Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 12/06/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 6th December 2024
WWE Smackdown Review November 15

This is WWE Smackdown featuring words from Cody Rhodes competing in the main event, Motor City Machine Guns defending the WWE Tag Team Titles, and more.

It’s the post-Survivor Series edition of Smackdown. The OG Bloodline won the Men’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series, so now we’ll see how WWE follows up on it. Also, Shinsuke Nakamura beat LA Knight for the US Title at Survivor Series. There are no more WWE PLE’s before year’s end, but there is Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14th, so we’ll see how WWE builds up to that big event.

From the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this is Smackdown for episode #1320. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.

There was a Survivor Series video package showing highlights of the show from Saturday night in Vancouver.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves were at ringside to welcome us to the show. Cole and Graves mentioned the three big injuries from Survivor Series. Bronson Reed is out with a broken foot and is out indefinitely. Tonga Loa is out with a torn bicep after having surgery. Jimmy Uso has a broken toe and is also out indefinitely.

Analysis: We knew about the Reed and Jimmy injuries, but I didn’t know about the Tonga Loa injury. That sucks for him. I know Tonga Loa isn’t pushed heavily or anything like that, but it’s still a brutal injury that will put him out for about six months at least.

The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga were shown arriving. Apollo Crews was there, Solo walked ahead of him, Crew didn’t like that and Fatu superkicked Crews. The trio of Solo, Jacob & Tama beat up some security guys as well.

Analysis: The Bloodline group led by Solo is in a bad mood. That was the point of that message.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the WWE Champion in dress clothes. Cody was not in action at Survivor Series. Cody: “So Minneapolis…what do you wanna talk about?” Cody mentioned the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event featuring legends and pro wrestling’s best. Cody said it would be the honor of a lifetime just to compete and etch your name with those who have done so, but it’s not that simple because Kevin Owens.

Chad Gable and his American Made group arrived for the interruption. They are Raw talent, but here they are on Smackdown. Gable called himself the greatest athlete to ever come out of Minnesota. Gable said that the transfer window is about to open and Nick Aldis might want to bring Gable to Smackdown. Gable said that this is his hometown so he knows Minnesotans are simple-minded and gullible. Gable told The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile to stay on the floor while Gable got in the ring with Cody. The fans chanted “you suck” at Gable.

Gable told Cody he was what Gable wanted to be. Gable said he knows about bad friends while bringing up the ungrateful idiot Otis. Gable said that Cody left Owens high and dry so he realized that Cody is a terrible friend. Gable told Cody he was the definition of superficial. Gable said Cody teamed up with the guy that made Kevin Owens life a living hell, which was a reference to Roman Reigns. Gable told Cody that he deserves what is coming to him.

Cody asked the fans if they’ll be his friend and the fans cheered that. They certainly paid a lot of money to be his friend. Anyway, Cody said he’s disappointed that Chad is spewing this vitriol. Cody said that he sees a lot of himself in Chad since he has maximized his minutes. Cody mentioned that Gable was “Shorty G” at one point, so it led to a “Shorty G” chant. Cody reminded Shorty that he was looking at Stardust, so there was even a brief “Stardust” chant. Cody said he knows all about what you’re going through and he knows what you’re seeking. Cody told Gable that he has so much to lose because what happens when he fails again? Cody said when he lost at WrestleMania 39, he could only look in the mirror. Cody said that he was supposed to be the leader of this group and they wondered if they get the heat if Gable couldn’t get it done. Gable said that if he didn’t have this suit on right now then he’d whoop Cody’s ass. Cody said that he knows Gable is there to talk to Nick Aldis about a trade window and Cody told Gable to tell Nick that Cody wants to face Gable tonight. Cody said that he has Kevin Owens on his mind and that is no good for Chad. Cody’s music played to end it.

Analysis: It was pretty obvious what was coming as soon as Chad Gable interrupted Cody Rhodes. This is a fresh matchup to do since Gable has been a Raw guy. I think Gable would fit in better on Smackdown right now, but there certainly could be roster changes coming. Cody showed that he’s intense going into his WWE Title match with Kevin Owens while Gable does a great job as the overconfident heel that he is.

The announcers spoke about how the Raw, NXT and Smackdown General Managers are talking about moving some talent around to other shows. It was referred to as a transfer window. Cole also mentioned changes coming to Smackdown, which makes me think it’s going to be three hours long in the new year, but it’s not official yet.

Bianca Belair and Naomi were talking backstage. Naomi said she was with Belair in finding out who took Jade Cargill out, but Naomi had to focus on this triple threat match. Naomi Chelsea Green & Piper Niven talked to Belair saying that Belair has more time to find out the Jade mystery because she lost the match with Green. Belair wondered if it was Niven who took out Jade. Niven said she didn’t touch Jade. Belair shoved Green out of her face and Niven hit Belair in the ribs. Belair had the left side of her ribs taped up, so she was selling an injury.

There was a big pop for Minnesota’s own Tiffany Stratton, who is Miss Money in the Bank. She’s in action up next. It is a commercial-free first half hour of the show this week.

They showed WWE Hall of Famer/former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura at ringside. Jesse is back in WWE at Saturday Night’s Main Event next week. Cole said he was joining the commentary team that night.

Women’s United States Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Elektra Lopez

The first falls wins in a triple threat match. No countouts and no disqualifications.

The fans were on fire for Stratton as she connected with an attack on Lopez against the turnbuckle. Naomi hit a cross body block on Stratton and a kick on Lopez. Naomi hit some weak-looking kicks on Stratton and Lopez while on the apron. Naomi hit a sitout slam on Lopez for two because Stratton broke up the pin. Naomi avoided a double team move followed by Naomi springing off the ropes and hitting a modified double stunner. Naomi hit a slingshot dive onto Lopez on the floor. Naomi charged at Stratton on the apron and Stratton punched her. Stratton hit a running double foot stomp on Naomi on the apron. Stratton hit a suplex on Lopez. Stratton went for a body slam, Lopez slipped out of it and applied a half crab. Lopez did a crucifix pin on Stratton for two. Naomi and Stratton each got pin attempts for two. Lopez clotheslined Stratton and Lopez hit a spinning side slam for two. Lopez worked over Stratton with multiple knee strikes to the face. Naomi missed with a kick and Lopez hit a spinning slam like a Blue Thunder Bomb on Naomi for two because Stratton broke up the pin. Naomi hit a Rear View on Stratton and then a sitout facebuster on Lopez. Candice LeRae showed up at ringside, Lopez punched Naomi and Lopez tried a move, but Naomi countered it. Naomi hit a moonsault off the top on Lopez for two because Stratton broke up with a senton. Stratton sent Naomi out of the ring. Stratton went up top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top rope for the pinfall win on Lopez after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: **1/2 It was a solid match with some sloppy moments because they mistimed a few stuff. They got through it okay, but fans that are picky about some of these moves will bitch about it. Anyway, the fans were solidly behind Stratton as the main babyface in the match even though Naomi is also a face. Lopez doesn’t get to wrestle that often, but she did okay. I like how the finish was done with Stratton breaking up the pin after Naomi’s move and Stratton hit her finish for the win.

That victory means that Stratton moves on to the semifinals against Michin next week. The finals are at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The other semifinal is Bayley against Chelsea Green.

There was a backstage scene showing that The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins were attacked backstage. Smackdown GM Nick Aldis told Byron Saxton that all he knows is the Profits were attacked. Aldis walked down a hallway, he was approached by WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin). Aldis informed them of what happened. Johnny Gargano of #DIY approached and said if Nick wants a title match then #DIY should be in it. Shelley said it was cool. Aldis said #DIY can have the match, but told Gargano to tell Tommaso Ciampa not to make Aldis regret it.

Analysis: It is yet another mystery attack backstage. Those have been happening a lot lately on Raw, Smackdown and NXT too.

Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green)

Belair had the taped ribs on the left side, so she was selling them as she tried a body slam. Belair hit a shoulder tackle against the turnbuckle. Belair hit a dropkick, but Niven bounced off the ropes with a running cross body block for two. Niven picked up Belair, who slipped out of the slam attempt and Belair kicked Niven. Green held Belair’s foot, which led to Niven hitting a spinning sidewalk slam for two.

(Commercial)

Niven was in full control with a running senton splash while Belair continued to sell the taped up ribs. Belair did a comeback with forearms and a kick to the body. Niven hit a headbutt. Belair jumped on Niven’s back for a choke until Niven sent Belair down. Niven went for a running splash, Belair moved out of the way and Belair sent Niven into the turnbuckles four times in a row. Belair went up top and Belair hit a cross body block off the top rope for two. Belair worked over Niven with punches against the turnbuckle, Niven tried to power out of it and Belair ran the ropes leading to a Spear for two. Niven hit an impressive Saito Suplex on Belair. It looked like Niven was in control, but Belair hit an impressive spinebuster. Belair went for a moonsault after bouncing off the ropes, but Niven got her knees up. Niven charged, Belair moved and Niven hit a cannonball against the turnbuckle. Niven hit a sitout Powerbomb called the Piper Driver for a two count. Good nearfall there. Niven went to the top rope, Belair hit her and Niven was sent into the ring post. Green was on the apron, so Belair slammed her into the ring. Belair had Niven on her shoulders and Belair gave Niven a KOD (Kiss of Death) on Green for the pinfall win after 13 minutes. The fans popped big for that impressive finisher.

Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair

Analysis: ***1/2 This was a great match that was better than I expected going into it. That’s not a slight on either woman. I just thought they exceeded expectations and put on a terrific match in the time they got. Sometimes these matches get under ten minutes, so they are just okay, but those extra few minutes helped. It’s a reminder of how gifted Bianca Belair is as a singles wrestler. Watching her tags this year has been fun, but I’m ready for Belair in singles again. Piper Niven put on an impressive performance as well because she hit a bunch of big moves that made it look like she was going to win. Seeing Belair pick up Niven on her shoulders to hit the KOD is incredible. I enjoyed that match a lot.

A graphic reminded us that Raw is Netflix starting on January 6, 2025. They showed it a few times during the show.

There was a video package about the new United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura is up next.

(Commercial)

Bianca Belair was shown walking backstage while Nick Aldis was talking to Dominik Mysterio in the background. Naomi was there talking to Belair, so Byron Saxton interrupted. Byron said he saw Niven standing backstage during Belair’s match last week, so it wasn’t her. Naomi said that there was Nia, Tiffany, Candice, Liv, and Raquel. Belair said she doesn’t know who did it but when she finds out, it’s on sight, it’s over.

Analysis: I mentioned in the past that I feel like it could be a way to bring back Charlotte Flair by revealing that she was the mystery attacker. I’m not sure if they want to bring Charlotte back as a heel or if there’s somebody else in mind.

Let’s Hear from LA Knight (and Shinsuke Nakamura)

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance as the US Champion. Nakamura did his slow walk before he got into the ring. Knight interrupted before Nakamura could say anything. Knight said that Nakamura is the single, sorriest example of a US Champion. Knight said that Nakamura is not the real deal. Knight said he wants his rematch and he wants it right now…even though he’s not wearing his wrestling gear. The fans were chanting “LA Knight” for the former champion. Knight said that since Nakamura has come back is take advantage when Knight had his back turned. Knight put sunglasses on as mist blockers. Knight was about to enter the ring, but there was an interruption.

Andrade walked out in a suit saying that he was there for Nakamura. Andrade said he had unfinished business with Nakamura. Knight said that he was there to collect his debt. Tama Tonga tripped up Andrade at ringside. Jacob Fatu showed up in the ring and hit a running elbow smash on Knight. Knight and Tonga beat up Knight and Andrade a bit. Nakamura teased using the black mist on The Bloodline, but instead, Nakamura backed out of the way.

Analysis: The reason Andrade was out there is because Nakamura cheated to beat him just like Nakamura cheated to beat Knight, so they both want revenge on Nakamura. It could lead to a triple threat match or maybe Knight against Andrade leading to a title shot.

Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline

The trio of Solo, Fatu & Fatu continued the attack with Solo hitting the Samoan Spike on Andrade and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Andrade as well.

Solo Sikoa said if you think The Bloodline is weak because they lost two soldiers in WarGames, he dares you to step up because The Bloodline will take you out every single time. Solo said he’s tired of people not taking him seriously and thinking he’s a joke. Solo said that you can laugh all you want, but he’s still your Tribal Chief. The fans booed. Solo claimed he was still the Head of the Table and he’s still got the Ula Fala red necklace. Solo said if anybody gets in their way in the ring you will do this and told Minneapolis to acknowledge him. The fans booed that while The Bloodline posed in the ring.

Analysis: This was a way to make The Bloodline look strong after losing in the WarGames match. It also could set up a new rivalry with LA Knight wanting revenge against The Bloodline guys.

The #DIY team of Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa were talking backstage. Ciampa said that they should have got this Tag Team Title match months ago. Ciampa said that Gargano hasn’t given him an answer about what he said last week. Ciampa said we’ll find out when we get out there.

The MCMG-#DIY tag team match is up next.

(Commercial)

Kevin Owens did a promo on his phone from his car. Owens said that he had to be in Minneapolis so Michael Cole could interview him. Owens said it sucks. Owens said he never wants to be in Minneapolis, let alone for a Michael Cole interview. Owens said that he’s not going into the arena. Owens told Cole to come to KO’s car to talk to him.

Analysis: Heel Kevin Owens is one of my favorite superstars in WWE. Always and forever. Just saying.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

Ciampa was aggressive early on against Sabin. Shelly tagged in with an atomic drop leading to some tag team work by MCMG that ended with a running dropkick by Sabin. Ciampa hit Shelley with a thrust to the throat. Gargano didn’t tag in to grab an armbar, so Ciampa tagged in and chopped Shelley a few times. Ciampa said he’ll do it himself. Sabin made a tag, Shelley kicked Ciampa out of the ring and the champions hit a double superkick while Ciampa was on the floor. The show went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Ciampa applying a chinlock and Shelley did a jawbreaker. Ciampa did a running kick, Gargano moved and Ciampa kicked Gargan off the apron to the floor. Ciampa told Gargano he was stupid. Sabin got the tag and hit an atomic drop followed by a running kick. Sabin kicked Gargano in the chest while Johnny was on the floor. Sabin jumped off the top with a cross body block. Shelley tagged back in as the Guns each hit a forearm along with Shelley hitting a knee drop off the ropes. The Guns did a double team neckbreaker on Ciampa that got a two count for Shelley. Ciampa hit a neckbreaker on Shelley against the top rope. Back in the ring, Ciampa hit a twisting neckbreaker for two. Ciampa looked at Gargano while the fans chanted “Johnny Wrestling” for Gargano. Ciampa sent Shelley out f othering, Ciampa tagged in Gargano and Gargano brought Shelley into the ring. Ciampa shoved Gargano in the chest. Gargano shoved Ciampa down. Ciampa said that they are down. Shelley grabbed Gargano with an inside cradle for two. Shelley sent Gargano face first into the turnbuckle. Ciampa brought a chair into the ring, Gargano slipped out of a move by Sabin and Gargano hit a low blow uppercut on Sabin. The referee never saw the low blow because he was dealing with the chair. Ciampa was laughing about it. Gargano superkicked Shelley. Ciampa tagged in and #DIY hit the Meet in the Middle double team knee/kick for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall AND NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

Analysis: ***1/4 I thought that was a great angle that was told very well throughout the match. It appeared as though Ciampa was going back to his heel ways while Gargano wasn’t going along with it, but instead, it was a swerve where Gargano was in on it the whole way and they fooled everybody, including MCMG, leading to the Tag Team Title change. I’m fine with the title change because even though MCMG didn’t hold the titles for that long, I like the idea of #DIY as a heel tag team holding the gold. It was really well done as a story within the match. It also could lead to the reveal that #DIY took out The Street Profits earlier in the show.

The #DIY guys Ciampa & Gargano celebrated with the Tag Team Titles in the ring while MCMG was out on the floor.

Michael Cole left commentary to go interview Kevin Owens in the parking lot.

A commercial aired for NXT Deadline this Saturday, October 7th. I’ll have a review of it as usual.

(Commercial)

The #DIY guys Ciampa & Gargano were celebrating with their Tag Team Titles. Gargano’s wife Candice LeRae showed up to celebrate, so Gargano hugged her. Ciampa had his family on the phone so he said: “Daddy’s not a loser.” They were happy.

Analysis: They are all heels now. That’s good.

Kevin Owens Talks To Michael Cole

Michael Cole walked out to the car that Kevin Owens was in. Cole said that this was ridiculous and they should do this in the arena. Owens said he has showed up multiple times and told not to go in the arena so he was doing a pre-emptive strike.

Cole sat in the car with multiple cameras there to film it. Owens spoke about Roman Reigns trying to end his career multiple times and Cody Rhodes is the one who teamed up with him. Owens ranted about how Cody left this company and ever since he came back it’s all about celebrating him. Owens said he didn’t care about The Usos supporting Roman Reigns while saying he’ll handle Sami Zayn when it’s time to do it. Owens said that Cody stabbed him in the back. Cole said that Owens should look in the mirror to realize this is all him. Owens ranted at Cole for saying he was the problem. Owens told Cole to get out of his car. When Cole left, Owens rolled up the window and drove away. The fans laughed at Owens rolling up the window. It was funny.

There was a graphic reminding us that at NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14th will see Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Title against Kevin Owens.

Analysis: The segment was unique in a car rather than in the arena. The audio seemed a bit off at times, but maybe that’s just my feed here in Canada. Anyway, it was typical Owens complaining about the usual things he always says. Cole tried to reason with Owens saying that maybe Owens was the problem, but a heel like Owens doesn’t want to hear that, so that was the end of it.

Next week on Smackdown:

* Women’s US Title Tournament Semifinals: Bayley vs. Chelsea Green

* Women’s US Title Tournament Semifinals: Michin vs. Tiffany Stratton

The winners of those matches go on to the Finals at Saturday Night’s Main Event one night later on December 14th.

Analysis: A Bayley-Stratton final makes sense, but I wouldn’t mind if it’s Green winning the tournament.

The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was shown shaking hands with World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER. Aldis thanked Gunther for the conversation. Gunther said: “Very good, cheers mate.” After Gunther left, Carmelo Hayes told Aldis he needed to figure out where Melo fits in because Monday Night Melo sounds good on Netflix. Aldis said that Hayes being a headache for Pearce sounded good and then said he had somebody special for Hayes. Aldis left while Melo bragged about how that’s how you get things done around here.

The Raw on Netflix on January 6 graphic was shown again.

Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, made his entrance for the main event.

(Commercial)

Chad Gable (w/Julius Creed, Brutus Creed & Ivy Nile) vs. Cody Rhodes

This was not for the Undisputed WWE Title held by Cody Rhodes. Michael Cole was back on commentary.

They did some mat wrestling to start with each guy going for moves and they exchanged some holds. Cody hit Gable with a chop to the chest followed by Cody doing his up punch while on the mat. Cody hit a delayed front suplex. Nile was on the apron, Cody nearly knocked her down and then Cody stopped himself. Gable took advantage with a dragon screw leg whip against the ropes. Gable rammed Cody’s right foot into the ring apron as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Gable was in control as he worked over Cody with forearms against the turnbuckle. Gable applied an Ankle Lock, Cody was able to get out of it and Gable dropkicked the leg for a two count. Gable jumped off the top with a headbutt to the shoulder for a two count. Gable was on the top rope, Cody went up after him and Cody hit an inverted superplex off the top rope. That’s not a common move because normally we see a regular superplex, but it looked impressive. Cody and Gable exchanged punches. Cody hit a running forearm and Cody was selling the left leg injury and Cody hit a powerslam. Cody jumped off the ropes leading to a Disaster Kick. Cody went for a lift, Gable drove him into the turnbuckle and Cody bounced back with a kick. Cody jumped off the ropes leading to a Cody Cutter. Julius pulled his mentor Gable out of the ring. Referee Jessika Carr sent The Creeds and Nile to the back. Cody rolled up Gable for two. Gable hit a chop block to the back of the left knee. Gable took Cody’s boot off so Gable applied an Ankle Lock to the left ankle that had a sock on it. Cody managed to send Gable into the turnbuckle to counter the move. Cody jumped to the top rope and hit a Cody Cutter off the top. Cody wanted Cross Rhodes, Gable slipped out of that and Gable applied an Ankle Lock again, but Cody got his hand on the bottom rope to break the hold. Gable went for a strike, Cody avoided it and Gable hit a knee to the face followed by a German Suplex. Gable jumped off the top with a moonsault, Cody avoided it and Cody hit Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win after about 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great TV main event. While the outcome was never in doubt, I liked the story told with Cody selling the leg injury throughout, Gable was relentless in attacking it throughout the match and Cody sold it very well. Cody found a way to win with some big moves and then some counters leading to Cross Rhodes.

After the match, Kevin Owens went into the ring wearing a Dusty Rhodes “American Dream” shirt of Cody’s dad. Owens stomped on Cody’s left leg that was injured. Owens and Cody exchanged punches. That was interrupted quickly by WWE Officials and referees along with Smackdown GM Aldis. Owens left the ring, so Cody hit a suicide dive onto Owens on the floor. Cody and Owens were fighting at ringside until officials managed to pull them apart. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It made sense to have Owens show up there. Nice touch by Owens wearing the Dusty shirt too. I thought maybe Owens would be more dominant in this spot, but we saw Cody fight back and it was more of an even fight. Cody has the heart of a champion, which is why the fans love him.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
  2. Cody Rhodes & Chad Gable
  3. Bianca Belair, Piper Niven & Tiffany Stratton

===

The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2024 Average: 7.38

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

I thought it was a great Smackdown. I liked the show quite a bit. The in-ring action was strong. That WWE Tag Team Title match with #DIY beating Motor City Machine Guns was brilliantly done as a story where Johnny Gargano showed that he really was on the same page as Tommaso Ciampa and that teamwork led to tag team gold. I think it’s important to tell stories like that within a match sometimes. It worked perfectly to put the titles on #DIY and turn them heel at the same time. Well done.

The women’s matches dominated the first hour while the men had the second hour. That Bianca Belair match with Piper Niven was terrific. It’s a reminder of how talented Belair is as a singles wrestler. I was happy with Tiffany Stratton moving on in the Women’s US Title tournament.

That main event with Cody Rhodes and Chad Gable was a lot of fun. They matched up well. Good call having Kevin Owens show up at the end to brawl with Cody. I look forward to their Saturday Night’s Main Event match.

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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport