5 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 8)

All roads lead to Money In The Bank.

by Andy H Murray
Rusev Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

Backlash was a stinker.

It'd be a stretch to call any show featuring a bout the calibre of Miz vs. Rollins a disaster, but it flopped on too many levels to be considered anything other than a failure. Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass reintroduced fans to the seven-footer's glaring in-ring deficiencies after several weeks of solid promo work. Jeff Hardy wrestled the absolute worst version of Randy Orton. Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair? A bout defined by screaming and stalling. Styles/Nakamura III? Fine, but their "great match" window is closing.

After delivering these flops on Sunday, SmackDown had two jobs last night:-

1. Rebound.

2. Build towards Money In The Bank.

They were moderately successful. SD's first three MITB qualifiers were a mixed bag, but two stood among the week's biggest highlights. It was a night of upsets, too, with Rusev and Mandy Rose scoring victories over more celebrated opposition, and while Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles didn't dominate the show, it's clear their rivalry is far from over.

With WrestleMania, the Shake-Up, Greatest Royal Rumble, and Backlash all falling within a 30-day window, SmackDown has thrived through a hectic schedule. Last night was another net positive, so let's dive into it...

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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.