Is SmackDown becoming the "A" show again?

#2. The right champions are coming into place

The champ that runs the camp once again!

A big reason why SmackDown has been in a dark age this year is because of its previous roster of champions, barring the Usos and the New Day just wasn't exciting. Even Kevin Owens and AJ Styles' US title reigns were somewhat lacklustre, as they just seemed to lack chemistry together in their lengthy summer feud.

In the build to Survivor Series, the picture changed.

AJ Styles is now WWE Champion and the odds are increasing that he'll hold it into WrestleMania, which would set up the showdown with Shinsuke Nakamura so many fans are clamouring for. Compared to the purported Jinder Mahal vs. John Cena match, it's a gift from heaven.

Charlotte proved again that she's the right person to hold the SmackDown Women's Championship, as her match with Natalya on the go-home show was the best for that title all year. Though I doubt she'll hold it into WrestleMania with the horsewomen match purported to be coming and with Carmella looming, a few more such matches would help to elevate that title a lot.

The Usos continue their excellent run as tag team champions and with tag teams being a highlight of the blue brand throughout its dark period, there's no reason to expect this won't continue, as compared to RAW's very thin division at the moment.

Even Baron Corbin is in the right spot now as United States Champion. Here we'll get to see whether he can elevate himself into a true main event act.

It was too soon for him to become WWE Champion, as it seemed he would when he won the Money in the Bank briefcase in June.

With the championship picture shifting seismically as WrestleMania begins to creep over the horizon, SmackDown should finally be worth watching again weekly and not just because Survivor Series has added intrigue to the show for a few weeks.