Drew McIntyre finds himself at the crossroads of rivalry as WWE SmackDown took center stage on December 20, 2024, at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. This week's episode unfolded with four significant matches and various promos, heightening the anticipation for conflict and drama within the ring.
The action kicked off with Solo Sikoa at the forefront. Vowing to defeat The OTC (Old Timer Crew) and secure the Ulafala by winning their tribal combat match, Solo's confidence was palpable as he engaged the audience. Yet, the crowd's participation was nothing short of disruptive, with “what” chants echoing through the arena, interrupting his attempts to assert dominance.
The tension escalated when Drew McIntyre, no stranger to conflict with the Bloodline, interrupted Solo's promo, reminding the audience of their unfinished business. "You cost me the World title at Clash of the Castle 2022," McIntyre asserted, setting the stage for future confrontations. It’s clear McIntyre is ready to reignite his rivalry with Solo once he finishes his own battles with The OTC, hinting at potential explosive encounters on upcoming WWE episodes.
Further on the card, the Women’s Tag Team Championship took the spotlight, with Naomi stepping up to defend the title alongside Bianca Belair, following the injury of Jade Cargill. The duo faced off against formidable opponents Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. Despite an aggressive start from Jax and LeRae, Naomi's agility shone through. A timely tag allowed each competitor to display their prowess, and after some distractions involving Miss Money in the Bank, Tiffany, Naomi secured the victory by pinning LeRae. This victory not only defended their titles but also teased potential tensions between Tiffany and Nia, sparking speculations on whether Tiffany may cash in her briefcase soon.
The Motor City Machine Guns also continued their feud with the DIY (Do It Yourself) duo. The match saw intense exchanges and clever tactics. Alex Shelley, attempting to secure victory with his signature moves, was thwarted when Tommaso Ciampa distracted him. This provided Johnny Gargano the opening he needed to capitalize on the situation, eventually securing the win by exploiting Shelley’s momentary lapse. The dynamics between these teams are sure to continue, with high stakes expected as they push forward.
An unexpected twist unfolded during the Greyson Waller Effect when Braun Strowman was introduced as the guest. Waller and his cohorts couldn’t resist mocking Strowman, leading Carmelo Hayes to capitalize on the chaos. Hayes, still grappling with his momentum after recent setbacks, managed to pin Strowman following a count-out; this victory, albeit less than clean, sowed seeds for their developing rivalry. The aftermath hinted at potential rematch scenarios, with fans questioning whether these two colossal figures would finally settle their score.
Kevin Owens made his own presence felt, showing some reluctance to address his role at Saturday Night's Main Event, cryptically stating, "What happens next is on all of you." His aura of unpredictability kept fans at the edge of their seats, wondering about his next move and the impact it may have on rivalries building around him.
Overall, this episode of SmackDown, though rife with potential, fell short of providing blockbuster moments the fans might have anticipated. Observers have noted how such episodes, particularly close to the holidays, often play it safe, leaving room for future developments. Triple H, overseeing WWE storytelling, is likely pacing the buildup toward Raw's debut on Netflix, which may shift the spotlight momentarily.
The wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation as talents prepare to ride the wave of momentum built during this episode, creating exciting trajectories heading toward the future. Ratings may dip, yet the stakes laid out on December 20 seem poised to erupt, setting the stage for explosive encounters, title challenges, and emotional narratives. What will transpire as the holiday approaches remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the WWE universe is eager for more.
