Welcome to the Smackdown Review for December 19, 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
Best for Business
Danial Bryan was the first person out as he welcomed everyone to Smackdown. Talking about the historic announcement of the Women’s Royal Rumble match, Bryan said that the women of Smackdown would be up for the challenge. Shane McMahon came out and wanted to talk about Sunday. What followed was a very interesting exchange as Shane admitted he wanted Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn gone and Bryan said that Smackdown was supposed to be the place where everyone got an opportunity. Kudos to the writers for referencing the Authority story line. Shane said he trusts Bryan, but I am a little concerned how easily Shane gave in.
Not Worthy
The biggest surprise on Sunday was Dolph Ziggler winning the US Championship. That was nothing to what he did on Smackdown. After replying some of his impressive wins through out the years, Dolph said that no one is worthy because they never appreciated him. Saying that he wanted the fans to remember something, he laid down the title in the middle of the ring and walked out. There have been rumors that Ziggler was going to leave the company and this segment did feel like a goodbye. Until something is official, we will have to wait and see what happens.
Glow
As Charlotte made it clear that the winner of the women’s Royal Rumble would get a title shot, Naomi came out to declare for the Royal Rumble. The Riott Squad came out, but Naomi did not give them a chance to speak as she made a challenge for two members to face her and Charlotte. This match made me remember how good Naomi is and that a match with Charlotte would be fantastic. Also, the crowd was on it’s toes tonight, as they chanted “chicken head” at the Riott Squad after Naomi said it. It was so funny and unexpected that even Naomi started laughing.
Match of the Night
New Day vs. Rusev and Aiden English (New Day wins by pinfall)
This is how you do a holiday themed match. The New Day was dressed as a reindeer and a gingerbread man while English was a snowman and Rusev was Santa Claus. The fact that they were dressed this was just because and not as a stipulation allowed for more fun. Plenty of highlights, from Rusev giving out his shirts, New Day finding unexpected gifts in the bag, to English being flap jacked into a plate of cherry, whipped cream pancakes. Just a lot to love and the crowd switched allegiances back and forth through the match.
Conclusion
Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin won a non title match against the Usoes. The team of Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles beat Jinder Mahl, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. There will be little time to waste as the Royal Rumble is coming and we will have to see who join that match and who might be preoccupied.
