5 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Oct 10)

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens highlight the blue brand's big rebound.

Sami Zayn Kevin Owens Reunion
WWE.com

Hell in a Cell 2017 turned out better than anyone expected. The show's quality lagged in the middle, but it was bookended by two tremendous HIAC matches, with The Usos and New Day delivering a genuine 'Match Of The Year' candidate in the opener, and the Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens clash turning into a wildly enjoyable stunt show.

The biggest talking point, of course, was Sami Zayn's heel turn. 'The Underdog From The Underground' saved his greatest rival's skin by pulling his lifeless body off the announce table as Shane soared from atop the cell. It was a shocking conclusion, and one that demanded an effective follow up on last night's SmackDown. Fortunately, they delivered.

The blue brand's standards have slipped immensely in 2017, but while this show wasn't a complete return to form, it was a strong rebound. WWE effectively followed up on each of the brand's major storylines, and while Zayn and Owens predictably stole the spotlight, Baron Corbin, The Usos, and Shinsuke Nakamura all had big nights. WWE Champion Jinder Mahal was nowhere to be seen, either - always a positive.

The night wasn't devoid of duds, but SmackDown hasn't delivered this level of quality in weeks. Let's take a look at the moments responsible for the turnaround, and those that held it back...

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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.