WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Aleister Black throws fireball at Damian Priest's face

Also on SmackDown, Jacob Fatu returned to challenge Cody Rhodes after WWE Crown Jewel

WWE SmackDown's main event scene is experiencing a shakeup. Ahead of Crown Jewel, Aleister Black scored the biggest win of his career, and Jacob Fatu started to pursue Cody Rhodes.

Black is more dangerous than ever. The ominous superstar went to nefarious lengths to overcome Priest in Friday's Last Man Standing match, launching a fireball at his opponent. Priest isn't the only superstar making main event moves. "The Samoan Werewolf," Fatu returned after an extended absence, immediately sniffing out undisputed WWE champion Rhodes.

SmackDown also featured two title fights and some surprise returns. Sami Zayn defended his United States championship against Shinsuke Nakamura, the latter of whom is back with his old theme music. The MFTs set their sights on The Wyatt Sicks after Tama Tonga's return.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from RAC Arena in Perth, Australia

Black burns Priest, Fatu hunts Rhodes

Rhodes kicked off SmackDown, echoing Paul Levesque's sentiment that Rhodes is the company's first-string quarterback. Rhodes reminded the crowd that Rollins is 0-3 against "The American Nightmare" since he returned to the company. 

Backstage, Jacob Fatu approached Rhodes. Fatu, who's been absent from television for weeks, told Rhodes he wanted to challenge him for the undisputed WWE title after Crown Jewel. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis pulled Fatu aside for a chat, but they didn't get far before Drew McIntyre attacked Fatu. Later, Aldis booked Fatu vs. McIntyre for SmackDown next week.

Aleister Black def. Damian Priest via 10 count in a Last Man Standing match. The match's wild conclusion saw Priest and Black fight into the crowd before climbing an elevated platform. Priest was on the verge of winning before Zelina Vega, Black's real-life wife, intervened. Vega pleaded for mercy. Priest humored it briefly before turning his attention back to his foe. The distraction bought Black time to launch a fireball in Priest's face. He followed up with a Black Mass kick that sent Priest crashing to the floor. Black and Vega postured victoriously as Priest failed to answer the referee's 10 count.

Most pay-per-view go-home shows are phoned in. Not this one. WWE showed more creativity in two hours than they have in months. Black's shocking win elevates him higher than ever in the WWE ladder. Fatu was immediately presented as an exciting, fresh challenger for Rhodes. The MFTs, who you'll read more about below, are at full force and making moves. Plus, Nakamura got his original theme music back. Let's hope this is the start of a strong creative stretch. Grade: B+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• United States Championship -- Shinsuke Nakamura def. Sami Zayn (c) via disqualification after a returning Tama Tonga attacked Nakamura. Solo Sikoa watched as his MFTs beat down both superstars. Titles cannot change via DQ, meaning Zayn retained his title.
• Tiffany Stratton & Stephanie Vaquer def. Gilua & Kiana James via pinfall after Stratton hit James with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
• WWE Tag Team Championships -- The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) def. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) (c) via pinfall after hitting The Plague on Ford. Post-match, the MFTs faced off with the Wyatt Sicks.