3 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown: Merry Christmas (Dec 23)

2. Drama That Didn’t Quite Hit

Raquel Rodriguez Liv Morgan
WWE.com

WWE had a promising story on their hands with Raquel Rodriguez fighting through the pain in the 'Gauntlet', but the "broken arm" angle was akin to a stubbed toe. Raquel shook off Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler's attacks last week by powering through the pain like it was minimal.

Boo to that.

Nobody came believably close to beating her, and Sonya Deville was a baffling choice for the final spot in the match too. Liv Morgan would've been a better choice, because at least she's a former (and recent) champion who would've been an epic, uphill battle for Rodriguez.

Raquel was always winning this, which is a poor commentary on the strength of the blue brand female ranks right now. Folks with "broken arms" do not lift people above their heads with it or haul themselves off the canvas by grabbing the ropes either.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.