WWE SmackDown: 10 Things You Might Have Missed (Dec 27)

6. American Alpha Prospered Due To Zack Ryder's Misfortune

American Alpha are the new SmackDown Live Tag-Team Champions, the third team to achieve that crown since the belts were introduced this past September. Chad Gable and Jason Jordan are deserving of the titles, that's not in question, although it's true that they may not be champions right now were it not for another star's misfortune.

Several weeks ago, Zack Ryder was victorious in a Battle Royal designed to establish new contenders for The Wyatt Family and their gold. This meant that Ryder's team (The Hype Bros with Mojo Rawley) would challenge for the belts. Sadly, a knee injury took Zack out of action.

Only then did WWE set up a Fatal-4-Way Elimination Match for this week's SmackDown, one involving The Wyatts, The Usos, American Alpha, and former champs Heath Slater and Rhyno.

In other words, American Alpha wouldn't have even been in the title conversation had Ryder remained fit. It's hard to know if WWE planned on switching the belts anyway, meaning The Hype Bros could feasibly be champs themselves.