9 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 15)

Mysterio and Andrade steal the show in an early Match of the Year contender.

Rey Mysterio Shane McMahon The Miz
WWE

Last night's WWE SmackDown didn't quite match the previous week's greatness, but it doesn't even matter. Sometimes, all it takes is one excellent bout to lift an entire broadcast. This was the case here, as two of the blue brand's best wrestlers stood across the ring from one another, then threw down with a pay-per-view calibre scrap the likes of which we rarely see on weekly television, but will never not be thankful for when they do come along.

It shouldn't much effort to figure out which clash we're talking about. Regardless, this episode had plenty to offer elsewhere too, though one ongoing storyline nosedived creatively.

The Miz held a big birthday bash for new best friend Shane McMahon, attempting, once again, to solidify their alliance ahead of the Royal Rumble. Becky Lynch and Asuka kicked SmackDown off with aplomb, the promise of Andrade vs. Rey Mysterio had everyone salivating, and with the planned Carmella vs. Sonya Deville match scrapped, Sonya's partner, Mandy Rose, came up with a new way to manipulate Naomi and husband Jimmy Uso.

A very good episode rather than a great one, these two hours nonetheless pushed SmackDown towards the Rumble with vigour and purpose. Let's run it down...

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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.