The WWE closed out 2017 with SmackDown hosting Clash of Champions in Boston. Every title was on the line tonight as well as some careers. Who will retain their titles and who will retain their employment?
Kickoff Show Match
Mojo Rawley vs. Zack Ryder
The Hype Bros finally broke up after months of buildup, which brought some actual substance to this kickoff match. Zack came out balls to the wall aggressive, no doubt spurred by Mojo’s insinuations that he lacked killer instinct. The strategy worked until things got into the ring. Mojo was able to halt the assault and mount his own offense. Zack temporarily overpowered Mojo again after being taunted and he nearly won by pinfall. Mojo ultimately won the match by chop blocking Zack and finishing him off with a forearm after a furious barrage of hits.
Winner: Mojo Rawley
WWE United States Championship Match
Baron Corbin (c) vs. Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler
In typical triple threat match fashion, everyone ganged up on the person possessed of the physical advantage, which is Baron Corbin. With Baron temporarily dispatched, the two then fought each other. The match was full of the standard near falls and false finishes to ratchet up the drama. Dolph pulled off the surprise of the night by nailing both Baron and Bobby with a Zig Zag as Baron was about to attempt an End of Days on Bobby. That gave him a two for one, which gave Dolph a pinfall on Baron for the win. This win is all the more surprising since Dolph has basically been a jobber and has been implying that he’s already looking to life after wrestling as a comedian. It’ll be interesting to see if Dolph can have a meaningful run.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match
The Usos (c) vs. The New Day vs. Rusev & Aiden English vs. Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable
Expectations were high for this match, especially with The Usos and New Day. Both teams have consistently given some of the best matches of the past year or so. Rusev Day was in full effect in Boston. Rusev enjoyed the biggest pop from the crowd, especially during Aiden English’s rendition of “The 12 Days of Rusev”. The match started out as a brawl for the most part. The New Day eventually gained control for an early upper hand. Of course, no covers made it past two, as no one wanted anyone else to win. Eventually, The New Day and Usos got a chance to square off and they threw down big time. Benjamin and Gable reinserted themselves in the match while they were battling it out. The New Day were able to elude some finishes for a time but The Usos won by going after Gable after he broke up a submission attempt by Rusev on Big E. They double teamed him and got the pinfall to retain the tag belts.
Winner: The Usos
WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship Lumberjack Match
Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Natalya
This lumberjack match came about at Nattie’s request. Most of the Women’s Division was at ringside ready to pounce on whoever falls outside the ring. The match consisted of Natalya pushing Charlotte outside for a good portion of the match. Charlotte took the lion’s share of the punishment but Natalya got some boots put to her as well but that was contingent on where she fell outside. The real drama was building amongst the lumberjacks, especially with the Riott Squad looking to establish themselves against the current roster. The lumberjacks eventually brawled amongst themselves and Charlotte took them all out by actually connecting with a moonsault. This allowed her to face of with Natalya mano a mano and she was able to get Natalya to submit to the Figure 8. Natalya told the audience that she was going to turn her back on the WWE Universe as it has turned its back on her. It’s likely that this feud isn’t over.
Winner: Charlotte Flair by submission
The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Breezango
This matchup should’ve been a kickoff match. Breezango did nothing but show up and get bludgeoned like baby seals. The match up ended with prime Goldberg speed as they were never in the match except to serve as punching bags.
Winner: The Bludegeon Brothers
Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens
*Special guest referees: Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan
The surprise swerve by Kevin and Sami at Survivor Series last month culminated in this match. The match contained as much contention between Shane and Daniel as there was between the actual competitors as Daniel tried to make the match as fair as possible. That dynamic was present throughout the match. Business picked up when Randy gained the advantage by giving Zayn a RKO but the pin got broken up after KO pushed Bryan into Shane. Shane later refused to count when Sami attempted a pinfall, which led to another standoff between Shane and Daniel. Sami and Kevin lived to work another day when Daniel did a fast count on when Sami rolled up Randy. Surely, this will continue to play out on Tuesday Night.
Winner: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
WWE Championship Match
AJ Styles (c) vs. Jinder Mahal
The main event saw Jinder win some early exchanges with AJ. The Singh Brothers were ringside coaching and encouraging The Modern Maharajah. Jinder used his size and strength advantage to actually stand toe to toe with AJ early on. Things went fine until AJ landed a kick and he began targeting Jinder’s left leg. Jinder displayed resilience and strategy by targeting AJ’s ribs and going after them for the duration of the match. AJ rallied back and after kicking out of the Khallas Clutch, he was able make Jinder submit after getting him in a Calf Crusher.
Winner: AJ Styles by submission
