WWE SmackDown: New Champions crowned; Debutant re-joins faction

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Heading into the 2024 edition of WWE Royal Rumble, an eventful night unfolded on SmackDown where a new set of champions were crowned. Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defeated Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (c) to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.

Bringing back their old theme song, Asuka and Sane looked determined heading into the match to recapture the titles they previously held on one historic occasion. The former champions, however, mostly dominated the bout in the early part.

Despite interferences from Damage CTRL members Bayley and Dakota Kai, Carter, and Chance attempted to set Asuka up for The Afterparty, only for Sane to intervene and flatten Chance with a crossbody. Chance further got planted onto the announce table via an Alabama Slam by Sane.

Inside the ring, Asuka set Carter up for an Insane Elbow. Sane's elbow finisher eventually connected, and one pinfall later, Sane and Asuka became the new and three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Alongside, Dakota Kai, Bayley, and IYO SKY, Damage CTRL celebrated on the ramp.

This is the second reign for The Kabuki Warriors after they previously enjoyed the longest reign in the history of the modern women's tag title belts back in 2019-20. As for Carter and Chance, their first reign lasted for only 39 days.

Furthermore, if Asuka and Sane manage to hold the titles for 40 more days, then they will also set the record for combined days as champions, currently held by Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax.

The latest tag title reign of Asuka also made the first woman to enjoy four overall reigns with the tag team championship. Apart from the two reigns with Sane, she also held these belts alongside Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.

In more news from SmackDown, Santos Escobar defeated Carlito in a match that was originally announced for the 2023 Survivor Series. Once the match was over, NXT wrestler Elektra Lopez made her main roster debut by attacking Zelina Vega.

This move essentially confirmed that Lopez is back in Santos' Legado Del Fantasma faction. The female talent previously acted as the manager of the group led by Santos on the NXT brand.

Lopez left the scene on SmackDown after walking to the back with the heel group. She was there when Escobar picked his number for the Royal Rumble match. Lopez is also scheduled to face Lola Vice on next week's NXT.