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

As a longtime wrestling aficionado with over three decades of watching this captivating sport, I must say that last night’s SmackDown was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the unexpected tag team title change to the intriguing mystery surrounding the backstage attacks, it seems like WWE is setting up some thrilling storylines for the road to WrestleMania.

Following an extraordinary WWE Survivor Series 2024 PLE Event, WWE SmackDown saw CM Punk and the Original Bloodline subdue The New Bloodline within War Games. Team Rhea Ripley emerged victorious over Team Liv Morgan in another War Games match, while Shinsuke Nakamura snatched the U.S. Championship from LA Knight. However, two intriguing mysteries linger: (1) Who secretly assaulted Jade Cargill behind the scenes? and (2) What clandestine favor binds CM Punk and Paul Heyman together?

Currently, WWE is marching towards WWE Saturday Night Main Event 2024, a point where significant championship bouts and long-standing feuds may reach their climax before the year’s end. In this week’s SmackDown broadcast, two contests were prearranged prior to the show: Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton (Ms. MITB) and Electra Lopez in a US Title Tournament Match, as well as MCMG defending their WWE Tag Titles against Street Profits. The program commenced with Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Champion, taking center stage. As we delve into the recap of SmackDown for December 7, 2024, let’s start by focusing on this very moment.

Cody Rhodes Promo [Opening Segment]

Result: Chad Gable questioned the integrity of Cody Rhodes, in terms of his friendship with KO.

On the brink of addressing his Saturday Night Main Event foe, Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes was interjected by Chad Gable. Gable accused Cody of allowing the WWE Title to inflate his ego and damage friendships. According to Gable, Cody prioritizes his public image and the opinions of the WWE Universe over cherishing the friends who stood by him since the beginning.

As a gamer, I’d say: “Hey there, I can’t help but call out Chad Gable on his actions. He betrayed his friends Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri from the Alpha Academy, and let’s face it, history has a funny way of repeating itself. If he stumbles again with Ivy Nile and Creed Bros, I can see him doing the same to them. So, Chad, let’s put an end to this once and for all. I’m challenging you to a main event match – it’s time to settle our differences, fair and square.

Key Insight/Conclusion: 1.5 Stars (D-), Although incorporating Stardust and Shorty G references into this promo battle was commendable, the initial segment seemed unrelated to the main narrative of Rhodes vs Owens. It’s clear that Carmelo Hayes criticized Cody Rhodes for his hypocrisies two weeks ago, and it makes sense for locker room superstars to challenge the WWE Champion’s leadership and integrity. However, this segment felt redundant in advancing the primary storyline.

Despite strictly adhering to the brand split rules being essential, WWE seemingly disregarded them by arranging Raw Superstar Chad Gable, in his hometown no less, to battle Cody Rhodes in the main event, a narrative that doesn’t align with Chad Gable’s primary focus. Furthermore, the match between Cody Rhodes and Chad Gable seems unfair given Chad Gable’s recent lack of momentum. This overexposure of the world champion and treating top performers as mere pawns are significant booking mistakes that led to an underwhelming segment to kick off the show.

Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Elektra Lopez [U.S. Title Tournament]

Result: Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton (via pinfall)

In an impressive display, Tiffany Stratton executed a flawless dropkick on the apron aimed at Naomi. Electra Lopez charged into Tiffany and performed a brutal Gutwrench PowerBomb, almost pinning Naomi. Naomi countered with a Rear View move that propelled Tiffany out of the ring. Later, Naomi executed a FaceBuster on Electra Lopez and climbed up to the top rope, preparing to perform a Split Legged MoonSault.

In the wrestling match, Candice LeRae stepped in to halt Naomi, only for Naomi to respond with a clothesline on Candice. Lopez then attempted a Powerbomb, but Naomi retaliated with a Roundhouse Kick and Double-Legged Moonsault on Lopez. Stratton intervened, preventing the pin attempt, later throwing Naomi out of the ring. The match concluded as Stratton executed the TIFFY TOP MoonSault on Lopez for the winning 3-count.

Main Insight: The match earned 3.0 stars (C+), which is typical for a weekly event like SmackDown. It’s regrettable that WWE chose to have Tiffany Stratton win, given she already holds the MITB Briefcase granting her a title shot whenever and wherever she desires. Naomi, who has struggled since returning to WWE, could have greatly benefited from this victory. However, Stratton will face Michin, while Bayley will battle Chelsea Green in the semifinals of the U.S. Title Tournament next week on SmackDown.

Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven [Grudge Match]

Result: Bianca Belair (via pinfall)

Bianca Belair suggested that Piper Niven might have been responsible for an attack on Jade Cargill because she wasn’t present during Chelsea Green’s U.S. Title Tournament match when the incident occurred. This accusation didn’t sit well with Piper Niven, who responded by attacking Bianca Belair in return, setting up their upcoming match. In the ensuing confrontation, Niven executed a Sidewalk Slam on Belair, coming close to pinning her down. Belair retaliated with a Flying Crossbody and Spear, also narrowly missing the win against Niven. As the fight continued, Niven attempted to regain control with a Cannonball.

Meanwhile, instead of taking the blow, Belair retaliated with a SpineBuster aimed at Niven. After waiting for Niven to rise again, Belair was momentarily distracted by Chelsea Green who appeared on the apron. Belair responded by hip tossing Green into the ring. Taking advantage of the distraction, Niven came close to winning with her Piper Driver move. However, Niven attempted a Big Splash as the finishing blow, but Belair halted her progress and used Niven as a stepping stone for her KOD maneuver right on top of Chelsea Green, securing the 3-count and the victory.

Main Insight/Conclusion: 4.0 Stars (B+), The match between Belair and Niven consistently impresses fans, standing out as the best of the night with “This is Awesome!” cheers. Belair was investigating who attacked Jade Cargill, while Niven’s alibi was confirmed by Byron Saxton, suggesting she wasn’t the culprit. Possible suspects include Charlotte Flair, a previous tag team partner of Belair who was replaced by Jade Cargill after an injury last year.

If you’re seeking additional WWE SmackDown coverage from Mark Justice, simply move on to the following slide for the remainder of the review. You can also subscribe to his new YouTube channel by clicking [here]. Both options are available right here on Daily DDT.

Shinsuke Nakamura Promo [Intermission Segment]

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

At Survivor Series, Shinsuke Nakamura emerged triumphant for his 3rd U.S. Title win against LA Knight. But Knight spoiled the celebration swiftly by labeling Nakamura a ‘paper champion’ and demanding a rematch. Andrade inserted himself into the conversation to challenge for the title. However, The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga – suddenly barged in, attacking all three men as a show of force. Their intention was to send a strong message: SmackDown should know that The Bloodline’s domain hasn’t changed, even after their defeat in the War Games Match at Survivor Series.

In Summary/Conclusion: 2.0 Stars (D+), This intermission segment was ordinary at best. Although the intention behind this violent act was to make a powerful statement and demonstrate dominance, it remains to be seen if this attack sets the stage for Sikoa to challenge for the U.S. Title on the road to WrestleMania. Evidently, Sikoo struggled in the main event, as he is still raw and not yet ready to hold the world championship belt. However, his portrayal of the Tribal Chief has been captivating enough to sustain a presence in the mid-card, positioning him for a potential future U.S. Championship win, essentially acting as a consolation prize booking.

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

Result: DIY (via pinfall)

In a twist of events, Street Profits were ambushed behind the scenes and DIY took their place for this title bout. Last week, Ciampa issued an ultimatum to Gargano about settling business with MCMG, so this assault could be linked to that situation. An unintentional strike to Gargano’s face from Ciampa occurred earlier. Tensions ran high during the contest, with both partners displaying disagreement. In the initial phases of the match, Ciampa performed most of the heavy lifting, then belittled Gargano when he tagged him in. Gargano responded by pushing Ciampa to the ground. A heated exchange ensued, causing Ciampa to reach for a chair at ringside, which disrupted the referee’s attention.

In the heat of the match, Chris Sabin took advantage of a diversion with an Inside Cradle on Gargano, but the referee was still preoccupied with Ciampa and failed to notice the pin. To everyone’s surprise, Gargano retaliated with a Low Blow to Chris Sabin. A stunned Alex Shelley approached his partner to ask why, only for Gargano to strike him with a SuperKick. This unexpected move left his longtime friend and mentor, Alex Shelley, reeling. With a smirk on his face, Gargano then tagged in Ciampa, who executed the Meet in the Middle maneuver. In the end, DIY pinned MCMG to claim victory and become the brand-new WWE Tag Team Champions.

Key Takeaway: 3.5 Stars (B-). WWE seems to excessively rely on the plot device of backstage mystery attacks, which may need reconsideration as it’s becoming excessive. Recent victims include Jade Cargill, Jey Uso, and Street Profits over a fortnight. Despite this unexpected title change being initially concerning, it proved beneficial by firmly establishing DIY as heels and creating engaging storyline possibilities with MCMG and Street Profits leading up to Mania. This is particularly significant given the tag division’s recent lack of narrative development, making it a welcome change.

Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable [Main Event]

Result: Cody Rhodes (via pinfall)

In a thrilling turn of events, Cody Rhodes performed an impressive inverted plex from the ropes onto Chad Gable. Despite his best efforts to retaliate, Gable was caught by a scoop slam and disaster kick. However, Gable managed to counter with a roll-over German suplex in the corner. Rhodes countered this with a cody cutter off the springboard. On the brink of defeat, Rhodes prepared to execute the Cross Rhodes, but Ivy Nile and Creed Bros intervened. The referee expelled them for their intervention, leaving Gable the opportunity to target Rhodes’ injured leg, applying an 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.

Key Insight/Conclusion: 3.5 Stars (B-), The match itself was strong, but the storyline development felt uninspiring. Cody and Gable demonstrated their potential for a great performance, as anticipated. An attack by KO after his heated exchange with Michael Cole earlier in the show was predictable. This week’s SmackDown was not particularly remarkable, appearing hastily assembled. Nevertheless, the tag team title switch and the enigma surrounding the backstage assailants will remain intriguing points of speculation moving 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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2024-12-07 16:16