4 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (19 Dec - Results & Review)

2. Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes = Surprise Package

Nothing was guaranteed for Carmelo Hayes when his promising tag-team with The Miz (the streets will never forget 'Melo Don't Miz') splintered. He's had a topsy turvy time of it on the main roster since leaping up from NXT, so there had to be some out there concerned that Hayes was about to fall into the file marked 'Cameron Grimes' more than the one inked 'Kevin Owens'.

Thankfully, the writing staff have stumbled upon some new direction for Melo; Dragunov and Hayes made quite the team vs. DIY. Together, all 4 guys worked a delightful tag-team sprint. It was way better than the tag title match that happened straight after it, put it that way, but that won't come as a surprise when seeing who was across the ring from Ilja and Camelo.

Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa were giving, as always, and Melo looked tough by kicking out of some double team stuff late on. Hey, this is worth repeating: WWE could be onto something here with Melo and Dragunov as a double act. They had match of the night, which is becoming a bit of an occurrence with Ilja.

Speaking of which, Dragunov was somehow bleeding again. At this stage, it's probably just his intensity that does that. The man gives his all each and every time he's inside the ring, and he has done since returning from injury to capture the United States Title. There are no half measures when it comes to the champ and his "pain will entertain you" tour.

Cracking little match here.