WWE SmackDown delivered another action-packed episode on December 20, 2024, from the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, showcasing compelling storytelling and intense matches as it approached the holiday season. The culmination of many rivalries, coupled with championship battles, set the stage for exciting developments as fans prepare for the upcoming events.
The night kicked off with significant hype surrounding the Bloodline. Solo Sikoa addressed his impending Tribal Combat match against Roman Reigns, which is set to take place on the January 6 Raw Netflix debut. Sikoa's remarks quickly escalated tensions as Drew McIntyre confronted him, demanding answers for past grievances. This confrontation teed up explosive interactions including interference from Jimmy Uso, leading to the highly anticipated six-man tag match featuring the Bloodline.
The six-man tag match saw The New Bloodline, consisting of Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga, face off against Andrade, Apollo Crews, and LA Knight. The competitive bout highlighted The Bloodline's adept teamwork and solo resilience. After taking control with quick tags and impressive feats of strength, they emerged victorious when Sikoa executed his finishing maneuver—a Spinning Solo and Samoan Spike combination on Crews, sealing the win.
The match grade was marked at A, reflecting its high quality and dynamic exchanges. Fans witnessed not just athletic prowess but also storytelling, as tensions with Reigns loomed large following the conclusion of the bout.
Next on the card, WWE viewers were treated to the singles match between Carmelo Hayes and Braun Strowman. Fans were struck by Strowman's Santa Claus persona, which added humor to the segment as he took to the ring. With the momentum swinging back and forth, Hayes proved to be crafty, leveraging his agility and wit to distract Strowman at just the right moment, leading to Strowman's count-out defeat. While the match received a grade of C, it served to highlight Hayes' clever tactics.
Johnny Gargano then squared off against Alex Shelley of the Motor City Machine Guns, delivering another layered narrative. The match captivated with Gargano showcasing resilience and strategic prowess. Gargano's victory came through rolled-up tactics and grabbing hold of Shelley's tights, reaffirming his deceptive cunning and resurgent ambitions. Match commentators Corey Graves and Michael Cole venerated their history, even recalling past rivalries, fostering depth to the engagement. Match grade: B.
Adding to the evening's excitement, the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match was another brilliant display. The champions, Bianca Belair and Naomi, put their titles on the line against Candice LeRae and Nia Jax. The match was action-packed, with athleticism and strategic interplay. Tiffany Stratton's attempted interference added drama to the contest but was thwarted by vigilant refereeing, keeping the integrity of the championship intact. Naomi clinched their victory with her signature split-legged moonsault, firmly retaining the title for her team. The match garnered high praise with another A grade.
Throughout the night, backstage segments added more layers to the storylines. A particularly intriguing moment featured Kevin Owens, who reiterated his desire to claim vengeance on Cody Rhodes after his recent title theft. Owens' interview suggested unpredictability surrounding his future actions, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
With numerous segments teasing upcoming feuds—especially between Sikoa and Reigns—scenes unfolded as rivals and allies aligned against their opponents. Soft hints at betrayals, alliances, and character growth kept the momentum high as WWE brass prepare for the Royal Rumble weekend.
While some criticized the segments featuring The Grayson Waller Effect as lackluster, others found value in promoting rising stars like Carmelo Hayes. For every high hit during the night, there were misses; the potential downfall of Braun Strowman's character as he navigated the festive theme intrigued some fans.
A review of this episode of SmackDown revealed WWE's consistent aim to blend entertainment, drama, and wrestling excellence. Even amid rumblings of potential missteps, the company remains committed to layered storylines, character development, and thrilling contests leading to monumental events.
This episode's overall impact lay not only within the immediate actions of the performers but how these elements shaped the narratives moving forward. The surprises, return of pivotal characters, and build-up for future confrontations intertwined seamlessly, generating excitement within the audience. WWE's December 20 SmackDown has undoubtedly reignited the passion for the business as fans edge closer to the new year with great anticipation.
