This past Friday’s Tribute to the Troops episode of SmackDown took place at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Santos Escobar faced Dragon Lee in the opening match. Escobar delivered a Phantom Driver on Lee to advance in the United States Title tournament.
In a backstage segment, Randy Orton gave a $100,000 cheque to Nick Aldis. SmackDown GM told Orton that the fine was $50,000. The Viper told Aldis that the cheque was for the next time too.
Bobby Lashley defeated Karrion Kross to qualify for the next round of the US Championship tournament.
CM Punk returned to SmackDown to address the fans. Punk said that he was the original Paul Heyman guy, and Heyman was his wise man first. He then took a shot at Seth Rollins. Punk said that Rollins isn’t even the man in his own household. Punk said that he came back to compete in the main event of WrestleMania.
Asuka defeated Charlotte Flair with help from Bayley.
Cody Rhodes welcomed CM Punk at Nick Aldis’ office. The American Nightmare told Punk “It sounds like for you to finish your story, you’d need to win the Royal Rumble. That’s interesting.”
In the main event, Randy Orton and LA Knight defeated Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa.
According to Nielsen via Wrestlenomics, the December 8th episode of WWE SmackDown drew 2.384 million viewers on FOX and a 0.63 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
WWE SmackDown viewership & ratings for the past few weeks
| Episode of WWE SmackDown | Viewership | 18-49 demographic |
| December 8 | 2.384 million | 0.63 |
| December 1 | 2.044 million | 0.59 |
| November 24 on FS1 | 789,000 | 0.24 |
| November 17 | 2.206 million | 0.62 |
| November 10 | 2.195 million | 0.57 |
| November 3 | 2.119 million | 0.53 |
| October 27 on FS1 | 1.145 million | 0.35 |