WWE SmackDown Review, Dec 13, 2024: Braun Strowman SQUASHED Carmelo Hayes

Solo Sikoa & Bloodline Promo [Intermission Segment]

Result: Solo Sikoa Accepted Roman's Challenge For Tribal Combat; LA Knight Challenged Solo Sikoa

Solo Sikoa came out to the ring to assure everyone acknowledged him and to accept Roman Reigns' challenge for Tribal Combat. However, he did not have much time to speak at all becuase LA Knight interrupted the promo to challenge Solo Sikoa to a match so that he can get his revenge for that Bloodline attack last week. After Knight gets past Sikoa, he planned on winning back his U.S. Title from Shinsuke Nakamura. However, it does not look like Knight will be getting past Sikoa anytime soon because The Bloodline will not be satisfied until they get Roman Reigns in 2025.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 2.0 Stars (D+), This did not accomplish much other than setting up the Reigns-Sikoa match at Raw Netflix Debut as well as setting up a Sikoa-Knight match for tonight. Many would think that Knight and SIkoa would battle on a bigger stage considering their momentum and credibility, but it seemed that WWE was ok with booking this match on a random SmackDown. This match could also be just be a means to an end, as they could be planting seeds for a future match between them and want to assure there is some storyline rationale in place beforehand.

LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa [Personal Rivalry]

Result: LA Knight (via disqualification)

LA Knight delivered a Top Rope Bulldog to Sikoa. Knight tried to capitalize, but Sikoa countered with a Spinning Solo on the announce table outside the ring. Knight fought back and delivered a Flying Crossbody to Tama Tonga outside the ring as well as a Hip Toss to Jacob Fatu on the announce table. Sikoa grabbed Knight for the Spike off the distraction, but Knight ducked and delivered a Side Effect. Knight went to the top rope and delivered a Flying Elbow Drop for the nearfall, but Jacob Fatu forced a DQ. Andrade and Apollo Crews ran out to save LA Knight, but Bloodline stood tall in the brawl.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 2.5 Stars (C-), This match between Knight and Sikoa was actually entertaining. It's unfortunate that this match ended in a DQ, but it seems the bigger picture is building up a six-man tag between Bloodline and Knight, Crews, and Andrade since Bloodline attacked them last week. DIY and MCMG had some promo packages, conveying their thoughts on the title change last week. Backstage, it was announced that Bianca Belair and Naomi will defend the Tag Titles against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae next week, as Tiffany Stratton felt left out without gold.

Bayley vs. Chelsea Green [U.S. Title Tournament]

Result: Chelsea Green (via pinfall)

Bayley instantly delivered a Bayley to Belly to Chelsea Green for the nearfall. They went back and forth with Inside Cradles and Crucifix pinfalls. Bayley delivered some Arm Drags, Vertical Suplex to Green outside the ring, and Back Suplex to Green in the ring for the nearfall. Bayley scaled the top rope, but Green delivered a running knee to Bayley and hilariously went for the Piper Drop, but Bayley moved out of the way and delivered Sunset Flip Powerbomb to Chelsea in the corner turnbuckle for the nearfall. Bayley went for another Bayley to Belly and even a Backbreaker, but Green rallied back.

Green delivered the Rough Ryder for the nearfall. Bayley fought back with a Zig Ziag and was gonna deliver an Elbow Drop to Chelsea, but Piper rolled Chelsea out of the way to save her. Bayley swithced gears and dellivered a Flying Elbow Drop to Piper outside the ring. Chelsea tossed Bayley over the barricade for the countout victory. However, Bayley got back in the ring before the 10-count in what was her last gasp in this match. Green capitalized with the Un-Pretty-Her to Bayley the 3-count and the victory. Green advances to the finals to battle Michin for the U.S. Title at SNME.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 4.0 Stars (B+), This match stole the show. It was a bit slow-paced in certain moments but it picked up at the right moments to maintain the audience's attention. The Zig Zag by Bayley was a tad sloppy, but that did not take away from the good work these superstars put inside the squared circle. Green's work has been commendable to date and should be rewarded with a championship, especially since she is so popular right now. Booking her as merely a hand to make the roster look better is not advisable in the long run, as this could be an entertaining title reign.

Cody Rhodes v. Kevin Owens Final Faceoff [Closing Segment]

Result: Kevin Owens said that Cody Rhodes was more entertaining as Stardust, resulting in a brawl.

Cody Rhodes was set to have a final faceoff with Kevin Owens with Michael Cole as the moderator, but Kevin Owens did not show up and stayed backstage. Cody Rhodes decided to continue the interview without him, as Michael Cole teased the idea of the winged eagle belt making its return as Triple H's gift to Cody Rhodes. However, KO interrupted to say that nobody cares about what the golden child will receive as a gift and that Cody Rhodes was more entertaining as Stardust. This angered Cody enough to go find KO backstage and start a brawl that had to be broken up by officials.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 2.0 Stars (D+), This final segment did not accomplish anything more than what happened on last week's SmackDown. No other layers to the story were essentially added. No more heat was added to the feud. It felt like just a filler segment to remind everyone that these two are battling for the World Title at SNME. Honestly, WWE would have been better off just doing a cinematic promo package that encapsulated the feud between these two because this finale did not necessarily add any more value or investment into the storyline more than what was done already.

December 13, 2024, SmackDown Results:

• Drew McIntyre Claymored Jimmy Uso, continuing his revenge tour on The Bloodline.
• Braun Strowman was revealed as the mystery opponent selected by Nick Aldis for Carmelo Hayes and squashed Carmelo Hayes in his return from his groin injury, as he will officially be on SmackDown going forward due to the transfer window.
• Michin defeated Tiffany Stratton to advance to the U.S. Title Tournament Finals at SNME.
• LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via disqualification thanks to Jacob Fatu interference after Roman Reigns challenged Solo Sikoa to Tribal Combat on Raw Netflix Debut.
• Chelsea Green defeated Bayley to advance to the U.S. Title Tournament Finals at SNME.
• Kevin Owens said that Cody Rhodes was more entertaining as Stardust, resulting in a brawl to close the show.

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