WWE SmackDown Grades: The New Daniel Bryan Strikes Down AJ Styles

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The Dec. 4 edition of WWE SmackDown was a solid show from start to finish featuring several important matches and storytelling moments that affect the upcoming TLC pay-per-view.

Last night’s WWE SmackDown was a compelling show throughout with both wrestling and promo work being showcased in some major ways less than two weeks away from TLC.

One could argue that the TLC pay-per-view is centered around the blue brand and that the brand is the only reason the show might be compelling.  With that being said, let’s take a look at a few grades from the Dec. 4 edition of WWE SmackDown.

5. Opening Segment

History has been made across the board in the women’s evolution in 2018 in a variety of different ways.  Another historic plateau for the women’s evolution will close out the year with the first-ever women’s Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match.

The SmackDown Women’s Championship will be on the line at TLC when Becky Lynch defends against Charlotte Flair and Asuka in a Triple Threat Match under TLC rules.  This is bound to be a memorable showdown, but in the weeks leading into the pay-per-view, these women have been tearing it up verbally, such as last night.

Last night saw a contract signing to make things official and as expected, things got heated.  The Man gave another passionate, albeit more brief, speech before The Queen had heard enough.  Charlotte said she’s tired of hearing the same song every week from Lynch and that Lynch doesn’t have what it takes to defeat Ronda Rousey.  Asuka countered in her own way and said neither Lynch or Charlotte could get the job done.

The segment changed when Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville came out to get in their two cents.  This led to an impromptu tag team match pitting Charlotte and Asuka against Rose and Deville.  Overall, this was a good segment despite it not being anything out of the ordinary.  It did help in the buildup towards TLC, however.

TLC will be a night to remember, but the weeks leading up to the SmackDown Women’s Championship match, the heat is getting heavier.

Final Grade: B