WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 3

The Miz & Maryse Kick-Off SmackDown Live

The first SmackDown Live episode of 2017 begins with The Miz and Maryse coming out to the ring. Before his promo highlights of his recent feud with Dean Ambrose appeared on the screen, hyping their title match later in the night. After hyping up himself and his wife, Miz stated that his New Year’s resolution was to be “more forgiving”. Despite this, he demanded that Renee Young come out and apologize for slapping him two weeks ago. He made a few insults directed at her and Dean Ambrose, which in turn brought out the Lunatic Fringe. Miz left Maryse in the ring along with Ambrose, but she showed no fear and slapped him across the face before leaving. Ambrose closed out the segment by stating that Maryse hits way harder than The Miz.

Although this segment was unnecessary given that these two met later on in the evening, it was still a good start to the show. Miz continues to showcase why he deserves a world title run, while also strengthening his heel character by hiding behind Maryse. As for Ambrose, he didn’t gain much by being part of this segment, but it his involvement made sense given how Miz was insulting both him and his girlfriend.