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WWE presented the last pay-per-view of the year, Clash of Champions, and a card which looked weak on paper, delivered big time. The show was spectacular from start to finish, with engaging matches and a hot crowd which helped make it special.
A surprise victory for Dolph Ziggler, a tremendous display from the high flying tag division and a quality WWE Championship encounter made the show a success. WWE hit all the right notes with the booking of the show, and gave Smackdown Live a great platform in the run-up to Wrestlemania.
We look at five of the best decisions that the WWE made at the Clash of Champions pay-per-view.
#5 A new lease of life
Dolph Ziggler had a terrible 2017. He had a boring feud with Apollo Crews and Kalisto, followed by terrible feuds with Nakamura and Roode. He was put into the US Championship match out-of-nowhere and not many would have predicted his win in the opening match of the night.
Ziggler is one of the best in-ring performers in WWE today and his dismal run was a saddening sight for the fans. His win was highly unpredictable, and after a great match to open the show, Ziggler became a two-time US Champion.
Ziggler has been the kingpin of WWE's mid-card for a long time. This US title win makes sure he has held a championship or the Money in the Bank briefcase every year since 2010.
#4 The Tag Team Division steals the show, again
Smackdown's tag team division is in a great shape right now. All the teams are unique and are over with the WWE Universe. The build-up to the fatal four way was a thrilling sight and the match delivered in a beautiful fashion. The Usos reigned supreme but all the other teams came out looking like a million bucks.
The creative's decision to finally get rid of the anti-American gimmick off Rusev has been a fabulous decision, as the Rusev Day gimmick is the best thing happening in WWE right now.
Chad Gable's athletic prowess is not a surprise to the WWE Universe, but his performance in the match made him an instant star. His series of Chaos Theories to almost all the participants in the match was the highlight of the match.
To sum it up, the Smackdown Tag Team division is the best in professional wrestling right now!
#3 B.L.U.D.G.E.O.N.E.D
The Bludgeon Brothers have been captivating the audience every week with their dramatic squashes and the trend followed at Clash of Champions. Harper and Rowan made quick work of Breezango, and gave a haunting promo about how they wish to destroy each and every Superstar in the locker room.
Harper and Rowan are two talented Superstars who should've garnered some silverware during their time with the Wyatt Family. They work flawlessly as a tag team and a tag team championship pursuit is on the cards for them.
Breezango's squash was a sad sight to see for fans of the entertaining tag team, but not all hope is lost. The Fashion Police is one of the best parts of Smackdown every week and should be rewarded soon enough.
#2 Cracks in the Authority
Daniel Bryan is itching to return to the squared circle and has expressed his desire to set foot in the ring once again, from time to time. The seeds of his return have finally been sowed, as a confrontation with the Smackdown Commissioner, Shane McMahon, was teased during the match.
Bryan returning to the ring to face Shane McMahon at either Royal Rumble or Wrestlemania will be a delightful sight, as many fans want the former World Champion to get back in the ring.
He was forced to retire due to multiple concussion-related injuries, at the age of 35. However, he has explicitly stated that he feels much better and has even challenged the former RoH Champion, Cody Rhodes, for a match in 2018.
#1 The Perfect Powerhouse
When WWE decided to push Jinder Mahal back in May, many fans were disappointed. His in-ring work was abysmal, while his promos were far from engaging. He was booked as a terrible heel during the entirety of his WWE Championship run. He received constant help from his lackeys which did no favours for him or the blue brand.
However, ever since he was booked against AJ Styles, fans have witnessed a slightly different side of Mahal. His first match against Styles was his best match in WWE, which was eclipsed by their Clash of Champions encounter. It was a perfect match between a powerhouse and one of the best in the business, and a great story was told during the match.
The Singh Brothers were sidelined as Jinder Mahal looked to destroy the Phenomenal One, which produced a great wrestling spectacle. Mahal's stay in the main-event picture looks to be over but if he can be booked in a similar way, he can become a great mid-card heel in the future.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
