5 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Mar 13)

Downs...

2. The Farty US Title Feud

Jinder Mahal Bobby Roode
WWE.com

There's nothing interesting about the current WWE United States Title hunt.

Bobby Roode vs. Randy Orton was a mechanically sound house show bout presented on pay-per-view, and 'The Glorious One's' clash followed a similar format last night. It was fine, but dull, and rife with headlocks, rests, clubbering blows, and heel shenanigans. Wash, rinse, repeat.

'The Maharaja' won, further strengthening his position in the division. A WrestleMania 34 Triple Threat now looks to be on the cards, and while the A-to-B booking has been solid, and WWE have set this feud up in a logical way, it's all terribly dull.

An in-ring promo from Randy Orton, the new champion, preceded this. He put himself over as a Grand Slam performer, and claimed that Roode earned his respect at Fastlane, which drew Bobby out from the back. Out came Mahal, and their one-on-one match was set. Perfectly acceptable, but forgettable nonetheless. A supplemental 'Up' for the wise decision to remove the Top 10 bulls*** from this feud, though.

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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.