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It was a big week for WWE as it was on the heels of the Survivor Series pay-per-view which took place on Sunday. Of course, no championships were on the line, and the night was about RAW vs. SmackDown brand supremacy.
Many superstars put in some fine performances which set them up perfectly for this week's episodes.
Heading into RAW and SmackDown, it was back to business as both the red and blue brands looked to cap off the year in strong fashion. New champions and No.1 contenders were crowned and Brock Lesnar's suspension was finely lifted with him now set to appear next week on SmackDown.
That being said, let's take a look at five WWE superstars who impressed this week.
#5 Roman Reigns impressed this week at WWE Survivor Series and on SmackDown
In terms of his storyline, Universal Champion Roman Reigns needed a huge week to get back on track. For a few weeks now Reigns and The Bloodline seemed to have fallen short, especially when it came to feuding with King Woods and Sir Kofi Kingston.
At the Survivor Series, The Tribal Chief and The Bloodline once again showed us why they are the top dogs in WWE. It was a much-needed victory over RAW's WWE Champion Big E, and now the the family could look ahead to what was to come their way in 2022 with no more pay-per-views until January 1.
The Head of the Table opened SmackDown with his wise man, Paul Heyman, to reaffirm his his position. He claimed he was the greatest the WWE had ever seen and said that he had run rings around Smackdown with no real challengers left. It was a strong claim by the Universal Champion, but one the WWE Universe could easily believe after the last year and a half.
The Survivor Series and its opening promo on Smackdown really showcased Reigns at his best.
But at the end of the night on Smackdown caught The Tribal Chief off-guard. Firstly, Sami Zayn won a Black Friday Battle Royal to become the new No.1 contender for the Universal Championship. Second, and most importantly, Brock Lesnar's suspension was lifted to the shock of The Bloodline.
All-in-all, it was a strong week for Roman Reigns and in the storyline, he and The Bloodline will have a lot of confidence heading into next week when the The Beast Incarnate returns.
#4 Sasha Banks & Naomi impressed on SmackDown
Despite being defeated at the WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view on Team SmackDown, Sasha Banks returned to SmackDown to deliver a stunning performance just as The Boss can. She teamed up with Naomi - who missed out on being on Team Smackdown thanks to WWE official Sonya Deville. Sonya kept a close eye on the action while sitting at the commentary table.
The team faced and defeated Shayna Baszler and Natalya and delivered one of the best tag team matches we've seen on Smackdown for a number of weeks. It was full of energy and excitement. The tag team certainly impressed this week, and we definitely wouldn't mind seeing them team-up again.
#3 Austin Theory impressed this week on WWE RAW
What a few weeks it has been for Austin Theory. First of all, having the opportunity to be on Team RAW at the Survivor Series pay-per-view, and this week playing a huge role on Monday Night RAW.
The role included a high-profile interaction with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon after it was revealed Austin stole his Cleopatra egg on Sunday night. Vince liked Theory's courage and put him in the main-event of Monday Night RAW against WWE Champion Big E.
Although the young-star lost, he put on a fantastic showing and impressed the WWE Universe. He's definitely going to be one to watch heading into the new year.
#2 Drew McIntyre and Jeff Hardy impressed this week on WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown's top two babyfaces have formed quite the bond recently, and they once again teamed together this week. They faced the team of Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.
Again, like the women's tag team match on SmackDown, it delivered with excitement and really lifted the WWE Universe from their feet. It was an impressive showing from Drew and Hardy who defeated Corbin and Moss. We have to wonder what path they will take in the coming weeks to build on their own momentum.
#1 Queen Zelina and Carmella impressed on Monday Night RAW
New WWE Women's Tag Team Champions were crowned on Monday Night RAW as Queen Zelina and Carmella captured the gold. They defeated Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. to stun the WWE Universe.
It certainly capped an incredible few weeks for Zelina who also became Queen just a few weeks ago winning the Queen's Crown Tournament.
It was a joyful moment for the two ladies, and one they rightly deserved. Congratulations to the new champs!
Who impressed you this week on WWE programming this week? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
