WWE SmackDown Grades: Mustafa Ali Makes A Major Statement

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1. AJ Styles And Mustafa Ali vs. Daniel Bryan And Andrade Cien Almas

The new name of the game in the WWE is change ever since the McMahons made their announcement on Raw this week.  They declared things are changing for the better with fresh matchups, fresh superstars, and new opportunities for all.

That especially came true last night when the main event featured the newest member of the SmackDown roster, 205 Live standout Mustafa Ali.  He teamed with AJ Styles against WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and Andrade Cien Almas in a star-studded main event.  Bryan managed to retain his title against Styles at TLC in a great match, but The Phenomenal One wanted to get his hands back on Bryan.

This tag team match got a pay-per-view amount of time and it ultimately paid off with a very good result.  Every individual in this match shined and the action was particularly stout throughout, but Ali and Almas really stole the show to a degree.  They are supremely-gifted young talents, and they showed as much last night with a memorable showing alongside two future hall of famers.

It looked like Bryan and Almas were in control for a minute, but the cohesion between Styles and Ali paid off when Styles hit Almas with a Phenomenal Forearm to ground him.  It was just in the nick of time for Ali to hit The New Daniel Bryan with an 054, resulting in pinning the WWE Champion to get the win for his team.  This was a monumental win for Ali and it could lead to a much bigger opportunity in the near future.

This was a huge turn of events in the midst of a very good match that should help launch the SmackDown career of the former heart and soul of 205 Live.

Final Grade: A-