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

2. Some Serviceable Build

No, that opening segment with The Bloodline didn't lead to anything involving Kevin Owens or John Cena, but...come on now, WWE were never pressing repeat on Cena following last week's promo. He's being kept on ice for the final SmackDown of 2022, and rightly so.

If nothing else, the group's promo on Friday night was an in-person verbal rebuttal to the babyfaces, and you've gotta respect that. Sami Zayn got the bulk of mic time on offer too, and predictably smashed it like he's promising to smash Cena and old mate KO next week.

These characters are so well-rounded and comfortable that they can stretch paper-thin material into something fun with ease. That's what Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns and Zayn did during the first 15-20 minutes of the show.

Now, bring on the match.