3 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Dec 1 - Results & Review)

4. A Nothing Opening Segment

SmackDown's opening skit was the worst example of WWE's revolving door promo trope.

Yes, it did set up the idea that Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair and/or Shotzi would need to go through members of Damage CTRL before reaching IYO SKY, but it was all very meh. There's something very middle of the road about all of the babyfaces involved here, and it doesn't sit well that creative hasn't done much to sort that.

Belair, Flair and Shotzi are all terribly uninteresting at the moment, and that won't change until WWE starts fleshing their characters out properly. Belair is offering nothing new after previously teasing a heel run, Flair has always sucked as a face, and Shotzi's wild child side has been palmed off again for now.

Bayley has the most interesting story on SmackDown's female side, and she isn't even involved in the title mix quite yet. Hell, the (ex?) CTRL leader hasn't turned from heel to baby yet either. The fact she's still more engaging than any of the top faces is worrying.