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The first SmackDown episode of 2020 was certainly an entertaining one, as we witnessed three major returns (The Usos, Sheamus, John Morrison) and a few solid sneak peeks for future potential storylines.
Undoubtedly, SmackDown has been quite efficient with its TV presentation as compared to Monday Night RAW in the recent few weeks. Last night's episode was a great example of how to keep the viewers hooked throughout the show's 2-hour runtime.
Despite a few drawbacks, the Blue brand has certainly stepped up its game as Royal Rumble looms in the distance.
Here are a few interesting observations from this week's edition of WWE SmackDown on FOX (January 3, 2020).
#3: The Miz & John Morrison could be a unique addition to SmackDown's Tag Team scenario
Despite The Miz's recent program with Bray Wyatt which garnered positive reception, his most memorable role will always be that of a heel.
Now that The Miz has been 'changed' by Bray Wyatt, just like several others, WWE had to present The Miz as something different than just another heel or babyface on the roster. This led to John Morrison's on-screen appearance on last night's episode, just outside The A-Lister's locker room.
From 2007 to 2009, Morrison and Miz spent the majority of their time as Tag Team Champions, and people fondly remember 'The Dirt Sheet' segments where both of them mocked other wrestlers and pop-culture in general.
In a way, Morrison's backstage appearance might be a subtle tease for their eventual reunion as a re-established tag team.
The Usos and New Day always have great matches together, but now that the former unit might stand by Roman Reigns' side for a while, WWE could make things interesting by pushing a heel Miz & Morrison to face New Day for the Tag Titles at Royal Rumble.
This could be a unique way to build up SmackDown's stagnant Tag Team scene on The Road To WrestleMania 36.
#2: Elias is an underrated entertainer who elevates the show in small and effective ways
One of SmackDown's most unique acquisitions has to be Elias, a man who can make the audience react however he wants them to in this day and age of sports entertainment.
A while back, WWE pushed Elias as one of Shane McMahon's goons, and that was where something went wrong. The same goes for his relatively unimpressive stint in the 24/7 Title scenario.
Elias with a guitar and a mic can create some memorable tunes and manipulate the crowd at the tip of his fingers, and that version of him has been a great addition to SmackDown since The Drifter's recent return.
Last night, Elias announced his entry into this year's Royal Rumble match in the most entertaining way possible while also poking fun at stars like Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, and Shane McMahon.
For what it's worth, WWE simply cannot miss an opportunity with Elias at this time of the year. Although his segments are short and entertaining nowadays, they play a huge role in grabbing the viewer's attention whenever the show feels out of place.
#1: Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan's teased WrestleMania match may be a misdirection in the end
Both Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan may face each other for the Universal Championship to close out this year's WrestleMania Pay-Per-View.
Fans online have been positively receptive to this potential match because it is important to remember that this isn't 2015 anymore. Also, Reigns has evolved as a top star in the best way possible. The live audience's cheers are certainly indicative of The Big Dog's improvement on the main roster.
Bryan's "YES" Movement is also back in full force, so this WrestleMania season is certainly a favorable period for a clash between these two top stars.
But then again, during a backstage segment between Reigns and Bryan last night, the former was more than confident about winning the Royal Rumble match this year, and the latter is already looking past The Fiend to face The Big Dog at the Grandest Stage of Them All.
As we all know, plans change in WWE all the time, especially with WrestleMania around the corner. With this particular matchup becoming too obvious from January, it would be fair to think that plans might change along The Road to WrestleMania 36.
After all, it would be unfair to discard 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt out of the picture so early into his intriguing run as the Universal Champion.
