4 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (20 Dec - Results & Review)
Kevin Owens fires out a warning on a largely phoned-in WWE SmackDown.
It's obviously great that WWE's hardworking wrestlers and staff get a well-earned Christmas break to recharge and enjoy some time at home with their friends and families. Personally, this writer doesn't always think double tapings are something to get snippy about, but two things can be true at once: Triple H probably has to figure out a way to spread content out better across multiple episodes when filming several in one block.
Being fair, the weekend right before Christmas is probably the best time to phone it in a little bit. Also, 'The Game' will point to plot pushers like the Women's Tag-Team Title situation, a developing story involving old pals Alex Shelley and Johnny Gargano, Kevin Owens laying out his future plans and Drew McIntyre threatening Solo Sikoa as proof he still had the ol' brainbox switched on here.
That's valid, but it won't be some huge shocker if ratings and overall interest dip for SmackDown this week.
Most of the 'Ups' here are smaller fine print. They're important, sure, but they're not enough to make Friday's episode must see for those who want blockbuster matches, star power aplenty and killer angles in front of a red hot live crowd. WWE will be keeping some powder dry for Raw's debut on Netflix there, and understandably so. They'll also have SmackDown's imminent expansion to three hours in mind.
Look, the show wasn't bad by any means, and apologies if some of the 'Downs' come across as a little whiny. That negativity comes from a good place, because it's clear certain aspects of the program could've been a lot better.
Here's all the yay and nay from it!