Friday night’s “SmackDown” delivered what insiders are calling a transitional episode—one that sets pieces in motion without delivering knockout moments.
Championship pictures sharpened. Feuds intensified. Tag team chaos erupted.
But amid holiday season programming and John Cena’s retirement announcement still dominating headlines, this particular show felt more like setup than payoff.
Here’s everything that mattered from the December 19 episode.
Tag Team Title Match Ends Without Resolution
Motor City Machine Guns challenged Wyatt Sicks for tag team gold in what should have been a decisive championship moment.
Instead, chaos consumed everything. All ten members from both factions brawled outside the ring until officials declared a no-contest.
Visually impressive? Absolutely. Satisfying? Not remotely.
The non-finish left fans frustrated, particularly those hoping to see Motor City Machine Guns capture championship hardware. A title change followed by mayhem would have delivered emotional impact while advancing storylines.
Now WWE faces difficult creative decisions. A straightforward rematch seems redundant. A ten-man tag team match offers spectacle but dilutes championship stakes.
If this feud stretches toward WrestleMania season, creative needs fresh angles—and fast.
Women’s Tag Division Gets Clarity
Nia Jax and Lash Legend defeated Kabuki Warriors in what analysts are calling a “statement victory.”
This pairing represents WWE’s potential direction for women’s tag team championships. Jax brings star power and physicality. Legend adds athleticism and fresh energy.
Together, they form a credible threat that distinguishes itself from recent makeshift pairings that plagued this division.
Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—remain formidable competitors, but their loss signals WWE’s willingness to shuffle championship contenders heading into 2025.
Giulia Continues Building Momentum
Giulia secured victory over Alba Fyre, extending her undefeated streak since joining WWE’s main roster.
The Japanese sensation brings legitimate international credibility, and WWE appears committed to protecting her presentation during these crucial early months.
Fyre provided competitive opposition, but this match existed primarily to showcase Giulia’s skills before larger audiences still discovering her work.
Tag Team Action Delivers Competition
Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes defeated DIY in solid tag team action that reminded viewers both teams deserve consistent television time.
Dragunov’s hard-hitting style contrasts beautifully with Hayes’ smooth athleticism. DIY—Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa—remain one of wrestling’s most acclaimed tandems.
This victory positions Dragunov and Hayes as legitimate contenders, though championship opportunities remain unclear given current tag division turmoil.
Cody Rhodes Delivers Passionate—And Problematic—Promo
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes addressed general manager Nick Aldis regarding Drew McIntyre’s potential return.
Rhodes’ intensity was undeniable. His delivery was powerful. But something felt off.
Critics noted the promo carried heel undertones—aggressive posturing from WWE’s supposed top babyface that blurred traditional good guy/bad guy dynamics.
Aldis had visited McIntyre’s home attempting to negotiate his return. Rhodes responded with territorial fire that, while passionate, didn’t align with traditional heroic championship behavior.
The Rhodes versus McIntyre feud appears destined to culminate at Royal Rumble in February. Most analysts believe this rivalry won’t extend to WrestleMania, though both superstars deserve marquee matches at WWE’s biggest event.
Rhodes defending against established main eventers makes sense for Royal Rumble. WrestleMania demands something bigger—possibly a fresh challenger or long-term storyline payoff.
Damian Priest and Aleister Black Brawl Again
Priest and Black engaged in another physical confrontation, confirming their feud continues despite previous match conclusions.
Royal Rumble represents logical destination for one final singles encounter before both competitors move toward different programs.
Both wrestlers possess undeniable talent and charisma. However, their chemistry as long-term rivals hasn’t fully clicked with audiences expecting deeper emotional investment.
One decisive match—preferably with clear winner and definitive finish—would provide closure before WrestleMania season demands fresh storylines.
The Miz Targets Joe Hendry for Official Debut
The Miz campaigned for a match against Joe Hendry next week, positioning himself as Hendry’s first official WWE opponent.
This pairing makes tremendous sense. Miz remains one of wrestling’s most reliable veterans—someone who elevates newcomers while protecting their presentation.
Hendry arrives with considerable buzz from TNA Wrestling, where his charismatic “I believe in Joe Hendry” catchphrase generated viral moments and passionate fan reactions.
Miz’s experience guiding emerging talents will prove invaluable as Hendry introduces himself to audiences unfamiliar with his previous work.
Expect theatrical promos, solid in-ring action, and Miz doing what he does best—making opponents look like stars regardless of match outcome.
Holiday Season Programming Challenges
“SmackDown” airs 52 times annually, making occasional transitional episodes inevitable.
December programming faces unique obstacles. Holiday viewership fluctuates. John Cena’s retirement announcement still dominates wrestling conversations. Casual fans tune out between major events.
WWE understands these dynamics. This episode prioritized positioning over spectacle—setting up Royal Rumble storylines rather than delivering immediate gratification.
Coming weeks will likely follow similar patterns until January programming kicks into higher gear ahead of Royal Rumble on February 1.
Smart wrestling companies use this period strategically—planting seeds that blossom during WrestleMania season when mainstream attention returns.
Friday’s “SmackDown” wasn’t memorable television. But it accomplished necessary setup work that championship storylines require heading into WWE’s busiest quarter.