4 Ups And 1 Down From Last Night's WWE Smackdown (Dec 13)
A four-way elimination match determines the number one contender!
Last week, WWE followed up on a great TLC Pay-Per-View with an awful episode of Smackdown. With the exception of a couple of good segments and a solid main event, last week's show was full of short matches and nonsense. All in all, it felt like the writers were burned out, knew that they had eight weeks until the Royal Rumble, and decided to just put absolutely no effort in the show.
Thankfully, things were better this week. Though there was still no solid build for the Royal Rumble, the blue brand took the time to set up programs that will at least carry TV for the next few weeks, until the road to the Rumble begins in earnest. There were also some really exciting matches, including a main event that was probably the best bout the show has aired in weeks.
Things aren't perfect - certain storylines are getting tired, and the roster is noticeably thin (so thin that the company is relying on stars who have spent months losing). Still, with a new year right around the corner - and John Cena returning in two weeks - the future looks bright.
Here are 4 ups and 1 down from December 13's Smackdown: