WWE SmackDown Live: Results, Review, and Grades for December 4th

AJ Styles vs. The Miz

Quite frankly, I’m a little distracted by the GMO and ozone layer talk that’s going on between Daniel Bryan on commentary and Corey Graves. They are really laying it on heavy by talking to Daniel Bryan that I can’t really focus on the action. Maybe that’s mostly because I’m not very smart.

Anyway, AJ and Miz trade strikes in the middle of the ring. AJ actually yells out “Styles Clash” before he attempts the Styles Clash, which I believe is a new thing. It’s definitely at least funny.

Miz counters with a Skull-Cushing Finale, but it’s not enough to land a pinfall.

AJ Styles ends up out of the ring, and Daniel Bryan approaches AJ with the guise of a handshake. Of course, it really just sets up the distraction, and Miz blindsides AJ by throwing him into the steel steps. Miz throws AJ back in the ring and hits another Skull-Crushing Finale, but still, he can’t get the pin.

Bryan finally grabs at AJ’s legs trying to pull him out of the ring, but it doesn’t stop AJ from getting Miz in the Calf Crusher and securing a win. Daniel Bryan goes on to attack AJ after the match, running around in an adorable sloth shirt*, mind you. Daniel Bryan.

Grade: The more I put this all together, the more I really appreciate Daniel Bryan as a heel. I think I personally forgot that a heel’s not supposed to be super over; he’s supposed to make you hate him, and if you hate him, that doesn’t mean he’s supposed to change. If we hate him he’s doing his job.

*edit because yes, I figured out it’s a heart with little leaves coming out of it, and yes, I am cackling laughing to myself because I am in fact near-blind.

Anyway, that’s it for this evening! This one was good! Tune in with us next week for our live coverage of Raw (if you dare) and SmackDown Live. Thank you, and goodnight!