WWE Smackdown Live December 6th: Analysing and grading each segment
With Royal Rumble 2017 almost two months away, the December 6th episode of SmackDown Live was completely focused on the fallout of TLC. Stories were advanced well stemming from TLC, as the blue brand continues to outshine Raw with logical booking and progression in storylines.
The Wyatts dominated Heath Slater and Rhyno in a Tag Title rematch, working as a cohesive unit once again. Carmella continued to fuel the fire of her claim that Natalya attacked Nikki Bella at Survivor Series, with Bella confronting the Queen of Harts backstage.
The Miz antagonised Dean Ambrose leading to the main event between Miz and Ambrose being announced. James Ellsworth continued to anger Dean Ambrose due to his delusional nature, costing him the Intercontinental Championship inadvertently, to close the show. Overall, another strong show from the blue brand.
So, which segments prospered, and which fell flat in the fallout from TLC? Let’s find out, as I analyse and grade each segment from the December 6th episode of Smackdown Live.
AJ Styles Promo:
Grade: 8/10
This segment served to announce the cancellation of the WWE title match more than anything, but it turned out to be a strong way to open the show. Ellsworth was far more brash and arrogant than usual, saying Styles was scared to face him.
This will be an interesting development for the Ellsworth character, and something that will keep his character going for longer, especially considering how entertaining it is to see him be so delusional. Hitting Ellsworth with Dirty Deeds, Ambrose was the silent, angry badass seeking revenge here and it was great.
This is a side that should be tapped into for the Lunatic Fringe in the coming weeks. Styles didn’t have much to say here, besides announcing his minor injury, but he was still stellar as always with his brash heel persona. Overall, a solid segment to open the show that logically progressed from TLC’s controversial ending.
Check out the segment here: