WWE SmackDown Review, Dec 6, 2024: Cody Rhodes BURIED Chad Gable

Shinsuke Nakamura Promo [Intermission Segment]

Result: Bloodline Ambushed Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade, and LA Knight

Shinsuke Nakamura came out to celebrate his 3rd U.S. Title victory against LA Knight at Survivor Series. However, LA Knight ruined the party rather quickly to call Nakamura a paper champion and invoke his rematch clause. Andrade then interrupted the exchange to stake his claim for the championship. However, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga of The Bloodline run in to attack all three men, ambushing them in the process. They executed this attack to make a statement and let SmackDown know that this is still their turf, despite losing the War Games Match at Survivor Series.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 2.0 Stars (D+), This intermission segment was nothing special. While the crux of the heinous attack was to make a statement and show an assertion of dominance, it will be intriguing to see if this attack was a seed planted for Sikoa to target the U.S. Title on the road to WrestleMania. Clearly, Sikoa was unsuccessful in the main event scene, as he is still green and not on that level to be world champ yet. However, his work as the cosplay Tribal Chief has been compelling enough to thrive in the mid card as a future U.S. Champ in what would be consolation prize booking.

MCMG (c) vs. DIY [WWE Tag Titles]

Result: DIY (via pinfall)

Street Profits got attacked backstage, and they were conveniently replaced by DIY in this title match. Ciampa did give Gargano an ultimatum last week to handle business with MCMG, so this attack may have something to do with that. Ciampa "accidentally" kicked Gargano in the face. There was plenty of dissension between Ciampa and Gargano in this match. Ciampa tagged Gargano and shouted at him disparagingly after doing all the heavy lifting in the beginning stages. Gargano retaliated by shoving Ciampa to the mat. Ciampa angrily grabbed a chair at ringside, which distracted the referee.

Chris Sabin capitalized on the distraction with the Inside Cradle on Gargano, but the referee was still distracted by Ciampa and did not see the cover. Gargano kicked out and delivered a surprising Low Blow to Chris Sabin. With a shocked look, Alex Shelley approached Gargano to figure out why he did that, but Gargano delivered a SuperKick to his longtime friend and mentor, Alex Shelley. Gargano smirked at what he slyly just did and he tagged Ciampa for the Meet in the Middle. DIY covered MCMG for the 3-count to dethrone them and become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 3.5 Stars (B-), WWE has been overdoing the trope of "mystery" backstage attacks. They should stop while they're ahead because it's getting out of hand. Jade Cargill, Jey Uso, and Street Profits all got attacked within the span of two weeks. Nonetheless, while this title change was unexpected, it was a productive surprise because it not only solidified a heel turn for DIY for also set up some interesting storyline angles between them, MCMG, and Street Profits on the road to Mania. The tag division has lacked storyline for a while now, so this was a breath of fresh air.

Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable [Main Event]

Result: Cody Rhodes (via pinfall)

Cody Rhodes delivered an amazing Inverted Superplex to Chad Gable from the top rope. Chad Gabe tried to rally back but Cody delivered a Scoop Slam and Disaster Kick to Gable for the near-fall. Gable bounced back by charging for the Roll Over German Suplex in the corner. However, Cody countered with the Cody Cutter off the springboard. Cody was about to finish Chad Gable with the Cross Rhodes. But, Ivy Nile and Creed Bros saved Gable and the referee ejected them for their interference. Gable then took off Cody's wrestling boot, targeted the injured leg, and locked in the Ankle Lock.

Cody countered the Ankle Lock by flipping over and sending Gable into the corner turnbuckle. Cody delivered a Cody Cutter from the top rope and went for the Cross Rhodes again. However, Gable countered with another Ankle Lock. Cody crawled to the ropes to break the hold and went for the Cross Rhodes again. Gable countered again with the German Suplex. Gable then scaled the top rope with a Moonsault. Rhodes moved out of the way as Gable landed on his feet and delivered the Cross Rhodes for the 3-count. KO showed up and stepped on Cody's injured ankle, leading to a brawl.

Final Analysis/Takeaway: 3.5 Stars (B-), This was a solid main event in-ring wise, despite the lackluster storytelling. There was no doubt that Cody and Gable could pull out a banger when put in that position. The post-match attack by KO was expected after he got angry with Michael Cole in his car interview earlier in the night. This week's SmackDown was nowhere close to memorable, as it seemed contrived and put together at the last minute. However, the tag title change tonight and mystery behind these backstage attackers will continue to be topics of discussion going forward.

December 6, 2024, SmackDown Results:

• Cody Rhodes had his integrity questioned by Chad Gable, in terms of his friendship with Kevin Owens.
• Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi and Electra Lopez to advance to the U.S. Title Tournament SemiFinals.
• Bianca Belair defeated Piper Niven via pin-fall after suspecting Piper Niven of being the one who attacked Jade Cargill.
• Bloodline heinously attacked Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade, and LA Knight to make a statement and assert their dominance despite their loss at Survivor Series War Games.
• DIY replaced the Street Profits and defeated MCMG to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions.
• Cody Rhodes defeated Chad Gable in the Main Event and was subjected to an opportune post-match attack by his rival, Kevin Owens.

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