WWE SmackDown results recaps, 2021: Kevin Owens the Last Man Standing after stunning attack on Roman Reigns.

Kevin Owens reemerged to deliver a message to the Universal Champion, Sami Zayn derailed the Intercontinental Title showdown between Big E and Apollo Crews, Cesaro flexed his muscles ahead of Royal Rumble and more.

As the Jan. 31 Royal Rumble event event that is getting ever closer, WWE also has some hard lifting to do before the second largest of its annual pay-per-view events. The job continued during the Friday night edition of SmackDown, largely rooted in the ongoing problems between Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Adam Pearce and Kevin Owens.

Once again, Reigns was searching for exact vengeance on Pearce for defying his wishes, bringing together an intricate sequence of events that would end in the universal champion making Pearce one-on-one in the ring to close the broadcast. Reigns did not count on Owens to turn up to spoil his fun, though, and was taken off balance and laid out when Owens sent one of his final messages ahead of their Last Man Standing game at the Rumble.

WWE SmackDown Full results highlights, recaps Jan. 22, 2021: Kevin Owens the Last Man Standing after attack on Roman Reigns.

Kevin Owens leaves SmackDown as last man standing Roman Reigns brawls with Adam Pearce and Kevin Owens,

Adam Pearce vs. Paul Heyman ended in a no contest. After Pearce was in the ring, Heyman walked to the ring and began limping before telling Pearce, "Card subject to change." Reigns then walked to the ring to replace Heyman in the match.

Sami Zayn handcuffed himself to the ringside barricade for the show. Zayn also announced that he was entering himself into the Royal Rumble match.

Charlotte Flair & Asuka def. The Riott Squad via pinfall

Cesaro def. Dolph Ziggler via pinfall after hitting a Neutralizer. Cesaro cut off a Daniel Bryan promo about his desire to win the Royal Rumble.

Sasha Banks def. Reginald via submission.

Apollo Crews def. Sami Zayn via disqualification after interference from Sami Zayn. During the match, Zayn removed his handcuffs as Crews took over the action.

The Street Profits petitioned Sonya Deville for a rematch for the tag titles they lost to Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler.

Bianca Belair def. Bayley in the Ultimate Athlete Obstacle Challenge. Bayley ran the course first, which included a tire flip, hurdles, wall climbing and carrying Chad Gable.

King Corbin def. Dominik Mysterio via pinfall after hitting End of Days. Dominik reassured Rey Mysterio that he had a plan for taking on Corbin.