Welcome to the Smackdown Review for December 5, 2017. For both this and Raw, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show.
Talking Points
The Kevin and Sami Show
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn opened the show looking very smug with themselves. After crowing about outsmarting Shane McMahon, they laid out their case for being targeted. Zayn explained how he was not at ringside and walked over to the ramp. This was not a smart move, as Randy Orton appeared behind Owens and delivered a RKO. Shane then appeared and announced that Zayn would face Orton with Owens handcuffed to the ring. He also announced that Owens and Zayn would face Orton and a partner of his choosing at Clash of Champions. One interesting thing to note here is that Owens vs Shane is in the same vein as Stone Cold vs. Vince, yet the crowd has reversed who they support.
Rusev Day
There is finally a Rusev Day shirt! Besides this amazing development, Rusev and Aiden English took on the New Day. One of the most remarkable things as how much English puts into his character. He sings when he has applies a headlock and acts like a conductor with the crowd. Something is working, as he and Rusev claimed victory. In the most surprising development, they were added to the Tag Team Title match at Clash. If this odd couple wins, might we hear the full version of the 12 Days of Rusev Day?
Lumberjills
One of the main complaints against the Riott Squad is that they are not as destructive as Absolution. This is not a negative, as it allows for the two groups to be on different paths. For Ruby Riott and her group, it is a lack of respect rather then following one particular member. It was announced that Charlotte vs. Natalya would be a lumberjill match and we saw a preview when Charlotte took on Tamina. The best character was Natalya, trying to get anyone on her side anyway she could.
Match of the Night
Sami Zayn vs. Randy Orton (Orton wins by pinfall)
As Owens watched handcuffed, Zayn and Orton had a match that was much better then the previous week. Zayn can sell like a champion and he made all of Orton’s moves look extra strong. There was also a fire in Orton tonight, as he looked generally angry about his loss to Owens. After Orton rolled up Zayn for the win, Owens, free of his restraint thanks to some bolt cutters, proceeded to attack the Viper. Shinsuke Nakamura made the save and both he and Orton landed their finishing moves on the pair. Shane announced after the match that he will be the special referee and that Owens and Zayn’s jobs will be on the line. Danial Bryan, however, does not look like he is on board.
Conclusion
Less then two weeks to go to the pay-per-view. Dolph Ziggler attacked both Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode to show he belongs in their triple threat match. Luke Harper and Eric Rowan continue their path of destruction. One notable absence was AJ Styles and Jinder Mahl. We will have to wait to see how Mahl explains his attack on the Sing Brothers.
