8 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (July 17)

Downs...

1. Tension In The Ranks

Last night's backstage segment between Lana and Aiden English wasn't bad, but 'The Ravishing Russian's' performances have become weirdly inconsistent in recent months. She has taken to switching between accents at will, often doing so several times within the same conversation, as was the case here.

It makes for jarring viewing. If someone is asking her to do this, then it's a bewildering move, but if she's doing it herself, it gives the impression she doesn't care. American or Russian: pick one, and stick to it. We know that Catherine Joy Perry was born in Gainesville, Florida, and doesn't use the accent on Total Divas, but this line-blurring shouldn't extend to SmackDown's fantasy world.

On the plus side, teasing tension between English, Lana, and Rusev is a smart move that should, if handled correctly, address the problems with Rusev's alignment. 'The Bulgarian Brute,' like his betrothed, must choose a side. 'Rusev Day' has top babyface potential, but he can't keep playing to the crowd while beating down fan favourites.

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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.