18 Ups & 12 Downs From The WWE SmackDown Live Era
3. Talking Smack
The show that launched several new careers and famously relaunched an old rivalry, Talking Smack was the sort of joyous expedition so good that its cancellation felt like a matter of time.
Hosted by the ever-effusive Renee Young and an irrepressible Daniel Bryan completely unafraid of losing his job, the show gave agency to any performer daring to get themselves over on it. Baron Corbin foreshadowed his amazing craic as King Of The Ring with a stirring promise to win the Royal Rumble and then the Elimination Chamber title match just to give himself the night off at WrestleMania. Naomi's story of dashed hometown glory during an injury informed an entire rebooking of a 'Show Of Shows' shot. Mojo Rawley, for approximately eight minutes, was interesting.
And of course, The Miz' legendary appearances served as a reminder of exactly how good he'd become, and how spectacular he could still be. Leaving Bryan's return as a possibility rather than a dead issue, Talking Smack was also a lifeline for fans of the 'YES Man' when all hope appeared lost.