Ready for a SmackDown shake-up? Get ready, wrestling fans, because the blue brand is about to get a whole lot bigger! Starting next Friday, January 2nd, WWE's SmackDown returns to its three-hour format, and the main event is shaping up to be a wild one.
Sean Rueter, a wrestling aficionado since at least WrestleMania I, has been following the sport and blogging about it for SBNation & Cageside Seats since around WrestleMania 28. He's got his finger on the pulse of the wrestling world, and he's got some thoughts on this latest development.
The show's headline match will be an Ambulance Match featuring Aleister Black and Damian Priest. Yes, you read that right. After what feels like an eternity of feuding, these two are finally settling their differences in a match where the loser gets carted away in an ambulance.
This match comes at a time when WWE is also lengthening their weekly shows from two to three hours. But here's where it gets controversial... Many fans have expressed their frustration with the length of WWE's weekly shows, and the seemingly never-ending feuds.
Adding to the excitement, the show will also feature:
- A massive eight-woman tag team match: Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane.
- Jade Cargill vs. Michin, with a WWE Women’s title shot on the line for Michin if she wins.
With the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre feud likely wrapping up the following week, this Ambulance Match between Black and Priest is expected to be the blow-off.
And this is the part most people miss... Given the stipulation and the likely conclusion of the feud, this match is almost guaranteed to be the main event. So, if you're feeling a bit burned out on this rivalry, you could always pretend it's still a two-hour show and fast forward through it!
It will probably still be fun, even if the feud should have ended a month ago, though. We'll be watching!
What do you think about the return of the three-hour SmackDown? Are you excited for the Ambulance Match, or are you hoping for something different? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
