WWE SmackDown: Spoiler-Free Preview for December 5

Following an unimpressive Raw, the Dec. 5 edition of WWE SmackDown offers some intriguing matchups.

Luke Harper defends the Intercontinental Championship again. Another look at a newly formed tag team and plenty of TLC build fill the show as well.

Oklahoma City hosted all that action Tuesday night, but SmackDown won't air until Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Syfy. Before then, one can seek out spoilers on the Internet or wait until the broadcast to see which wrestlers will add wins to their resumes.

For those who wish to do the latter, the following is a results-free preview of all the matches lined up for Friday's SmackDown.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper (Intercontinental Championship)

Ziggler gets his second opportunity to reclaim the IC title from Harper. Last week, he got the win but not the title. He'll be looking for more than a count-out victory this time around.

It's a good sign for Harper that WWE has had him defend the strap so often. This match will mark the third time in a reign that hasn't yet reached three weeks.

The chemistry between these two men has been excellent so far. Their contrasting styles have made for some entertaining bouts.

How this plays out will give fans an idea of whether this is a feud the company will continue to focus on or whether the victor will move on to new challengers. With TLC quickly approaching, the audience is waiting to see if the IC champ makes it onto the card. 

Cesaro and Tyson Kidd vs. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods

It looks as if the pairing we saw for the first time in the Tag Team Turmoil match on Monday's Raw wasn't a one-time thing. Cesaro and Kidd team up again, facing off against the faction now known as The New Day.

While Cesaro fans would much rather see him move up the WWE ladder, the tag team division may be a good home for him. It beats floundering in the midcard and getting your head stuffed inside a pumpkin.

Kidd serves as an intriguing partner. He's the lightning to Cesaro's thunder, a stellar athlete and a versatile in-ring performer. 

Will they just be fodder for the new blue-clad babyfaces, though? Woods, Kingston and Big E look to be heading toward a rivalry with Stardust and Goldust. Cesaro and Kidd could either be stepping stones to that story or roadblocks, gearing up for their own run in the spotlight. 

The Miz vs. Jey Uso

A singles match helps build toward the tag title bout at TLC.

Jey has an opportunity to gain momentum for his team. The Miz, meanwhile, will be looking to rebound from a loss to Jimmy Uso on Tuesday's Main Event.

The Miz can also rile up the Uso brothers even more than he did Monday night.

Backstage, The Awesome One offered Jimmy's wife, Naomi, the phone number of an agent. Jimmy took offense and slapped The Miz off his feet. Will Jimmy take another swing at him? Will The Miz find a way to get Jey just as angry?

The only certainty is that Damien Mizdow will be at ringside aping The Miz's every movement, and it will be a blast to watch.

Brie Bella vs. Naomi

Naomi and AJ Lee teamed up to beat the Bella sisters on Monday's Raw. Brie now looks to bounce back with a singles victory.

WWE hasn't explained why Brie was suddenly cool with her sister despite spending a month suffering her tyranny. Perhaps we get a better glimpse into Brie's motivations through either her actions or the commentary.

AJ likely isn't done with her. The former champ must still want to sock both Bellas after losing her title because of them. 

As for the matchup itself, we can expect some flashes of athleticism from Naomi and a good amount of Brie's favorite weapon—the dropkick.

Erick Rowan and Ryback vs. Seth Rollins and Big Show

The idea of Rowan and Ryback main eventing a SmackDown just a few months ago would have sounded ridiculous. The two bruising babyfaces have enjoyed a surge as of late, though, and they are now engaged in high-profile feuds with established names.

Rowan is set to face Big Show at TLC. Ryback and Kane will collide that night as well.

This tag match serves as a precursor to those battles with members of the now-powerless Authority. Aside from Rollins, there isn't much speed in the ring here, so expect a grinding slugfest. 

On a week when Raw and Main Event failed to deliver any outstanding matches, SmackDown has a number of bouts with potential on tap. It promises to be a night of hard-hitting action with Rowan, Harper and Cesaro all climbing into the ring.