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Once again, SmackDown Live produced a spectacular episode, with the special ‘Wildcard Finals’ edition to close the year living up to the hype. While Raw produced one of their worst shows of 2016, SmackDown Live exhilarated fans with one of their best, as the blue brand closed 2016 with a bang.
Each segment was extremely enjoyable, with the show feeling like a PPV when it went off the air. John Cena returned, challenging whoever emerged WWE Champion in the main event to a title match at the Royal Rumble 2017 in San Antonio, Texas.
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SmackDown’s top four tag teams clashed in a Four Corners Tag Team Elimination match for the Wyatts’ championships, with American Alpha emerging victorious in a huge (and awesome) victory to win the titles.
Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss clashed for Bliss’ Women’s Championship, with a new ‘La Luchadora’ costing Lynch the title in confusing fashion.
Dean Ambrose ambushed the Miz backstage, after the A-Lister’s actions towards him and Renee Young on last week’s episode, with an IC Title match announced between the two for next week’s show.
AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship in an outstanding main event against Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler, with Styles managing to retain the gold. These segments combined to produce another phenomenal episode from the blue brand, but which segments/matches stole the show?
Let’s find out, as I analyse and grade each match from the December 27th edition of SmackDown Live.
John Cena returns and issues a Challenge:
Grade: 9/10
This was an excellent way to open the show, with Cena’s return immediately hyping up the crowd. It was awesome to see Cena back in a WWE ring after more than two months away, and he knows exactly how to control and work the crowd. He did it perfectly here with the raucous Chicago fans.
Cena challenging the winner of the WWE title match later was great, as it added more intrigue to see who would walk out Champion by the end of the night. Cena’s reasons for getting a title shot were also excellent, as he added some edge to his character by saying that he is John Cena, so he can do whatever he wants.
This was a new and extremely intriguing side of Cena, who often falls back into his usual corny shtick too often. Maybe we will see a more heelish side of Cenation against AJ Styles, and eventually The Undertaker.
Overall, a fantastic promo from Cena as usual, and a splendid way to open the show, with Cena’s title match at the Royal Rumble set to be another classic between him and the champion, AJ Styles.
Check out his return here:
Four Corners Elimination Tag Team Match (Smackdown Tag Team Championships):
Result: American Alpha pin the Wyatts last to win the championships.
Grade: 8.5/10
This was a splendid match to open the show, with fast-paced action and high stakes keeping the Chicago crowd invested in the matchup. Heath Slater and Rhyno being eliminated first is another hint at their impending breakup, which is sad to hear after a fun underdog run as a tag team.
American Alpha and the Wyatts’ long battle to finish the bout was wise, as the two teams produced some excellent action without the chaos of two other teams waiting in the wings. The title win here from American Alpha was awesome, with the Chicago crowd erupting for new Tag Team Champions.
A shock title victory is something that has been often missing from WWE TV, so it was nice to see American Alpha win the gold here. Although some may say it was too soon for the Wyatts to drop the titles, it can allow for all three to move up the card heading into the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania, whether they stay as a unit or not.
It will also be interesting to see how Orton and Harper’s tension (which cost them the match) will play out in the coming weeks. Overall, a splendid match with great action, and a shock title win for American Alpha, who deservedly won the Tag Team Titles in exhilarating fashion.
Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss (Smackdown Women’s Championship):
Result: Alexa Bliss hits a distracted Lynch with a DDT to retain her title.
Grade: 7.5/10
This was a good match between Bliss and Lynch, although it was a tad sloppy at times. The action was fine, and the crowd were somewhat hot for the action, but it lacked the electricity of the other segments on the show.
Not a bad match by any means, but not the two’s best work. The finish, with a new masked ‘La Luchadora’ coming out to distract Lynch, was wise, as it allows Lynch to transition into a new rivalry with whoever was behind the mask.
The speculation for who was behind the mask will also lead to anticipation for when it is finally revealed. It was smart for Bliss to retain here as well, as her title reign is just getting started. Bliss’ arm injury was confusing, however, as it wasn’t clear if Bliss was actually hurt or faking it somehow.
Overall, a good match, but a somewhat confusing finish and some sloppy action led to this being a weaker segment than others.
Dean Ambrose ambushes the Miz Backstage:
Grade: 8/10
This was a simple but effective segment that saw Ambrose gain revenge for Miz’s actions last week. It was great to see the intense, angry side of the Lunatic Fringe, as he resorts to comedy too often.
Miz’s brash heel character meshes well with Ambrose’s determined side, which should be a major part of what can be another great IC Title feud. Renee Young, while a factor, isn’t the main focus in this feud, and that should continue. Miz and Ambrose’s issues should coincide with Young’s involvement, not take a step behind it.
The Miz and Ambrose’s rivalry is developing nicely, and they have an IC Title match set for next week’s show. Expect the feud to intensify after that encounter. Overall, a short, but strong segment backstage that continued the Ambrose/Miz feud, with Renee Young and Maryse being a factor as well.
AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE Championship):
Result: AJ Styles pins Dolph Ziggler to retain.
Grade: 9.5/10
This was a spectacular main event for the WWE Title, with Corbin, Ziggler and AJ producing one of the best TV main events of the year. AJ Styles received a hero’s welcome from Chicago, with the fans completely behind the ‘Phenomenal One’.
Receiving a huge pop upon entering, Styles is sure to turn face sooner rather than later, with fans showering him with cheers. Baron Corbin looked incredible here, dominating both Styles and Ziggler for a large portion of the match.
If it wasn’t clear before, it is now that Corbin belongs in the main event scene on SD Live. Ziggler was great here, as usual, contributing his show-stealing effort against Styles and Corbin. The spots in this match were also incredible, with an announce table spot on Corbin and a Zig-Zag/End of Days combination both taking fans’ breath away.
Chicago chanted ‘This is Awesome’ multiple times, and they were not wrong. The finish was also expertly done, with Styles pinning Ziggler while Corbin was taken out by the Phenomenal Forearm.
The commentators did an excellent job putting over Styles’ debut year in WWE, with his win here being emphasised as the perfect ending to a spectacular 2016 for the Phenomenal One. AJ vs. Cena at the Rumble should be incredible, much like their two previous matches.
Although other bouts may disappoint at the Rumble (Reigns vs. Owens, anyone?), Cena vs. Styles should be another classic encounter. The handshake between the two was a nice sign of respect to close the show, with their feud set to continue heading into 2017, with the WWE Championship on the line this time.
Overall Grade for Smackdown Live December 27th: 9/10
Check out the fantastic match here:
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