WWE SmackDown Live: Results, Review, and Grades for December 18th

Asuka vs. Naomi

These two are as agile together as you’d imagine they’d be; hell, they even give each other drop kicks at the exact same time!

Asuka gets Naomi in an ankle lock, which Naomi counters with a double-chicken wing slam, but it doesn’t get her the pin. Asuka lands a huge kick to Naomi’s ribs. Asuka gets Naomi in a submission hold on the top ropes, but Naomi counters and sends to the two of them flying down towards the mat.

Meanwhile, by the way, Becky and Charlotte are sitting at ringside looking pissed. Becky is legitimately pouting.

The two take the fight out to ringside when we get back from commercials, and Naomi gets up on the barricade to land a spin kick right to Asuka’s head. The ref is counting up, but Asuka and Naomi get back right after the nine-count.

Naomi and Asuka trade forearm strikes to each other in the center of the ring before Asuka lands a stiff knee to Naomi’s face.

Naomi claps back with another kick, and she goes for a slingblade that Asuka turns into the Asuka Lock. Asuka can’t quiet get Naomi’s hands right though, and Naomi is able to power out. Asuka locks it again, but Naomi powers out again! Man, remember when this move was devastating?

Naomi hits the Rear View, but Asuka kicks out. Naomi dives, but Asuka gets her knees up. Asuka applies the Asuka Lock one last time, and she’s still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Grade: A for well, you know. Seriously, it was a well-paced match with some fun spots. Not the TLC match by any means, but fun!

The Miz pays a visit to Mr. Mahon, looking for Shane. Miz pleads his case to Vince – he still really wants to team with Shane, guys. He wants Vince’s blessing. This is great. Vince says he doesn’t “give” blessings, but he’ll allow Miz an “opportunity” to… find a partner? Win a match? Unclear.