4 things SmackDown got right on the episode before Christmas (December 20, 2019)

#1 The women’s revival

Dana Brooke doesn’t get a match on television too often, let alone a match against the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

This week, Brooke got her second consecutive opportunity against Bayley. While Brooke once again showed a lot of courage, she wasn’t able to overcome the heel as Bayley hit her finisher to pick up the win.

Brooke got her spotlight on the Blue brand once again, and the match also helped set up Lacey Evans’ rise on SmackDown. After the match, The Sassy Southern Belle came out to save Brooke from Bayley & Sasha Banks, and the mic war led to Evans challenging Banks to a match.

As Evans’ daughter watched from ringside, The Lady went a bit too far as the match spilled over outside and The Boss beat her down in front of her daughter.

The result saw a double count-out, as Bayley and Brooke had to pull the two women apart. This was a good segment that helped Bayley and Banks get some good screentime while allowing a build for Brooke and Evans as well.

Earlier in the night, Carmella also returned to the ring to defeat Sonya Deville, which was a welcomed move considering how the company has almost forgotten about The Princess of Staten Island.