‘-This year, RAW and SmackDown both fall on holidays next week-Christmas Eve and Christmas Day respectively. Unlike years past, WWE opted to tape shows for airing next week. Typically, the taped shows have been nothing really special-maybe a match or two worth watching, but usually no major angles.
The Christmas edition of SmackDown Live, however, will be different. Major spoiler ahead, so if you want to be surprised, stop reading. Also, don’t bother to check wwe.com, as the news was announced on their site overnight. In the main event of the holiday show, Shinsuke Nakamura defended his United States title against Rusev.
Christmas Day became Rusev Day in a big way, as the Bulgarian Brute claimed the title. Considering how long Rusev has been getting over, the title run is likely a bit overdue. Still, it will be nice to see what the gregarious Rusev can do with yet another United States Championship reign.
-While we know Braun Strowman was victorious over Baron Corbin at TLC, we also know he required help. Strowman, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, was not medically cleared to work the match. Thus, he took full advantage of the stipulation of a TLC match as it pertains to no disqualifications. With the victory, Braun Strowman secured himself a Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar in Phoenix.
WrestleVotes is now reporting that the Rumble title match may be the first match Braun Strowman may be cleared for. While he is recovering from his surgery, he will at least be able to make appearances. If Strowman isn’t expected to be cleared for in ring action until the Rumble, however, it would seem that we will see a less physical build toward the Universal title match. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as if done right it could help build the anticipation for the match itself
As we said, Strowman wouldn’t compete. Source says he’s not cleared until the Rumble. https://t.co/4k2z3yrPpA
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) December 17, 2018
