12 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (13 Aug)

Downs...

2. Knock-uh, Knock-uh, Knock-uh

Forget the content of Aleister Black's dopey dark room promo last night - this columnist has spent more than enough time criticising that over the past few months. Instead, focus on his delivery.

Why is this guy talking like old-school Triple H-uh? Why the verbal tic? Why over-emphasise the last letter(s) on every other word, or worse, add an uh/ih?

Whoever came up with this idea has made Black sound stupid. These promos are unintentionally meme-worthy not only for their repetition but Aleister's vocal idiosyncrasies, which make him stand out for all the wrong reasons. It's as if somebody wants viewers to take the p*ss out of him.

What was the problem with Black's delivery in NXT? He didn't sound like Triple H-uh down there and his words actually had weight. That's no coincidence.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.