One night, WWE took over Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on December 12th for a historic Saturday night event featuring the first-ever Friday Night SmackDown finals, hosted by John Cena. This week’s SmackDown featured four matches with varying levels of quality.
Using Sportstar’s ratings, each match on SmackDown was evaluated to rank the best match, the worst match, and everything in between.
4. Lash Legend vs. Alexa Bliss
Overall rating by TheSportster: 4/10
Lash Legend, in her first singles match since moving to the main roster, dominated multi-time World Champion Alexa Bliss in just over three minutes. Despite Bliss’s early fight back, the match felt rushed and sloppy, missing the impact a squash match requires. The Legend’s overpowering performance contrasted with Bliss’s weak showing, making the contest feel unbalanced.
Storytelling: 0.5/2.5
Technical ability: 1.25/2.5
Character work/psychology: 1/2.5
Crowd reaction: 1.25/2.5
3. Aleister Black & Zelina Vega vs. Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest
Overall rating by TheSportster: 5.75/10
This mixed tag team bout was lively but flawed with occasional miscommunication and sloppiness, especially between Ripley and Vega. Though Vega and Black started strong, Ripley’s final Riptide move sealed the match, ending the intense rivalry. Despite some great interactions, the match lacked the intensity expected from a long-standing feud.
Storytelling: 1.25/2.5
Technical ability: 1.25/2.5
Character work/psychology: 1.5/2.5
Crowd reaction: 1.75/2.5
2. The Miz vs. Jevon Evans
Overall rating by TheSportster: 6.75/10
In a brief but entertaining showdown, Jevon Evans defeated The Miz, gaining momentum for an upcoming Saturday main event. The Miz played a convincing heel, targeting Evans’ arms inconsistently, while Evans impressed with high-flying moves and a dramatic finisher. Evans’ victory helped spotlight his growing presence on SmackDown.
Storytelling: 1.5/2.5
Technical ability: 1.75/2.5
Character work/psychology: 1.5/2.5
Crowd reaction: 2/2.5
1. Ilya Dragunov vs. Tommaso Ciampa (U.S. Championship)
Overall rating by TheSportster: 8.75/10
This high-stakes U.S. Open Challenge saw Dragunov face Ciampa in a hard-hitting battle fueled by their intense rivalry. The match centered on Dragunov’s injured knee, which Ciampa aggressively targeted, leading to a dramatic and physical contest. Despite multiple nearfalls and interference attempts, Dragunov rallied to win with his finisher, earning respect from the crowd for his resilience and character work.
Storytelling: 2/2.5
Technical ability: 2.25/2.5
Character work/psychology: 2.5/2.5
Crowd reaction: 2/2.5
Fan Take: This event highlights WWE’s blend of emerging talent and seasoned stars, showing potential new directions for storylines and championship contention. For fans, these matches emphasize the importance of character development and in-ring storytelling, which ultimately keep the sport compelling and unpredictable.
