WWE SmackDown Results: Brock Lesnar Decimated Sami Zayn

WWE SmackDown implemented some build towards the WWE Day 1 PPV on this episode. WWE SmackDown was stacked tonight with Brock Lesnar’s return and a blockbuster main event between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn for the Universal Championship. The review for this episode was as follows:

On tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, there were two scheduled matches: (1) King Woods vs. Jey Uso, and (2) Cesaro vs. Sheamus. Most importantly, Brock Lesnar kicked off the show with a riveting opening segment with Sami Zayn. With that being addressed, it’s now time to bleed blue and review what occurred on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown.

WWE SmackDown took place on December 3, 2021, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT live on FOX. Here are the results for this week’s show.

Opener: Brock Lesnar Returns, Sami Zayn Interrupts

Result: Brock Lesnar goaded Sami Zayn into a Universal Title match w/ Roman Reigns tonight.

Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Grade: B+

Brock Lesnar kicked off the show with a promo. He was happy that his suspension was lifted and he made his intentions clear regarding his pursuit of Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship. Sami Zayn interrupted the promo to remind Lesnar that he is actually the number one contender to the Universal Championship at the WWE Day 1 PPV. Due to his imposing figure and bullying ways,, Lesnar decided to goad Sami Zayn into a Universal Title match with Roman Reigns tonight instead. That way, Lesnar can battle the winner at the WWE Day 1 PPV.

Analysis: Brock Lesnar and Sami Zayn did an impeccable job in opening this show. Although it is unfortunate that Sami Zayn won’t get his title match on PPV, this segment built the main event for tonight’s SmackDown quite well in what seems to be a first time match up between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.

Sasha Banks vs. Shayna Baszler [Grudge Match]

Result: Sasha Banks defeated Shayna Baszler (via pinfall)

Rating: 3.5/5.0 Stars

Grade: B-

Sasha Banks and Shayna wasted no time in starting this match with a fast pace. Banks delivered some signature Meteoras before the commercial break. After the break, Baszler regained momentum by delivering a Running Knee to Banks. However, Banks kept rallying with Meteoras and Tornado DDTs. Baszler locked in the Kirifuda Clutch. However, Banks escaped the submission hold and countered with the Bank Statement. Baszler escaped the Bank Statement and attempted the Gutrench Suplex to end Banks, but Banks countered with roll-up pinfall victory.

Analysis: Solid match between Sasha Banks and Shayna Baszler here. Baszler needs these matches with top tier talent to truly showcase her talent and prove why she is a main event caliber superstar for this company. After the match, Drew McIntyre and interrupted Happy Talk w/Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss. Xia Li is advertised to finally debut next week.

Viking Raiders vs. Los Lotharios [Tag Match]

Result: Los Lotharios defeated Viking Raiders (via pinfall)

Rating: 2.5/5.0 Stars

Grade: C-

Viking Raiders and Los Lotharios had a typical tag match that lasted less than five minutes. Los Lotharios were on the verge on finishing Viking Raiders until  their rivals, Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs distracted them. However, that distraction actually affected The Viking Raiders, who lost the match via a small package pinfall by Humberto Carillo. Los Lothatios won the match irregardless of Nakamura and Boogs’ musical distraction at ringside.

Analysis: This match was nothing special but both teams did the best with the time they were given. The fact that Viking Raiders were content with Nakamura and Boogs costing them the victory is quite asinine. Their heel turn should have occurred right there and then. After this match, Toni Storm had an interview to talk about her reaction to getting a pie thrown in her face last week as well as her future SmackDown Women’s Title match with Charlotte.