WrestleTalk Roundtable – WWE SmackDown Live – December 11, 2018

What was your favorite moment from SmackDown Live?

Nate Craver

Charlotte vs. Asuka was great, but the end of the show was the best. Becky, Charlotte and Asuka apparently lose their minds when they get their hands on a kendo stick.  Those ladies each took some major shots. The end of this match made me want to watch TLC even more. Initially, I wasn’t sure about the addition of Asuka to the match, but I think it’s going to be a smart one.  

With Asuka standing tall at the end, that’s pretty much a guarantee she’s not winning right? Becky’s the best thing going in WWE. Charlotte’s in the groove as this heel character she’s portraying (sorry Oli). Whichever woman climbs the ladder and grabs the championship, SmackDown will be more exciting for it.

#TheQueen @MsCharlotteWWE is all kinds of wrapped up by #TheEmpress @WWEAsuka! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/ocQ2xCXAFX

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 12, 2018

Dylan Kapisky

The WrestleMania rematch. How could it not be this? Usually when I do these roundtables, I stay away from putting the main event in this slot because it’s supposed to be the best part of the show. Therefore, writing about it always felt too easy to me. But when the main event is a rematch of the best singles match at this year’s WrestleMania, with the added benefit of ‘The Man’ at ringside, there are few things capable of topping it.

For 15+ minutes, Charlotte and Asuka put on a technical spectacle, similar to their clash at the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’. The pair have incredible chemistry and watching them do battle, all the while knowing they will be joined by Becky Lynch as well as a whole host of weapons, made me incredibly excited for the match at TLC.

It’s a shame it ended in a DQ, but the action before and the brawl after, more than made up for it.

Kyle Payne

This might come as a shock to the higher ups in WWE but the best part – believe it or not – was the actual wrestling and character progression. Bryan vs. Ali and Charlotte vs. Asuka were the standout highlights. The opening promo Daniel Bryan delivered furthered his character and his more aggressive wrestling really revealed his bad intensions. It’s a breath of fresh air to see Bryan being a heel and he had a really good, albeit short, match with the very talented Mustafa Ali. The match was great in getting Bryan more over as a heel and an excellent showcase for 205 Live.

The WrestleMania rematch between Charlotte and Asuka was good as well. The two of them have great chemistry, and it was nice to see Becky at ringside. I liked that we didn’t get a finish, it allows for a rematch on a bigger stage. And I loved the aftermath and how it played out. Anyone worried that Becky Lynch wouldn’t be cleared for TLC can put those fears to rest as she took several bumps. Everyone looked strong, but Asuka standing tall in the end was the right move and helped give her some more much-needed momentum heading into Sunday.

Jeffrey Bowie Jr.

Daniel Bryan’s promo and the Charlotte / Asuka match tie it for me. The WWE champion continues to be the most compelling act on the main roster and his interaction with Mustafa Ali was really good. The match wasn’t as gripping as I hoped it would be due to it being so short. However, the all-around segment involving these two helped sell TLC and the want for another match down the road.

The Charlotte / Asuka match was strong. It was dampened by the lack of crowd reaction; however, these two were determined to put on a memorable effort and they came close to succeeding. I wasn’t big on the DQ finish, but it did protect all parties involved.

It would be nice if Flair’s character had some clarity. Is she a badass? Or a crazed lunatic who snaps when she’s about to lose? Flair comes across as a heel, but I don’t think the company sees it that way. I hope after TLC that Charlotte’s character is truly defined as a heel, babyface, or Anti-Hero.

• wrestletalk roundtable
• SmackDown Live
• Daniel Bryan
• wwe

Share this article with friends