WWE SmackDown: Results, Grades, and Analysis for December 25th, 2020

Big E became the Intercontinental Champion on WWE SmackDown this week.

On the December 25th edition of WWE SmackDown, champions aim to maintain their exceptional runs while others aim to settle the score once and for all. Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns look to maintain their dominant Intercontinental and Universal Championship reigns over Big E and Kevin Owens, respectively.

Roman Reigns Vs. Kevin Owens

Grade: A

The “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns puts the Universal Championship on the line over Kevin Owens in a steel cage. Reigns and Owens began the match by slugging at each other, before the former gained the advantage with head attacks. KO would find an opening with a late DDT and leveled the playing ground with hard strikes.

Towards the conclusion, Jey Uso would resurface to handcuff Owens and prevent him from leaving the cage. Roman would casually leave to retain his title and secure another successful defense.

Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens put on a savage display in this hard-hitting encounter. While Reigns aimed to dismantle his opponent with corner moves, KO fired on all cylinders with risky maneuvers including a top rope fisherman’s buster. In the end, Roman would once again prevail with the assistance of his loyal cousin.

Charlotte Flair and Asuka Vs. Bayley and Carmella Vs. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair

Grade: A

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Asuka arrive on SmackDown to defend against four of SmackDown’s brightest stars in a tag elimination match. Flair started out the match by outlasting Bayley’s brief burst of momentum, allowing Asuka to enter shortly thereafter. Carmella would eventually enter the fray and limit her opponent’s strength by targeting the neck.

In the climax of the contest, Charlotte Flair would hit the Natural Selection to retain the titles for her team.

Flair and Asuka were in full form for this contest, leaning on their newfound synergy and submission prowess to keep the flow in their favor. Bianca Belair was another prominent factor in the match as she used her strength and charisma to put her opponents on edge.

Daniel Bryan Vs. Jey Uso

Grade: A

Jey Uso attacked Bryan as he was making his entrance, only for referees to quickly attempt to restrain him. Once back in the ring, Uso continued his assault with strikes and a suicide dive. Daniel would find brief bouts of control throughout the match only for Uso to immediately halt his progress.

Towards the conclusion, Daniel would hit the running knee to put away his dangerous adversary and win a hard-fought contest.

Jey Uso spent the entire match with a serious chip on his shoulder, viciously slugging on Daniel Bryan and using every move in his arsenal to maintain the advantage. The Yes Man was not once deterred in his quest, implementing a flurry of kicks and submissions to weather the storm and ride on to victory.

Big E Vs. Sami Zayn

Grade: A

Big E and Zayn began the match in a series of lockups, only for E to gain the advantage with fast takedowns. Mob assaults from the lumberjacks at ringside allowed Zayn to regain his composure target the head. E attempted a Big Splash on the ring apron only for continued interference to allow the champion another opening with a suicide dive.

In the climax of the contest, the lumberjacks prevented Sami from running to the entrance ramp. Once back in the ring, Big E would hit a splash and Big Ending to win the Intercontinental Championship for the second time in his career.

Sami Zayn tried anything he could to secure his reign, utilizing the help of lumberjacks and his own devious offense. However, Big E’s resolve and sheer strength allowed him to gain a huge boost and return to singles title glory.

December 25th SmackDown Results

• Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens to retain the Universal Championship
• Charlotte Flair and Asuka defeated Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks and Bayley and Carmella to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships via pinfall
• Daniel Bryan defeated Jey Uso via pinfall
• Big E defeated Sami Zayn to become the new Intercontinental Champion via pinfall