WWE SmackDown: Results, Grades, & Analysis for December 11th, 2020

On the December 11th edition of WWE SmackDown, champions continue their mean streaks while others gain significant momentum with TLC quickly approaching. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks faces the “untouchable” Carmella in the main event; meanwhile, Big E goes against Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn.

Dolph Ziggler Vs. Montez Ford

Grade: B

Following some mocking tactics, Ziggler would gain the upper hand by targeting the head throughout the duration. A failed dropkick allowed Ford to finally gain the advantage through quick dropkicks and corner attacks. Ziggler regained control by utilizing moves on the midsection, constantly keeping his opponent grounded.

Towards the conclusion, Robert Roode would attack Angelo Dawkins and provide a distraction. Dolph would then hit a superkick for the pinfall victory.

The Show Off did a spectacular job of keeping his opponent grounded and ignoring the psychological tactics of the Street Profits. Ford would hardly have a chance to recover despite Angelo Dawkins’ best efforts to even the odds.

Sami Zayn Vs. Big E

Grade: A

Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn takes on Big E in a non-title encounter. Zayn began the match by avoiding E’s attacks before the latter caught him in a headlock. E continued to decimate the champion through power moves, including a big splash on the ring apron.

In the climax of the contest, Zayn would roll under the ring after being chased. He would make the referee’s count at the very last moment to steal a quick victory.

Big E’s strength was on full display in this match, destroying Sami Zayn both in and out of the ring. Zayn’s avoidance tactics in addition to his fast-paced offense would ultimately power him to victory and gain some crucial momentum.

The Riott Squad Vs. Billie Kay and Natalya

Grade: C

Ruby Riott would start off by targeting the knee of Billie, exchanging tags with Liv. Natalya would later find her way into the match and doubled the punishment with her partner. Billie’s attempts to re-enter the match led her to suffer a Riott Kick combination and ultimately lose.

Billie Kay’s attempts to take over the women’s division were all for naught in this contest. Liv and Ruby relied solely on quick tag maneuvers while Kay attempted to lean on Natalya for extra damage. Her search for the perfect ally continues.

Otis and Chad Gable Vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura

Grade: B

Cesaro and Chad Gable commenced the contest in a show of technical wills, with the latter securing him in a major lock. A bout of confusion led to Shinsuke Nakamura entering the fray while Gable continued to apply heavy slams. Some dominance from Otis would not deter Cesaro as he implemented a giant swing on Gable.

Towards the conclusion, Nakamura would hit the Kinshasa for the win.

The unlikely team of Otis and Gable were on equal ground with the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions in this contest, laying on quick attacks and big slams. Cesaro and Nakamura remained focused and kept their opponents guessing on the way to victory.

Sasha Banks Vs. Carmella

Grade: A

Sasha Banks defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship prior to TLC. Carmella would start by targeting the head and frequently knocking her opponent down with kicks. Banks regained and lost the advantage as the match spilled to the outside.

In the climax of the contest, Sasha Banks’ bodyguard interfered to force a disqualification.  Carmella would continue to devastate her adversary by striking Banks with a champagne bottle.

The “Untouchable” Carmella was a force to be reckoned with in this highly athletic contest. Sasha would make several attempts to win the match on her own merits but received some needless help to maintain her reign.

December 11th SmackDown Results

• Dolph Ziggler defeated Montez Ford via pinfall
• Sami Zayn defeated Big E via count out
• The Riott Squad defeated Billie Kay and Natalya via pinfall
• Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Otis and Chad Gable via pinfall
• Carmella defeated Sasha Banks via disqualification