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From Daniel Bryan overcoming odds to face The Fiend next year to Otis stealing the show yet again during the holiday season, this week's edition of SmackDown Live featured several contrasting moments.
Last night's show was very engaging from start to finish. A big reason behind it might be that the blue brand struck a perfect balance between wrestling and entertainment throughout the night.
Roman Reigns and King Corbin's shenanigans acted as a subplot for The Miz and Daniel Bryan's quest to face "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt at next year's Royal Rumble pay-per-view. On top of that, Otis and Mandy's program remains one of the most entertaining angles on the show.
Here are a few interesting observations from this week's edition of WWE SmackDown on FOX (December 27, 2019):
#3 Why Roman Reigns and King Corbin's feud hasn't ended yet
One of the most overextended feuds of 2019 has to be Roman Reigns and King Corbin's neverending saga.
Don't get me wrong, both Reigns and Corbin always manage to generate a huge reaction from the live audience whenever they cross paths on SmackDown.
But aside from the performer's ability to sustain fan interest even at this stage, a majority of fans have criticized the creative team's approach to The Big Dog's future on the show.
Corbin had gained the upper hand by defeating Reigns at TLC, but we all know that this only ends with The Big Dog coming out on top.
From a broader perspective, rumours suggest that Roman Reigns might be facing "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 36. If that is the case, then it makes sense why the writers had to lean on Reigns and Corbin's angle until Wyatt is done with Daniel Bryan.
Even though Roman Reigns and King Corbin have great chemistry together, it is painfully obvious that the higher-ups are only delaying the inevitable outcome of The Big Dog's push back to the top of the company.
#2 Dolph Ziggler might be the primary antagonist of Otis' impossible quest for love
As expected, WWE had to capitalize on Otis and Mandy's subplot after gaining some positive feedback, unlike Rusev, Lana and Bobby Lashley's love triangle situation over on RAW.
Dolph Ziggler has triggered the masses after stomping on a fruitcake that Otis Dozovic's mom had prepared for Mandy Rose.
This is a classic storytelling trope which works in this case, because Otis just so happens to be a star that fans can't help but root for, while Dolph Ziggler is the ultimate showoff who can get any girl he wants.
WWE's focus on characters is what has made this situation more appealing to the masses, and it reminds us of the days where everything wasn't just focused on the number or quality of matches on the show.
Also, Ziggler has got something worthwhile to do for himself, instead of sticking around with Corbin all the time. The same goes for Mandy Rose, who might be more relevant than Bayley (SmackDown Women's Champion) at this stage.
Will Otis be able to overcome Dolph Ziggler's charm on his impossible quest for love?
#1 Ending was a perfect tease for Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan's epic encounter
As "Fun House" Bray Wyatt warned Daniel Bryan at the end of the show, it became more than obvious that WWE has huge plans for this angle next year.
Daniel Bryan accepted to let The Fiend in, and the episode ended with the Yes Movement taking spotlight during the last SmackDown of 2019.
Bryan is a changed man now. He has been "healed" by The Fiend into becoming a better version of himself.
So if there is anyone who has a great chance at overcoming The Fiend's rule, it has to be Daniel Bryan. I know that Reigns and Wyatt will have to eventually face each other down the line, but the most interesting angle of Wyatt's new run has to be feuding against Bryan.
The bad blood between these two has exceeded far beyond the scope of the Universal Championship, and it will be interesting to see if a "healed" Daniel Bryan can overcome the odds or not.
Undoubtedly, Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan's feud has to be the most intriguing storyline as we enter into a brand new decade.
