7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (July 31)

1. Failing Upwards

Charlotte Flair
WWE.com

There's an argument to be made that WWE told a solid one-night storyline with Charlotte Flair's return, her eventual insertion into the SummerSlam Women's Title match, and the teased strain between her and best friend Becky Lynch, and if you're deeply invested in this, it'll likely transcend most concerns.

Not here, though. Charlotte continued the recent trend of wrestlers losing upwards, and after failing in her last two title matches to Carmella and falling to Becky in early June, she has now slid into another title opportunity. It's very Roman Reigns, and it needs to be called out.

Flair is outstanding, and while not quite as smooth as Becky or dynamic as Asuka between the ropes, she might be her division's most complete performer. She's someone the company love, a safe option, the Women's Revolution's franchise player, and her occupying major spotlights isn't a problem in itself, but not this way.

It sends the message, once again, that wins and losses don't matter in this company, and it'd take a fanciful level of faith in WWE's writing team to assume otherwise.

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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.