SmackDown airs tonight with a taped show emanating from XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The event is the third episode of the nine-week build-up to the Royal Rumble, which takes place on February 1.
Jade Cargill was injured by a mystery assailant last month, putting the WWE women’s tag team championship in limbo. General Manager Nick Aldis was about to vacate the titles but has now decided to defend them tonight against Candice LeRae and Nia Jax. Naomi suddenly became Belair’s new partner, raising suspicions that she might be involved.
In the main event, Bianca Belair and Naomi will face Jax and LeRae, with a focus on taking out Jax and pinning LeRae. Meanwhile, Braun Strowman returned from injury and crushed Carmelo Hayes in a singles match, but his next move is unclear. The Motor City Machine Guns are upset over Johnny Gargano’s heel turn, setting up an Alex Shelley vs. Gargano match.
Other storylines to watch include Kevin Owens’ claim as the new WWE champion, Solo Sikoa’s struggles against LA Knight and Jacob Fatu, Chelsea Green’s reign as Women’s United States Champion, Drew McIntyre’s attack on Jimmy Uso, and Legado del Fantasma seeking opportunities on SmackDown. The show may also provide hints about Charlotte Flair’s potential return and Giovanni Vinci’s whereabouts.
Viewers will be looking for updates on these storylines and the build-up to the Royal Rumble, which promises to be an exciting event.
Source: https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/12/20/24325762/wwe-smackdown-preview-dec-20-2024-naomi-belair-nia-jax-lerae-womens-tag-team-titles-strowman-waller