WWE Smackdown Live: The Miz defends the IC title against a disgruntled Dean Ambrose

HOUSTON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The Miz was forced to defend his Intercontinental Championship on Smackdown Live Tuesday against a still reeling Dean Ambrose.

Smackdown Live general manager Daniel Bryan made the impromptu match after The Miz unwisely taunted Ambrose on his talk show Miz TV about losing to AJ Styles at TLC for the WWE World Championship due to interference from former ally James Ellsworth.

Not in the mood for fun and games, The Miz had to hide behind his wife Maryse after he gave Ambrose the first-ever Miz Participation Award for his efforts against Styles.

The ensuing match saw Ambrose take out his frustrations on the self-proclaimed Hollywood A-lister until The Miz regained control by focusing on The Lunatic Fringe's legs.

After some close calls and interference from Maryse, Ambrose began to gain the upper hand and had The Miz rolled up for the three count until once again, his championship hopes were dashed by Ellsworth who accidentally distracted the referee with complaints about Maryse.

The distraction was enough for The Miz to plant Ambrose with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win as Ellsworth quickly ran out of the arena.

"It happened AGAIN! @RealEllsworth's involvement costs @TheDeanAmbrose the gold on #SDLive!" WWE noted on Twitter alongside a video of the night's closing moments.

Earlier on Smackdown Live!, James Ellsworth confronted Styles about challenging him for the WWE World Championship however The Phenomenal One was not cleared to compete due to an injured leg.

Ambrose had confronted Ellsworth during that time as well and quickly hit the unlikely star with Dirty Deeds without saying a word.