8 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Dec 22 - Results & Review)

1. Shaking Off Ring Rust (And A Hot Finish!)

AJ vs. Solo Sikoa was as hard-hitting a main event as you'd expect, but it didn't end clean. Styles got to shake off some ring rust (similar to Randy Orton vs. Jimmy Uso on last week's show), then Roman Reigns poked his nose in. That led to The Bloodline taking a powder so AJ, Orton and LA Knight could brawl.

Roman told his troops to stay back, which was smart booking. It put the spotlight on a coming three way, and avoided Reigns or his Bloodline backup taking a beating as the good guys (if Styles still is a good guy) stood tall. WWE went the more interesting route rather than than predictable one.

Everything about the match-turned-angle worked.

It's also awesome to have AJ back on TV regularly. He remains one of the best workers in the biz on his day, and he's capable of working really enjoyable matches in his sleep. Next week's SmackDown looks like a "Best Of 2023" edition, so this was WWE's last chance to add spice to the triple threat before it happens.

Mission accomplished.

What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more like this, check out 10 WWE Stars Triple H Will NEVER Use Properly and 10 Things WWE Wants You To Forget About Roman Reigns!