Sheamus, Alexa Bliss & Elias return to WWE SmackDown

The post-Survivor Series episode of SmackDown saw three wrestlers return to WWE television.

– After nearly eight months away, Sheamus made his return in a backstage segment. He cut a heel promo where he called the current state of SmackDown pathetic. He specifically mentioned The Fiend, King Corbin, and Shorty G. Sheamus ended the promo by saying “SmackDown will be mine.”

Dave Meltzer reported in September that Sheamus was ready to return: “He’s been off and has spinal stenosis, which is not a good thing long-term for a wrestler. But he is ready to return and if a storyline is there, he would be brought back.”

– Alexa Bliss returned to SmackDown after Nikki Cross’ match against Sonya Deville tonight. She saved Cross from a post-match attack by Deville and Mandy Rose.

Bliss had been out of action since October’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. WWE noted earlier this month that Bliss had a minor injury but was expected to return soon.

Bliss & Cross will be in a fatal four-way match for the Women’s Tag Team titles at WWE Starrcade on Sunday night. The match will air on the one-hour live Starrcade special on the WWE Network, with Asuka & Kairi Sane defending their titles against Bliss & Cross, Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks & Bayley.

– Elias also appeared in a backstage segment with Dana Brooke and Drake Maverick on SmackDown tonight. It was the first time Elias has appeared on WWE TV since he was pulled from his King of the Ring tournament semifinal match against Chad Gable n September due to an ankle injury.

Elias told Brooke and Maverick that he had been on a journey outwards and inwards since he’s been out of action and then sang a song mocking Maverick.