WWE: The Best and Worst of December 13th's Smackdown Live

   

     Ever since the brand split in July, I have found myself watching Smackdown every week. This is something I haven't done since I was a kid. Even ten years ago, I found myself ignoring Smackdown. However, due to superb writing that has made just about every show feel like it matters, I have found myself enamored and anxiously awaiting the next show. This weeks show left me with plenty of moments to talk about, and I will share with you my favorite and least favorite ones. 

Favorite Moment

Everything with The Miz

     I know this is only the second time I've written about the WWE and shouldn't bend the rules by mentioning multiple moments, but just like this man here, I'm gonna do it anyway. I thought every segment that featured the Miz and his performance in the fatal four way main event were brilliant. He opened the show by hosting Miz T.V. with A.J. Styles as his guest. The heels praised one another to start off the segment. Their brief "shining of each other's titles" soon turned sour though, as the Miz threatened to take Styles' title. Immediately afterwards, Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose and then Luke Harper appeared to all hit each other with their finishing moves to set up a elimination fatal four way match for the main event. Miz was then in a surprisingly entertaining backstage segment with Apolo Crews and Gabriel Iglesias. Not only was the Miz good here, but I also enjoyed Iglesias' performance. In the main event, the Miz proceeded to cost Dean Ambrose the match after Ambrose eliminated Miz. 

Why I liked Th(ese) Moment(s):

     Like I mentioned before, the Miz showed last night why he is in the midst of the best year of his career. He was once again handed the ball by being featured throughout the night, and he thrived. He was a Mizture (see what I did there) of comedic with his hilarious Dr. Evil style laugh towards the man who is fluffy and proud, and downright slimy by holding Ambrose's leg to give Dolph Ziggler time to superkick Dean and win the match. This action not only makes the Miz detestable, but it also sets up a feud with Dean Ambrose. If last night's performance was any indication (as well as what he's done all year), Miz should be able to turn the crowd in Ambrose's favor, something he has desperately needed since the brand split despite having a strong year himself.

Least Favorite Moment 

Carmella vs. Natalya 

Carmella's Code of Silence. Courtesy of WWE.com

     The two ladies slugged it out against one another due to the accusations Carmella made against Natalya. Natalya is out to prove to Nikki Bella that she did not attack her from behind at Survivor Series by exposing Carmella as a liar. Nikki is also on commentary to witness the match. After a decent showing, Carmella rolls Nattie up for the victory.

Why I Disliked this Moment: 

     Believe it or not, I didn't hate this match, but since Smackdown did a lot of things right, I had to pick something. I was going to pick the Hype Bros winning the Tag Team #1 Contender's battle royal, but they will likely get squashed by the Wyatt Family, and no other team winning would have made sense right now, so the right team won. As was the theme with this match, the right individual won in Carmella. However, the match was mediocre at best, and possesed had an awkward feel to it. Not only that, but the commentary from Nikki Bella and JBL during this match could be seen as either awkward, or downright awful. Still though, this did enough to advance the story between these three women.