10 Ways WWE Could Rebuild SmackDown

9. Stop F*ckshadowing

Triple H SmackDown
WWE.com

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which the events of the story are indicated or threatened in order to build tension ahead of the climax.

The word "f*ck" in wrestling is synonymous with deflation, ironically enough; a "f*ck finish" is one in which the match doesn't conclude, but is loaded with interference or chicanery as an excuse to prolong a given rivalry.

What WWE has done to mar SmackDown throughout the post-brand extension era is f*ckshadowing: indicating a finish to a storyline that is not forthcoming. What's worse, other than the pure lack of delivery, catharsis, anything, is that this f*ckshadowing promises a better, impossible reality. The Miz and Daniel Bryan contested the best feud of 2016, one which WWE knew all along was impossible to settle in the squared circle: WWE's Medical Director, Joseph Maroon, has refused to clear Bryan for physical activity. The long-term implications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are unknown. The risk is inherent and clear. WWE refuses to externalise this internal decision and, naturally, fans can't help but hope.

On last week's episode, Shane McMahon again dangled the carrot. SmackDown is often tedious enough as it is. Obviously, it's not at all helpful that Daniel Bryan, the most popular wrestler of the decade, is constantly teased.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!