Reigns, who says that Big Show is a scared man. He says Andre The Giant was a true giant, but Show is scared little man trapped in a giant’s body, and he’s not looking to take Show’s spot. Reigns says he is carving his own path and he’ll go through Show first, because it’s one versus all, and he’s the one who will win the Royal Rumble this Sunday.

Fandango draws his Royal Rumble number and looks thrilled, then he makes out with Rosa for her help, but Dean Ambrose walks in and switches his number.

Ryback defeated Rusev via count-out to qualify for the Royal Rumble match. After the match, Rusev attacks Ryback, only for Ryback to gain the upperhand and send Rusev running.

Paige and Natalya guest on commentary for the next match.

Brie Bella defeated Naomi.

Goldust and Stardust get their numbers for the Royal Rumble match.

Luke Harper defeated Erick Rowan, thus meaning that Rowan cannot qualify for the Royal Rumble match.

The Royal Rumble match, by the numbers.

Damien Mizdow apologizes to The Miz for mimicking X-Pac last night, even though he acknowledges the WWE Universe loved it and cheered. Miz tells him he's a stunt double, and that nobody cheers for him. As he leaves to get another coffee. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up to ask him if he would go over the rope along with The Miz if Miz were eliminated in the Royal Rumble match.

Daniel Bryan defeated Kane, thus keeping his spot in the Royal Rumble. Big Show comes out and attacks Bryan. This leads to a huge brawl with the entire locker room coming out. The Superstars left standing after that brawl were Ziggler, Reigns, Bryan, Ryback, Big Show, Kane and Dean Ambrose. SmackDown ends with just the babyfaces standing tall.