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5 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (12/26)

shane styles smackdown

Written by

Robert Lentini

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WWE SmackDown aired live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL on 12/26/17. Here are 5 takeaways from this week’s episode of SmackDown:

Gable & Benjamin Earned Another Shot At The Titles

SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown and made his way down to the ring as the Chicago crowd chanted “yes!”. Bryan rolled footage of Dolph Ziggler’s speech last week in which he left his United States Championship in the ring and walked away. Bryan said that he has been trying to contact Dolph all week but Ziggler has not responded. Daniel claimed that due to Dolph’s actions last week, it appears that Ziggler has relinquished his title. Bryan said that Ziggler was one of the all-time greats and wished him well. Bryan then announced a tournament to crown a new United States Champion.

Bryan announced Baron Corbin versus Bobby Roode as a first round matchup. Gable and Benjamin interrupted and asked what Bryan was going to do about the tag title situation. The crowd broke out in a “Rusev Day!” chant. Bryan brought up Gable and Benjamin just having an oppurtunity at Clash of Champions. Gable and Benjamin complained about it being a Fatal 4-Way and another “Rusev Day!” chant broke out.

Aiden English and Rusev then came down to the entrance ramp and a third “Rusev Day!” chant broke out. English then sang a tune about deserving to face The Usos for the titles. New Day joined the party to a great reaction from the crowd. New Day started throwing pancakes into the crowd and Chicago chanted “New Day rocks!”. Woods claimed that the other teams are out here wasting his time. Big E called Shelton Benjamin “old Jason Jordan” and noted that they were the team that was pinned by The Usos at Clash of Champions. New Day added that they pinned English and Rusev last week.

Rusev shouted “shut up!” as New Day was dancing with Daniel Bryan. Another “Rusev Day!” chant broke out in the crowd. Rusev asked if Bryan had to ask his mommy Shane McMahon to announce the #1 contenders. Bryan stated he could make this decision on his own and announced a Triple Threat match and the winners will face The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

The Usos joined commentary for the match. Woods, Gable and English started off the match in the ring. Woods and Gable got into a shoving match while English stood in the corner. Gable bumped into Rusev and Rusev shouted at him. A brawl broke out outside the ring between Big E, Rusev and Benjamin. Woods Clotheslined English out of the ring and then leaped onto everyone. Woods brought English back into the ring and kneed him in the face for a two count.

Big E was tagged in and he Powerbombed Woods onto English’s chest for a two count. Woods climbed to the top rope but Rusev shoved him to the floor. Gable planted both English and Big E with a German Suplex at the same time and unsuccessfully tried to pin them both. Benjamin was tagged in and he and Gable stomped on Big E in the corner.

Benjamin connected with a Suplex to Big E for another two count. Rusev was tagged in to a big ovation from the crowd. Rusev stomped on Big E in the corner but Gable tossed Rusev out of the ring. Benjamin and Gable kneed Big E in the face for a two count. English was tagged back in and started beating down Big E in the corner with Chad Gable. Big E launched out of the corner and connected with a double Clothesline to English and Gable.

Woods got back into the match and launched English into the ropes and Dropkicked him in the back. Woods booted Gable in the face and leveled him with a Clothesline. Xavier hit a rolling elbow to English’s face and went for the cover but Gable broke it up. Benjamin was tagged back in and launched English into Rusev’s midsection. Shelton connected with a Spinebuster to English and tagged Gable back in.

Chad Suplexed Woods but turned around right into a boot to the face courtesy of Aiden English. Rusev was tagged back in and he leveled both Woods and Gable with kicks as the crowd erupted. Rusev then leveled Benjamin and Big E with kicks and the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” once again. Gable caught Rusev on the apron and English tagged back in. Gable planted Rusev with a German Suplex and then Woods hit a Dropkick off the top rope to English for a two count.

Big E tagged back in and slammed Gable into Woods’ knees for a Backstabber for a two count. Woods tagged in and climbed to the top rope but jumped into a knee from Benjamin. Gable followed it up with a ridiculous Moonsault onto Woods for a two count. Shelton tagged in but was dropped with a boot from English. Woods planted Gable with a DDT and English slammed Woods to the canvas and went for the cover but Benjamin broke it up.

Benjamin perched English up on the top rope and Gable joined them there. Benjamin and Gable went for a Superplex but Rusev planted them both with a Powerbomb off the top and English was able to hold onto the ropes. English connected with a Frog Splash off the top rope onto Gable for a two count. Rusev tagged back in and stomped on Gable’s back. Rusev booted Woods in the side of the head and Xavier fell right beside Gable. Rusev placed Woods on top of Gable and then locked in the Accolade on them both at the same time. Benjamin booted Rusev in the face to break the hold and the crowd booed.

Benjamin then tagged in and knocked English off the ring apron. Big E tagged in as well and Speared Benjamin off the ring apron to the floor outside the ring. Big E brought Benjamin back in the ring and went for the Big Ending but Shelton escaped. Benjamin kneed Big E in the face on the top rope. Benjamin lifted Big E onto his shoulders and Gable leaped onto Big E and slammed him to the canvas for the pinfall victory. Gable and Benjamin are the new #1 contenders and have earned another shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships next week on SmackDown.

SmackDown’s tag division has some serious momentum right now. Aiden English and Rusev are very popular and should be in the tag title picture in the near future. Gable and Benjamin deserve another shot at The Usos and I cannot wait to see it next week on SmackDown. Tonight’s SmackDown opened with a bang and it is great to see tag team wrestling back in a big way on Tuesday nights. The Bludgeon Brothers dismantled Breezango once again tonight. The Ascension came to Breezango’s rescue and brought them backstage.

The Ascension then said that Breezango were challenging the Bludgeon Brothers once again next week. Breeze and Fandango wanted no part of another match but Konnor and Viktor took it out of their hands. It is only a matter of time before The Bludgeon Brothers find themselves in the title picture as well.

Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan Are Still Not On The Same Page

SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan was shown after the match and Shane McMahon showed up. Shane brought up Daniel Bryan comparing him to his father last week and Shane admitted that he was upset by it. Shane said that Vince can be a mean SOB, but has built this empire by himself. Shane said that his father has redefined this business and that he is father. Bryan stated that Shane is throwing his weight around like his father used to. Shane accused Bryan of throwing his weight around with the United States Championship and claimed that Bobby Roode and Corbin deserve to have another shot at the title.

Bryan said that this is the land of the opportunity and wanted to grant that opportunity to multiple Superstars. Shane complained about Bryan not banning Sami Zayn from ringside during the match. Shane added that people in the back are claiming that Daniel is showing favoritism towards Zayn and Owens. Bryan said that he wanted to end the year with Owens versus Styles because it would be a great match. Shane simply responded with an “okay” and then the two stared at each other for a moment before the segmented ended.

I have no idea what this storyline is leading to, but I am enjoying the ride. It is hard not to side with Daniel Bryan here, even though Zayn and Owens have been out of control on SmackDown. Shane is letting personal issues with Owens & Zayn get to head and is losing sight of what SmackDown is supposed to be, the land of opportunity. Daniel will clearly stop at nothing to protect that vision and things seemed destined to come to a head in the near future between the SmackDown GM and Commissioner.

The Riott Squad Retreated Again

Ruby Riott faced Naomi tonight on SmackDown. Last week, Naomi announced that she will be in the women’s Royal Rumble and tonight Ruby Riott announced the same. Logan and Morgan accompanied Riott to the ring for the match. Ruby started out in control but Naomi responded with a boot to the face.

Liv Morgan hopped on the ring apron and Naomi clocked her in the face. Sarah Logan did the same and Naomi knocked her down as well. Riott used the distraction to her advantage and booted Naomi in the back of the leg. Ruby then connected with the Riott Kick for the pinfall victory.

After the match, the Riott Squad attacked Naomi. SmackDown Women’s Charlotte sprinted to the ring and leveled Logan with a Clothesline. Charlotte Speared Ruby and then attacked Liv Morgan. The numbers game caught up to Charlotte and the Riott Squad picked her apart. The Riott Squad threw Charlotte out of the ring and then posed in the ring as the crowd booed.

Natalya, Tamina, Lana and Carmella then came down to the ring and hopped up on the ring apron. They then got into the ring with the Riott Squad and stared at them. The Riott Squad retreated as Natalya, Tamina, Lana and Carmella stared at them. They then got out of the ring and attacked the Riott Squad on the entrance ramp. Riott, Morgan and Logan were able to escape and run up the entrance ramp.

Ruby Riott picked up the victory tonight, but once again the Riott Squad looked vulnerable. The Riott Squad will be outnumbered in the women’s Royal Rumble as they have done nothing but make enemies every Tuesday night on SmackDown.

Bobby Roode & Jinder Mahal Advanced In US Title Tournament

Bobby Roode faced Baron Corbin in the first round of the United States Championship tournament tonight on SmackDown. Roode locked in a Headlock to start off the match as the crowd chanted “Bobby Roode!”. Corbin broke free but Roode knocked him to the mat with a couple of strikes. Corbin rolled out of the ring to regroup and then got back in and was greeted with a punch to the face. Roode planted Corbin with a Neckbreaker for one count.

Corbin took control of the match and targeted Roode’s abdomen with his attack. Corbin drove his shoulder into Roode’s midsection a few times in the corner and then leveled Bobby with a right hand. Roode connected with a couple of chops but was quickly planted with a Side Slam from Corbin for a two count. Corbin wrapped his arms around Roode’s midsection and tried to squeeze the life out of Roode.

Bobby battled to his feet but Corbin casually tossed him out of the ring. Roode got back up to the ring apron but was knocked to the floor by a forearm from Corbin. Baron rolled out of the ring and connected with a massive Clothesline outside the ring. The action returned to the ring for a moment but Roode knocked him out of the ring. Corbin quickly got back in but was immediately knocked back out via a Clothesline from Roode. Bobby then leaped off the ring apron and hit a Clothesline.

Roode and Corbin returned to the ring with Roode in control. Roode hit a Blockbuster off the second rope for a two count. Corbin responded with a jab to the midsection and then launched Roode into the ring post. Roode connected with a Spinebuster and then geared up for the Glorious DDT. Corbin blocked it and planted Roode with the Deep Six for a two count.

Corbin and Roode battled on the turnbuckle. Roode headbutted Corbin to the canvas and went for a Clothesline but Corbin caught him. Corbin went for a Chokeslam but Roode escaped into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Jinder Mahal faced Tye Dillinger in the first round of the United States Championship tournament tonight on SmackDown. Mahal controlled the match early as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Dillinger battled back and knocked Mahal to the corner of the ring and stomped on him. Tye took down his knee pad and went for the Tye Breaker but Jinder blocked it. Dillinger climbed to the top rope and hit a Crossbody but Mahal rolled through for a cover. Dillinger kicked out at two but Mahal connected with a Gutbuster for another two count.

Dillinger hit a DDT on Mahal and went for the cover but Jinder kicked out at the last moment. Tye bashed Mahal in the face with a couple of rights but Mahal escaped and hit Dillinger in the back of the exposed knee. Mahal then planted Dillinger with the Khallas for the pinfall victory. Jinder Mahal joins Bobby Roode in advancing to the second round of the United States Championship tournament.

Dolph Ziggler could come back and screw up this entire tournament before it is over. Corbin has a legitimate reason to be pissed off, as he didn’t receive his automatic rematch for the title. Mahal would make much more sense as the United States Champion than the WWE Champion.

Owens & Zayn Got The Better Of Shane McMahon Again

WWE Champion AJ Styles was interviewed backstage. AJ was asked about Shane McMahon accusing Bryan of playing favorites and Styles claimed that he didn’t care about that. Styles said that it was fine if Owens wanted to have Zayn in his corner. Styles stated that things wont be handed to Owens as long he is on the same brand as AJ. Styles claimed that Owens is going to outwork him tonight in their match and that is not going to happen. AJ stated that SmackDown will still be the house that AJ Styles built in 2018.

Kevin Owens was backstage with Sami Zayn and had a bottle of champagne. Owens was interviewed and stated that he is not going to pop the bottle of champagne until he defeats AJ Styles tonight. Owens added that the last time he faced Styles, Shane McMahon was the special guest referee. Owens claimed that Shane did everything he could to make sure he lost that match. Owens called Zayn his guardian angel and noted that he will be by his side tonight. Kevin added that he is better than phenomenal and stated that nobody in Chicago is invited to their special celebration tonight.

Renee Young then interviewed Randy Orton backstage. Orton stated that he has been dealing with everyone’s issues except for his own. Orton said that he was looking to the future and officially announced that he is entering the Royal Rumble match. Shinsuke Nakamura showed up behind Orton and said that he was going to be in the Royal Rumble match as well.

WWE Champion AJ Styles faced Kevin Owens in the main event of this week’s episode of SmackDown. Guardian angel Sami Zayn accompanied Kevin Owens to the ring. Styles connected with a Dropkick right when the match started and then bounced Owens’ head off the turnbuckle a few times. AJ locked in the Calf Crusher but Owens quickly grabbed the bottom rope to break the hold. Owens rolled out of the ring and AJ followed him out there and booted him in the back of the leg. Sami shouted at the referee as Styles brought Owens back into the ring.

Owens hobbled towards the ropes but AJ grabbed Owens’ leg. Owens used his power to boot Styles out of the ring and AJ crashed hard to the floor. Owens got out of the ring and leveled Styles. Sami Zayn hopped around in excitement as Owens brought AJ back into the ring and hit a Senton for a two count. Owens kneed AJ in the back and applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring.

AJ battled to his feet and connected with a flurry of strikes. Owens dropped Styles with an elbow for a two count as SmackDown went for a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Owens was still in control of the match and had AJ in a Chin Lock. AJ broke free but Owens connected with a boot to the face for a two count.

Owens applied the Chin Lock once again as the crowd started to chant “AJ Styles!”. AJ battled to his feet and hit a couple of elbow shots to Owens’ midsection. AJ hit a Flapjack out of nowhere and Owens slammed face-first into the canvas. AJ missed with a Moonsault and Owens hit a Clothesline for a two count. Owens delivered a Neckbreaker and slammed AJ’s neck into his knee for another two count.

Owens charged at AJ but Styles countered into a Michinoku Driver. Styles and Owens traded jabs in the ring and AJ got the upper-hand and decked Owens with a Clothesline. AJ followed it up with a forearm and both Superstars fell to the canvas. AJ was the first up and went for the Styles Clash but Owens escaped for a moment. AJ caught Owens with a Pele Kick and both Superstars returned to the canvas.

Sami Zayn paced around the ring in frustration as AJ was the first Superstar to his feet again. AJ went for teh Phenomenal Forearm but Owens caught him and hit a Gutbuster to Styles. Owens hit an Elbow Drop off the second rope for a two count. Styles connected with a Powerbomb for a two count and Owens rolled out of the ring.

Styles connected with a Crossbody to Zayn on the outside of the ring. AJ then slammed Owens’ face into the ring post and threw Owens into the ring. Sami Zayn leaped onto the ring apron and distracted Styles. Owens hit a Superkick to AJ but Styles somehow kicked out at two. Shane McMahon then came down to the ring and instructed the referee to throw Sami Zayn out from ringside. Styles rolled up Owens in the ring but the referee was distracted. AJ looked up in confusion and Owens rolled up Styles for the pinfall victory.

Shane McMahon was pissed off on the entrance ramp and AJ couldn’t believe what just happened in the ring. Styles walked towards Shane and then stopped to stare at him. Owens and Zayn celebrated in the ring as Shane McMahon looked on in frustration. SmackDown went off the air with Owens and Zayn once again getting the better of the SmackDown Commissioner.

Shane McMahon once again got involved in a situation that had nothing to do with him. He has no pissed off AJ Styles in his never-ending quest to conquer Owens and Zayn. Shane simply attempted to do the right thing tonight and remove Sami Zayn from ringside. However, it was clearly on his mind earlier tonight when he complained to Daniel Bryan that Zayn wasn’t banned from the match. Owens and Zayn are clearly in his head and the SmackDown Commissioner inadvertently cost the WWE Champion a match. Styles still doesn’t have an opponent for Royal Rumble, so it will interesting to see where this storyline leads over the next few weeks.

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