The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose set for the first SmackDown of 2017

While the first SmackDown of 2017 likely won’t have three title matches like last night’s show did, we know that there will be at least one championship match to kick off the new year.

It was announced on last night’s SmackDown that Dean Ambrose would challenge The Miz for his Intercontinental Championship next week. Ambrose was previously established as the next program for Miz after the IC champion came out on top of his feud with Dolph Ziggler and successfully defended his title against Apollo Crews.

Their storyline took a personal turn last week as Miz brought up Ambrose’s real life relationship with Renee Young, causing Young to slap him in the face. That continued last night with Ambrose attacking Miz in a backstage segment.

Next week will also feature Tajiri’s return to WWE after it was announced that he would be appearing on 205 Live. Goldberg’s return to TV and Braun Strowman vs. Sami Zayn in a last man standing match are also scheduled for the first Raw of 2017.