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

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Aliyah vs. Carmella

Result: Carmella wins via submission.

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

Before the match took place, Renee Young was approached by Maryse backstage. On behalf of her husband, Maryse took it upon herself to slap Renee straight across the face, which left the young lady on her backside.

Back to the ring, Carmella faced off against Aliyah, who made her SmackDown Live debut on tonight’s episode. Early on the NXT talent displayed her athleticism, however, she was quickly outclassed by Carmella. She did manage to mount a short comeback in the match and at one point even seemed as though she would pull off the upset win. At the end of the day, though, Carmella was able to take advantage of a distraction provided by her “friend” James Ellsworth. Occupying Aliyah’s attention long enough for Carmella to gain the submission win, he was awarded by his crush embracing him with open arms.

I don’t know where this going for either Carmella or Ellsworth, but as long as both of them receive TV time I’m all for it. Ellsworth still has a good amount of fan support, and him being paired with Carmella assures both that creative won’t run out of plans for them (at least for the moment).