The first SmackDown of 2024 saw some of WWE\'s top names on the broadcast and also saw quite a notable name behind the scenes.
The January 5, 2024, SmackDown saw a fatal four-way be confirmed for the Royal Rumble event, as Roman Reigns will defend against AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight. In the finals of the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament, Kevin Owens defeated Santos Escobar. The Prizefighter will challenge U.S. Champion Logan Paul at the Royal Rumble PLE.
Nickelback at SmackDown
For all the Superstars at SmackDown, one of the biggest names in entertainment at the show remained backstage. On Twitter, Triple H shared a photo with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger and made reference to their popular track \'Photograph\'.
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Nickelback and Professional Wrestling
While Kroeger and his bandmates haven\'t competed in the ring, Nickelback has close ties to the world of professional wrestling. In 2009, their song \'Burn it to the Ground\' became the official theme of Monday Night Raw. The theme would be used until Raw 1,000 in July 2012.
Music from Nickelback has been used for several WWE Premium Live Events. Their track \'This Means War\' was used for the Elimination Chamber 2012 event, while \'Edge of a Revolution\' was used for Survivor Series 2014. The group also performed live for the Tribute to the Troops event in 2011 with a rendition of \'Burn it to the Ground\'.
One of WWE\'s most promising young Superstars competed before SmackDown went on the air. Click here to find out more.
