7 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (6 Dec - Results & Review)

Ups...

7. Solo’s Crew Takes Out Frustrations

Anyone who keeps tabs on WWE's usual style probably knew there was no chance Roman Reigns would be on SmackDown. That's why it was so important that Solo Sikoa's crew bounced back from defeat at WarGames by coming out swinging. WWE knew that too, which is why they kicked the night off with Apollo Crews coming through security then Solo's Bloodline attacking him for no particular reason.

They're just frustrated. Good, they should be.

Later, Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu ambushed LA Knight and Andrade. Shinsuke Nakamura, who was also involved in the United States Title promo train, started dribbling black mist and skulked away, but The Bloodline got to the other two. Y'know what, you've got to like that. It shows that Nakamura is a threat even to other villains on the roster, and both segments portrayed Solo's team as psychotic bullies who hit down when they've been put in their place.

That's simple but effective character work. It's worth noting that Fatu got to look like a monster yet again. This dude steals the scene every time he's on camera, and it's only a matter of time before he's jousting for the big prizes around here. The patient approach has been a fruitful one for WWE - they're in no rush with Jacob.

Matches like Fatu vs. Knight/Andrade/Nakamura all sound interesting. So, mind you, do Solo vs. Knight/Andrade/Nakamura. Tama Tonga is clearly the least fascinating of the remaining Bloodline trio (they're two members down due to injuries suffered at Survivor Series), but he's a decent shout if someone must be fed quickly to LA.