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

AJ Styles & John Cena Contract Signing

Supervised by SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan, this contract signing was one of the better ones in recent memory. After introducing both the champion and challenger, Bryan was questioned by AJ Styles. Making comparisons between their two careers, he asked why Cena was allowed to have this title shot after being absent for four months. Bryan’s answered by stating that last week’s ratings victory over RAW was due to Cena’s return. To keep up the momentum, it was time to give fans the match that they want to see. Bryan then left the ring to give the two their own spotlight, and Styles wasted no time and belittled Cena.

Clearly angered that he was referred to as a “has been” by Styles, Cena let the champion know that he lost all respect for him. He hypes then up his passion for the business and how he is still here when others in his position wouldn’t be. Cena continues to lay into Styles, but before long he interrupted by Baron Corbin. Announcing his entry into the Rumble match, the Lone Wolf told both men he will end up facing the winner of their match at WrestleMania. Cena took exception to the comment and was prepared to fight Corbin, however, he was struck from behind by Styles. Instead of attacking his prone prey, Corbin chose to talk trash to close out the segment.

As much as I love AJ Styles, it’s time for Cena to win that elusive sixteenth world title. He certainly deserves it for the amount of time and effort he has put into the company during his tenure.