WWE SMACKDOWN 12/20/24 REVIEW

After an eventful Saturday Night's Main Event, Friday Night SmackDown played it safe heading into the Netflix era. Last night's pre-taped edition of the blue brand featured a handful of mid-card matches, recaps, and a few interesting wrinkles within some long-term storylines.

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One said wrinkle, would be the emergence of Drew McIntyre during Solo Sikoa's opening promo. I found this incredibly unexpected, but incredibly intriguing. McIntyre essentially said that he hasn't forgotten what Solo has done to him in the past, but as for now, they have a common enemy.  Essentially, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. (For now anyway) I really like this arc for Drew, and I'm incredibly excited to see his involvement with The Bloodline saga moving forward. 

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After the opening segment, an impromptu six man match breaks out between The New Bloodline and Andrade, Apollo Crews, and LA Knight. Great match here with Andrade yet again stealing the show in-ring. Outside of the ring, Jimmy Uso returned to attack Drew for some retribution while Shinsuke Nakamura once again set his sights on LA Knight. Solo wins the match with a Samoan Spike on Crews. 

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Next up, a new look Grayson Waller Effect talk show takes place with Braun Strowman Claus as a special guest. Strowman is interrupted and baited by Melo for an impromptu match. Melo gets manhandled during the match, yet is able to outsmart Braun to get a count out victory over the big man. Melo retreats with Braun in tow. Bonus points to anyone who spotted my main squeeze, Vicious Vicki during the segment.  

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I never like it when Johnny Gargano turns heel, but he always proves me wrong. After the major heel turn from DIY last week, Gargano takes on Alex Shelley one on one. Expectations were high for this match, but essentially it was interference from Ciampa that allowed Gargano to sneak out the win. My rebel heart is broken, but I am excited to see DIY once again hold the titles in the limelight. 

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Our main event for the evening saw one half of The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Bianca Belair team with Naomi to defend the titles against the team of Nia Jax and Candace LeRae. Great pre-match storytelling here as Naomi refused to hold the championship until after the team got the win. Tiffany Stratton was also told to stay backstage by her team, unexpectedly. However, it was Tiffy Time once again on Friday Night as Stratton did not follow orders. She approached the ring causing much distraction for her team. Inevitably the team of Naomi and Belair won the match, sending the Hartford, CT crowd home happy.  

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Still no word on who has attacked Jade, as many expect a major heel turn from Naomi and/or Belair. Time will tell but it looks like we are heading into the holidays merry and bright. We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season!! Keep it here on BCP+ for all your WWE SmackDown Coverage 

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