5 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown

Ups...

5. Woods Vs. English Delivers

Xavier Woods Aiden English
WWE.com

The US Title Tournament rumbled on with Xavier Woods vs. Aiden English last night. It was a solid little bout that didn't break six minutes, but delivered everything it needed to, and produced a smart, logical result, meaning there's absolutely nothing to complain about.

Big E and Kofi Kingston joined their New Day cohort at ringside, with Rusev accompanied his singing sidekick. This could have led to shenanigans, but none of them got involved in the match, allowing their seconds to conduct business uninterrupted. A refreshing change on SmackDown, where it feels like every second bout is marred by overbooking in some shape or form.

There was no dull heat segment, and little in the way of restholds outside the opening minute. Instead, Woods and English worked a solid back-and-forth that saw then fight on the outside, trade roll-ups, and keep the outcome on a knife's edge throughout. Woods scored the victory, though: his rope-walk elbow drop was enough to put the ever-improving English away, and advance to the next stage, where he'll be tasked with dragging an enjoyable contest out of Jinder Mahal.

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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.