Smackdown Review 12/06/2019

SMACKDOWN REVIEW 12/06/2019

Tonight after a vicious attack from The Fiend and being dragged under the ring will we find out what happened to Daniel Bryan? Also, as Roman Reigns continues to try to take down those around King Corbin, will he be able to take down Dolph Ziggler as they go one on one? On that same note, what will King Corbin do to continue his reign of terror on SmackDown and humiliate Roman Reigns?

SmackDown comes to us from the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, NC.

SmackDown kicks off with a recap of the Daniel Bryan and The Fiend (Bray Wyatt) Situation from last week.

In-Ring Segment: Miz TV
Miz says he was going to start this episode off with Miz TV and his guest was supposed to be Daniel Bryan but because of the vents from last week that is not going to happen. E then tells how since then Daniel Bryan has disappeared. He then tells how he knows Daniel Bryan better than anyone in WWE and he knows how much he means to the WWE Universe. He says he thinks we saw the real Daniel Bryan last week but The Fiend yanked that away and since then he has been nowhere to be found. He says he’s never liked Daniel Bryan but he cares and he will get to the bottom of what happened to Daniel Bryan. Here comes The Firefly Fun House.
Wyatt tells Miz he doesn’t want to know what happened to Daniel Bryan and says he isn’t sure he even wants to know. He says Daniel Bryan could be with him and he may not be done with him yet. He then says he was going to come play with him at TLC but he doesn’t think he is going to be there. He then asks Miz to come play with him instead. Miz says he isn’t playing with him, Bryan is like family to the WWE Universe. Wyatt then goes on about family and tells that he use to have a family. He tells Miz he inspired him and he now has the chance to join a new family. He then shows a picture of Wyatt with Miz’s wife and two kids. Wyatt says so you want to come and play with me, huh? Miz gets out of the ring and storms up the ramp. Wyatt says he thinks it’s time to say goodbye.
My Opinion:
I absolutely love this, Wyatt continues to be mysterious and continues to prey on anyone he sees fit. This was a perfect way to not give away too much yet and keep everyone guessing. This is a good role for the Miz and he can go and try and face The Fiend. The more of Wyatt we see like this the better because this side of him is the catalyst for The Fiend and his actions and right now he is feeding The Fiend and the character as a whole very well.

Backstage Segment: The Miz
The Miz tells Maryse he is coming home right now. He is getting a flight, grabbing his bags, and getting out of here. He tells her they will talk about it later, and ends the calls as he walks away.

Match 1: Mandy Rose w/ Sonya Deville vs Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross
*** Quick note a big congrats to Jessika Carr on reffing her first match on SmackDown tonight!
Bliss and Rose lock up and Bliss quickly takes her down. Rose works away to a standoff. Bliss lands a beautiful drop toe hold takedown and Rose rolls out to regroup. Bliss tries a dropkick under the ropes but misses and is hit with a huge knee strike. Rose bounces her off the apron and then brings her in for the cover but Bliss kicks out. Rose now goes to work on the arm of Bliss and keeps her grounded on the mat. Rose moves to the ace of Bliss and rips out an eyelash. Rose taunts the crowd and brings Bliss to her feet. Bliss comes back with a big forearm strikes but Rose hits her with a big right hand. Biss goes down and Rose hits another knee strike. Rose covers but her foot is under the rope. Rose works a double under hook but Bliss escapes. A quick cover and a kick out from Rose. Rose pushes Bliss and Bliss comes back with a forearm. She grabs her throat and throws her to the ground. Bliss lands two big right hands and follows with a basement dropkick. She then uses the ropes to stomp on Rose. Bliss lands a senton. She gets distracted by Deville but Cross takes her out on the outside. Bliss plants Rose and then goes to the top. Bliss lands Twisted Bliss and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
My Opinion:
Rose was rough out there tonight and really did some damage on Bliss but Bliss hung in there and picked up a much-needed victory after being away for some time. She should have a lot of heart out there and even though it didn’t go long she still was in true Bliss fashion and showed why she has been so successful. This is also big for her and Nikki and they continue as a tag team and look in the future to try and regain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Backstage Segment: Dana Brooke & Drake Maverick & Elias
Drake Maverick tells Dana that he couldn’t help but notice that she said she was going on a dinner date with Batista. She says she is and she is excited. He says he is feeling rejected. He asks her what Dave Batista has that he doesn’t? Elias comes up and sings a song mocking Maverick. Maverick slaps him and Elias lets it go. Dana asks Elias if he really slept with Maverick’s wife and he says no, but something is going to happen.

In Ring Segment: Drake Maverick & Elias w/ Dana Brooke
Maverick comes out to the ring and says you all think this is funny. Drake Maverick’s life is nothing but a joke to everybody. He then questions if Elias thinks this is funny. He tells Elias no one makes a mockery out of him, his marriage, or his beautiful wife. He tells Elias he wants him out here not to compete in the ring but instead fight. Maverick runs at Elias and Elias grabs him by the head to stop his momentum. He then shoves him to the ground. Maverick gets up but is tripped. Elias grabs him by the shirt and parades around with him. He then bends Maverick over his knee and spanks him. Elias then punts Maverick to the ground. Maverick now tries to get away from him and runs back outside but Dana grabs him and throws him back in the ring. Elias now hits him with Drift Away. Dana comes in and pins him 1 2 3.
My Opinion:
This was a fun segment with a lot of laughs in there. Dana is in the hearts of the WWE Universe right now with her real-life romance and Elias is just coming back so this put them both in a fun-spirited light. For Drake Maverick this isn’t the brightest spot of his career but he sure does know how to be funny and plays the role in these very well.

Backstage Segment: The Miz & Bray Wyatt
Miz walks backstage and sees a locker room that looks like it belongs to The Fiend. He rushes in and finds the photo of Wyatt with his family. Wyatt comes from behind and says, say cheese. Wyatt then hits Miz with Sister Abigail and lays him out. He places the photo and Miz and sings there’s no place like home for the holidays.

Backstage Segment: The Miz
A ref comes to check on Miz and helps him get up. Miz asks where Wyatt is and where the photo is. Miz takes a breather as he struggles to his feet.

*** We then get a look at what the WWE Superstars said about the Troops at this year’s Tribute to the Troops taping/ visit.

Match 2: Heavy Machinery (Otis &Tucker) vs Mustafa Ali & Chad Gable vs The Revival (Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson) vs Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado w/ Kalisto): Fatal Four Way Elimination Match: Winners face The New Day at TLC for SmackDown Tag Team Championships
The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) At Ringside
Gabe is able to work a headlock and take Metalik to the mat. Metalik works out and works the arm of Gable. Gable fights out and works a drop toe hold. Gable now works on the arm of Metalik. Ali tags in and drops the ax handle on the arm of Metalik. Metalik sends him off the ropes but can’t make anything of it. The two trade reversals before trading arm drags. Ali tries a hurricanranna but Metalik lands on his feet. Tucker tags in and so does Dorado. Tucker takes him down and then the two miss on dropkicks. The Revival come in but they are taken down. Tucker uses Dorado to take down Gable and Ali. Dorado comes back with a springboard stunner. Otis tags in but is driven to the outside by a dropkick. Metalik tags in and he and Dorado then fly to take out two of the teams on the outside. Metalik flies again but he is caught by Otis. Tucker helps out and they hit the Compactor. Tucker covers and gets the 1 2 3 to eliminate Lucha House Party as SmackDown goes to break.
As SmackDown returns, Gable works the arm of Tucker. Tucker comes back and slams Gable. Wilder tags in and takes a cheap shot on Ali. Tucker is able to fight him off. Gable comes in and he is taken down. Dawson in now and Tucker lands a back body drop. Otis tags in and lands a big clothesline. Otis lands a scoop slam and builds momentum. Dawson lands a boot but Otis fires up. Otis lands a big throw of Dawson and then crushes him in the corner. Wilder tagged in but he is driven to the outside. Otis then hits the Caterpillar on Dawson. Wilder was helped by Dawson and was able to work a roll-up. Wilder covers and gets the 1 2 3. Heavy Machinery is eliminated. Wilder and Dawson and Ali and Gable square off in the ring. It spills to the outside and The Revival get the better of them. They then taunt Kofi and E. Ali and Gable then send Dawson and Wilder into The New Day. the three teams trade words as SmackDown goes to break.
As SmackDown returns, Dawson stretches Gable on his back. Gable works out and tries a quick cover but Dawson kicks out. Wilder tags in and stops Gable from the tag. Gable stays with it and suplexes both Wilder and Dawson. Ali tags in and Ali lands a huge kick. Ali covers but Dawson breaks up the count. Gable takes Dawson to the floor. Ali lands a kick on the apron. Ali fights off Wilder but Wilder is able to quickly take him down on a miscue from Ali. The cover and a kick out by Ali. Ali works another cover but Wilder kicks out. Now Ali lands a tornado DDT. He goes up top but Dawson saves Wilder. Ali flies but is caught and thrown into the timekeeper’s area. Gable goes up top and looks to fly but lands on his feet. He works the ankle lock but Wilder works out and he is then hit with an uppercut from Dawson. Dawson tags in and he and Wilder hit the Shatter Machine. Dawson covers and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Dawson tells Kofi and E that the fun and games are over. He tells them no more pancakes, unicorns, rainbows, or silly little gimmicks. He tells them no longer will they disgrace the tag team championships. Wilder says they are going back to the old days and what brought them to the dance and that is old school, old fashion tag team wrestling. Dawson says after they can complain on their podcast and tell the whole world how it was to be beaten by the best damn tag team in this company, The Revival.
Winners: The Revival (Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson): Will face The New Day at TLC for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
My Opinion:
This was an awesome match between these four teams, I loved the back and forth and the way each team really gave their all in it. The Revival came out on top to me because of everything they say and that’s because they do this old school. They don’t play around in there, they pick their spots and they capitalize on every opportunity in front of them. I believe The Revival can go out there and have a classic with anyone and I think they can bring back true tag team wrestling to the WWE. now at TLC although it may be unlikely with the way the teams are booked I would love to see them put on a classic with The New Day. I think if they all put together their strengths and play to them this match could steal the show. No more playing it safe and instead go out there and have their kind of match. It would help both teams and cement the tag division coming into 2020.

Backstage Segment: Roman Reigns
Kayla asks Roman if he is looking to do to Dolph what he did to Roode last week. He says he handles his business the same way every night and if they can handle the big fight they can get out of here. She then asks about Baron Corbin. He says Corbin shouldn’t need the help he has and at TLC whether it’s with a table, ladder, or a chair, he is going to embarrass him.

*** CM Punk returns to WWE Backstage this coming week!!!

*** We then see the hype video for the return of Sheamus

Match 3: Lacey Evans vs Haley Jones
Evans lands a takedown and then lands one more. She works the arm of Jones and keeps her grounded on the mat. Jones works to her feet but quickly is thrown to the mat. Jones gets to the corner and comes at Evans. Evans locks up and backs her back into the corner. Jones comes back and lands a series of forearms. Evans fights back and lands the Women’s Right. She covers and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match here comes Sasha Banks. Banks asks Evans if she thought she was going to leave? She tells her to leave her country but in there because they have some business to take care of. Banks heads to the ring as SmackDown goes to break.
Winner: Lacey Evans

In-Ring Segment: Sasha Banks & Lacey Evans
Banks asks Evans if she thinks she is funny. She tells how she got lucky last week with that sucker punch. She tells Evans she is the blueprint, the standard, and the leader of the women’s division. She calls her a Mary Poppins wannabe and tells her never to mess with her and Bayley again. She tells her just because she is a terrible role model for her 6-year-old. Evans tells her to never talk about her daughter again and says not only is she a mother but she is a United States Marine and you don’t want her to put those boots back on. She tells how she wasn’t going to listen to Sasha and Bayley. She says the Marine Core taught about leadership and says those two aren’t leaders. She says it also taught her about fighting and if she is going to keep talking she is going to drop her where she stands. Banks comes in and Evans fakes her out with a punch and Banks drops to the mat. Evans then walks up the stage. Bayley comes out and attacks her from behind. Banks then comes up and lands a big boot. The two stand tall as Evans is down.
My Opinion:
Banks and Bayley are doing awesome controlling the division on SmackDown and their actions have done a lot of good for those around them and it shows with Lacey Evans. At first, Evans didn’t click as well as she could have on the main roster but I feel like she is catching her stride. With Bayley and Sasha being how it allows Evans to shine through and really show who she is. She is being built up to the point if she did challenge Bayley and won, everyone would be excited for her. If this continues down the road it is there will be a big payoff and this is a story I’m watching very closely because the development of it is perfect.

*** The Miz will go one on one with Bray Wyatt at TLC

*** Roman Reigns will face Baron Corbin in a TLC Match at TLC

Backstage Segment: Baron Corbin & Dolph Ziggler
Corbin and Ziggler talk things over ahead of Ziggler’s match with Roman Reigns, next!

Match 4: Roman Reigns vs Dolph Ziggler
Reigns comes at Ziggler but Zigger stays away from him and backs into the corner. Reigns is dropped to a knee but Reigns works a chokehold. Ziggler gets to the ropes and then goes after the knee of Reigns. Ziggler lands the neck breaker and goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Ziggler rakes at the face of Reigns and then works his arm. Ziggler now taunts Reigns but Reigns comes out of the corner with a huge right hand. Reigns goes to the outside and looks for the drive-by but Ziggler moves and drives him into the steps as SmackDown goes to break.
As SmackDown returns, Reigns is able to fight Ziggler down and cover him but Ziggler kicks out. Ziggler comes back with a cover of his own but this time Reigns kicks out. Reigns fights back and hits him with a big right hand. He comes after Ziggler but Ziggler is able to trip him up and send him into the turnbuckle. Ziggler meets him on the outside and drives him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Ziggler tries a cover but Reigns kicks out. Ziggler now goes to a chokehold and keeps Reigns grounded on the mat. Ziggler switches his positioning but keeps the chin lock on. Reigns works to his feet and tries to fight out but Ziggler hits him with a kick. Reigns finally counters him and hits him with a series of clotheslines. He then sends Ziggler to the outside after a miss-step and Reigns goes to meet him. He runs around the ring and comes off the steps but he is met with a kick from Ziggler. Both men are down on the outside and here comes Baron Corbin as SmackDown goes to break.
As SmackDown returns, Ziggler calls for Reigns to get to his feet. Reigns does and is able to shake off Ziggler. Ziggler comes back and works a cover but Reigns kicks out. Reigns comes out of nowhere and hits him with the Superman Punch. He covers but can’t get the 3. Reigns looks for the spear but instead runs into a kick. He is then sent into the ring post. Ziggler hits the Zig Zag and covers but Reigns kicks out. Corbin now comes closer to the ring. Reigns hits Corbin with a Superman Punch. Ziggler tries a cover but Reigns fights out. A spear from Reigns and the cover, 1 2 3 Reigns wins!
*** After the match Reigns comes to the outside and hits a drive-by on Corbin. The guys who carry Corbin out o the ring then attack Reigns. Reigns fights back and takes them all down but he is then taken down by Corbin from behind. Corbin drives Reigns into the ring post but here comes Reigns. Reigns lands a right but someone then grabs his legs. Reigns continues to fight people off and he then sends Corbin over the announce table. Reigns looks for the powerbomb but Ziggler comes out of nowhere with the superkick. Ziggler then pulls out handcuffs from under the ring. He tries to cuff Reigns to the ring post but Reigns keeps fighting. Corbin jumps in and they finally handcuff him. Reigns is now stuck to the ring post and Corbin tees off on him. Ziggler now joins in with shots of his own. Ziggler and Corbin then pour dog food all over Reigns. Corbin then hits him with the scepter. Corbin and Ziggler finally leave ringside as SmackDown goes off the air.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Wow, I’m very impressed by Dolph Ziggler in this one, he truly gave Reigns all he had and at points, it really looked like he could win this one. Reigns come through in true fashion and pulled this one off looking as strong as ever. I loved the ending and the way Reigns looked like he was going to overcome the odds but this time he didn’t. Corbin and Ziggler got the last laugh but now this allows for Reigns to come back even more ruthless and show the aggressive side of himself that people have come to love.

Final Thoughts:
I’m really digging SmackDown right now, the development they have going on with the Superstars is awesome, there are a lot of intriguing stories, and the shows flow so well. First off, like I said I really loved Lacey Evans tonight. She is really coming into her own and this side of her is going to go a long way for her. Even though Bayley and Sasha got the last laugh, this will give Evans a huge platform to rise up and be the hero that she is. I was happy to see The Revival earn the tag team championship shot as well, I think these guys really are trying to change the division and if they put their minds to it they could steal the show with New Day at TLC. I was happy to see Alexa Bliss back in action on SmackDown, she picked up a big win and I hope she and Nikki can go and recapture the tag titles at some point. I loved what happened with Miz and Bray. Bray continues to be the master at mind games and lured Miz in and now gets a match with him at TLC. This is very smart and this was great storytelling here because now it makes sense why Miz was trying to help Daniel for weeks. Keeping Daniel away for a while helps his and The Fiend’s story build and I love long lengthy rivalries with big payoffs! Finally, Reigns and Ziggler put on a great main event. Ziggler really shined tonight and gave Reigns a fight. As I said I think Reigns not getting the last laugh was the best thing possible. It’s time for Reigns to come back and fight harder and tougher than ever! There are so many big things happening on SmackDown and I can’t wait to see where things go. There are so many great stories and rivalries and with additions like Sheamus coming back SmackDown could be the hottest thing going heading into the new year!
Overall Rating: 7/10