SmackDown In A Nutshell: Time For A Blue Brand Christmas Show

It’s time for a pre-recorded SmackDown In A Nutshell. And that means…it’s time for a blue brand Christmas show.

Yep, this one is happening on the eve of the Eve, as it were. But, for anyone in the know, we know this show was actually filmed right after last week’s SmackDown.

Totally fine with that, because even Superstars (and especially the road crew) should be home with family for the holidays.

But, we still have a blue brand Christmas show to discuss, and as far as recorded shows go, this one promises to be fun.

We know we have a number one contenders gauntlet match, because someone has to be next for Ronda Rousey.

Plus, Braun Strowman and Ricochet battle Imperium in a holiday-themed street fight. What’s not to love about that?!

And for the bow on top of this blue brand Christmas show, how about Hit Row challenging The Usos…for the tag titles!

Yep, it’s a decent lineup, for sure. Not quite as big as Cena and Owens versus Sami and Roman…but that’s next week.

For now though, it is time for…

SmackDown In A Nutshell: Time For A Blue Brand Christmas Show

Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what happens!

Best Match of the night:

I am going to say that Hit Row versus The Usos was not that bad.

However, the main event street fight? Far exceeded my expectations.

To the point I wouldn’t hate seeing Strowman and Ricochet team more.

Worst match of the night:

Rey Mysterio versus Angel Garza.

Just too short and just…meaningless?

And while the match itself was good, the ending of the gauntlet match was odd.

Like…Shayna Baszler losing to Raquel, so that Raquel gets Ronda?

That’s fine. But…with a really quick roll-up seems…anti-climactic.

Star of the Night

Sami Zayn, if only on the strength of his insanely good promo.

Checking out social media, I think this post sums it up perfectly well.

Spot of the Night:

I have to say that the mistletoe bit was entertaining and cheeky all in one.

Jobber of the Night:

I have to go with the poor cameraman here.

LA Knight might need backup…

Upset of the Night:

Nothing of note.

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

Vinci got busted open during the street fight.

Vince McMahon was back on SmackDown…sort of.

LOL Moment of the night:

New Day showed up during the street fight…as toy soldiers.

Or, same match…Strowman using mistletoe to get Samantha to kiss his downed partner Ricochet.

Yes, he and Irvin are dating…but it was funny.

Noteworthy Moment:

Fox gave us a nice Cena hype package…but someone thought it was a good idea to leave in the clip of Vince McMahon?!

Also, next to have a shot at Ronda Rousey…Raquel Gonzalez.

Might be a decent match next week…but we have a few others to look forward to.

Solo and Sheamus? Banger.

And of course…Owens/Cena versus Zayn/Reigns…sign me up.

Overall lowlights:

It was recorded. That’s it.

Minor nit to pick, and only here because something had to be.

Overall highlights:

Some good stuff, even if it was recorded.

Interesting stuff with Bray Wyatt.

Also, nice backstage twist with Emma and Scarlett. Kross and Madcap could be fun too.

After the final bell:

And just like that, that’s it for a blue brand Christmas show.

Fans surely went home happy, I would think. Next week’s 2022 finale seems rather stacked, and that would be said even if Cena wasn’t coming…but he is.