4 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE 205 Live (Dec 27)
In which the king demands his crown.
December, the odd excellent TLC bout aside, is often an inconsequential and dull month in WWE lore - but last night’s edition of SmackDown! is generating considerable praise. Some are calling it the best television show WWE has presented all year.
John Cena’s opening promo was cut with typically flawless execution, and the reality-leaning content was dripping with intrigue. His sense of entitlement probably didn’t foreshadow a heel turn - but it did add much needed shades of grey to a character which had worn out its welcome. American Alpha surprised everybody by wresting the tag straps from the waists of the Wyatt Family. It was a curious decision which irked some, but the contrast between the interminable and predictable RAW division was refreshing.
The show as a whole was so bulletproof that even the much-maligned Baron Corbin emerged from it as a star. It’s more likely that AJ Styles dragged him up to his peerless orbit - but it was a standout performance, nonetheless.
All of which is to say that 205 Live had much to live up to, and subdued past form might lead one to give it a miss. The show couldn’t compete with SmackDown! - but it was the best episode of the nascent show yet…