WWE SmackDown live results, recap and grades: Damian Priest, LA Knight beat The Bloodline in go-home show

Priest found a major enemy on his first night as a SmackDown superstar ahead of the Royal Rumble

Damian Priest is making enemies quickly at his new home. Priest's first night on WWE SmackDown put him in The Bloodline's crosshairs, though he found an unlikely ally in LA Knight.

Priest was immediately thrust into a rivalry after being traded to SmackDown in the company's talent transfer portal. Priest and Knight collided with Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in the main event of SmackDown. Though Priest and Knight added a win to their records, they were ultimately left staring at the lights.

SmackDown also featured a war of words between CM Punk and Kevin Owens and a women's United States championship match. Other notable talent on Friday's show include Jimmy Uso, Liv Morgan and WWE women's champion Tiffany Stratton.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

From The Judgment Day to The Bloodline

Priest appeared on SmackDown after switching over through the talent transfer portal. The former world heavyweight champion welcomed a fresh start after his fallout with the Judgment Day. Soon after, The Bloodline's Fatu and Tonga interrupted him. Fatu acknowledged Priest as a fellow street warrior before threatening him. Priest responded kindly by superkicking Tonga. The Bloodline commenced with a two-on-one beatdown cut short by an intervening LA Knight.

Damian Priest and LA Knight def. The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga) via pinfall after Priest hit Tonga with the South of Heaven chokeslam. Priest and Knight came out ahead in a competitive main event. Post-match, Fatu laid out Priest with a superkick, Samoan drop and double jump moonsault. SmackDown went off the air with "The Samoan Werewolf" standing tall.

I'm conflicted about the creative direction of Friday's main eventers. It's all positive for Priest, who gets a fresh start on the blue brand. But I'm more worried about The Bloodline and Knight. I'm not sure what The Bloodline's mission statement is since Solo Sikoa lost his "Tribal Chief" status to Reigns. It's good to see Knight involved in a storyline but he's primarily regulated to run-ins.
Grade: B+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• CM Punk and Kevin Owens smack-talked each other's chances at the Royal Rumble PPV.
  
• Jimmy Uso def. Carmelo Hayes via pinfall with a schoolboy pin.
• WWE Women's Championship -- Michin def. Chelsea Green via disqualification after Green hit her with a kendo stick.
• Motor City Machine Guns and Los Garza def. #DIY and Pretty Deadly via pinfall after Chris Sabin rolled up Tommaso Ciampa.
• Naomi def. Liv Morgan via pinfall with a victory roll.
• Andrade def. The Miz via pinfall with a back elbow.
• Nia Jax laid out Tiffany Stratton with an An-Nia-lator.