After a mediocre Roadblock and a disappointing Raw, Smackdown Live really stepped up their game this week! The segments were edgier, the storylines moved along and heck, even JBL was funny on commentary.
Live from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, we definitely have more positives to report this week than negatives. Across the duration of the two hours there was very little filler, and with some big developments for next week (including the return of the Face that Runs the Place), we’re sure things are only going to pick up.
Presenting the Best and the Worst of this week’s Smackdown.
#1 Best: Pushing the envelope of edginess
Somehow, this week’s episode was highly reminiscent of the Attitude Era, one of the hottest periods in wrestling history. One of the problems with the current PG Era has been the fact that the insults don’t sound insulting enough. There’s only a certain number of times that you can call someone a ‘loser’ before it begins to sound lame.
This week on Smackdown, WWE really pushed the envelope in terms of promos.
Also read: Twitter Reacts to Smackdown Live – 20th December 2016
From the Miz’s quip to Renee Young, where he said, ‘I’m obsessed with Dean Ambrose? You’re the one that’s sleeping with him!’, to the Natalya-Carmella-Nikki Bella segment about Nikki’s silicone implants and Natalya’s eventual admission of – ‘Okay, I did it you bitch!’; many things in this episode took us by surprise.
Natalya transformation into a vicious heel brought out her ugly side, as she mocked Nikki Bella for being a ‘nothing’, telling her that Natalya’s cat has more charisma than she does; and because of this lack of personality, John Cena will never marry her!
If one were to nitpick, then Carmella should have been the obvious choice for the attack on Nikki Bella, and that’s disappointing in a way; but hey this is still cool!
Following on the heels of Enzo’s hotel room segment with Lana, it really seems like WWE is tired of playing it safe. Will this mean a more edgy product for us fans in the future? Only time will tell for sure!
#1 Worst: Chad Hawkins
There were many flubs and stumbles from the members of the Smackdown Live commentary table, although they had their good moments too! While Mauro Ranallo was on fire through the night, calling the action like a pro; the play-by-play announcer made an epic botch.
He referred to Curt Hawkins as Chad Hawkins, much to the amusement of the others at the table. Thankfully the situation was salvaged with Chad Hawkins jokes throughout the match.
One hilarious botch happened during The Miz’s entrance segment. When the music hit and Miz stepped out with his beautiful wife Maryse, she went in for a peck on the lips. The Miz, distracted by his title belt, did not reciprocate. Maryse was left hanging!
#2 Best: Making the jobber job
If there’s ever a Jobber Hall of Fame, James Ellsworth would compete with Gillberg, to be the first inductee.
While he’s had his moments in the spotlight; it’s time for him to let the big boys play once more. AJ Styles kicked off the show and defeated Ellsworth clean in the middle of the ring quite easily. We’re glad there were no swerves and took vicarious pleasure in seeing him get beaten up, along with, evidently, the rest of the crowd.
It looks like James Ellsworth will be in a program with Carmella now, and we don’t mind that at all. Just keep him away from the title picture, Vincent Kennedy Meekmahan.
#2 Worst: Chants ruin the main event
Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin have had many matches in their feud, from earlier this year. This was probably the best one that they’ve been a part of. The main event had actual stakes, and Baron Corbin had really stepped up his game into high gear.
AJ Styles had joined the commentary booth and for once, we were actually enjoying his hostile banter with the otherwise Mr. ‘I add nothing’, David Otunga. But lo and behold, Detroit begins the CM Punk chants! Was this really necessary? We know he's not coming back. If you’ve bought a ticket, just enjoy the show.
Preferably, just stay home and let others enjoy the ringside action if you’re going to come up with those chants!
#3 Best: Miss Mascaras
We almost bought into the idea of a masked Luchadora, before she applied the Dis-Arm-Her, to Alexa Bliss.
The two of them work great together, and this was a brilliant storyline swerve that took us all by surprise. This was a great way to have another match between Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch without it seeming like absolute overkill. Kudos to the creative team for a great angle.
#3 Worst: Fair decision for Dolph Ziggler?
So Dolph Ziggler wins a Fatal Four Way, and gets disqualified from a number 1 contender’s match through no fault of his own. Somehow Baron Corbin still gets a title opportunity against AJ Styles in the triple threat contest next week?
Hey, we’re sure the match will really be cool, but the decision just doesn’t seem right!
In conclusion, this was a very entertaining episode. One of the best from Smackdown Live. Let’s celebrate with our favourite masked Luchadora.
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