It’s our first edition of Smackdown Live for the month of December, and it’s coming live from San Diego, California. Everyone, of course, has their own opinion on what San Diego means, but that’s a story for a different day.
You’re busy people, so let’s not waste time - I’m @SpennyLove, and here’s your official preview for tonight’s edition of Smackdown Live!
Last Weeks Smackdown:
The blue brand continues to revolve around it’s authority figures, and their battles with newly-reunited best friends Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. All four men have been outstanding since Zayn’s turn at Hell in a Cell, and while I’m usually not one for authority figure storylines, this one still has me interested. The tension between general manager Daniel Bryan and commissioner Shane McMahon is especially interesting; could this lead to a heel turn for the Yes Man?
Not a sanctioned nickname.
Our main event saw Randall Orton battle the aforementioned Kevin Owens in a No Disqualification match, with Zayn banned from ringside. I’ve never understood banning people in a No DQ match - it’s always been fairly obvious to me that someone is bound to interfere. That’s exactly what happened here, by the way; when Owens and Orton brawled up the ramp, Zayn appeared and targeted the Viper’s leg. This led to a win by Owens, and an issue that will surely be addressed tonight. How will Shane respond? Will it cause more tension between the GM and the commissioner? I’m interested, wrestling fans.
State of the Belts:
It’s a wonderful thing what happens when AJ Styles is champion. Ratings are slowly going up, and I’m slowly seeing less and less of Jinder Mahal. With the Maharaja scheduled to wrestle Triple HHH in India on December 9th, he likely won’t be making an appearance on this show. What will the Phenomenal One have in store with his chief rival away, and the Singh Brothers looking to be out of commission?
Prior to her scheduled defence against Natalya at Clash of Champions, Charlotte Flair gets a warm-up bout in as she faces off against Tamina in non-title action. After (surprisingly) being Smackdown’s last woman standing at Survivor Series, Tamina seemed primed for a run at the championship. However, with the introduction of the Riott Squad, it looks like that story has been put on the backburner.
Baron Corbin takes on Bobby Roode tonight in what should be the match made for Clash of Champions. While I like Dolph Ziggler, he has no business in a title match with absolutely no build behind it. It’s understandable for a relative newcomer to the title scene in Roode, but Ziggler has no reason to be here. At least he’ll be entertaining!
Here and There:
While the New Day will battle the Usos and the team of Gable & Benjamin at Clash of Champions, the positive trio will take on the team collectively known as Rusev Day (Rusev and Aidan English) tonight. Again, here’s my obligatory plug that Rusev is a national treasure to not only Bulgaria, but the entirety of North America and he deserves some sort of championship reign sooner rather than later.
Tye Dillinger hasn’t been on our screens for far too long, and that’s an issue for me. Amid rumours that Vince McMahon wants to quiet the “10” chants, when will the Perfect 10 next grace our screens?
While some have complaints that it’s too similar to Monday Night RAW’s new women’s faction, I’m still in love with the Riott Squad. Maybe it’s just because i’m such a fan of Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan - I don’t know much about Sarah Logan - but hopefully tonight sees their reign of dominance continue.
Three Things to Watch For:
- Always, ALWAYS watch for the Bludgeon Brothers. Especially with the Brothers Hype broken up, what’s next for the team of Harper and Rowan? Is it first names? Likely not, but hopefully it’s destruction!
- Speaking of the Hype Bros, I was surprised that it was Mojo Rawley that turned heel rather than Zack Ryder. It seems like a fairly basic tag-team breakup storyline, but how does it play out for the former friends?
- Happy Rusev Day, everyone!
I bet you thought I’d forgot!
That’s it, that’s all wrestling fans! You watching? Keep in touch with us in the debate section, or simply tweet us at @WCSportsCA!
WWE: Last Five
- This Week in Wrestling: December 1st
- NXT Preview and Predictions: November 29th
- Smackdown Live Preview: November 28th
- Three Misconceptions about Jericho/Omega
- The Real Revolution – Paige’s Return and What’s Next?
