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

Downs...

5. Needless Simplification

Andrade Zelina Vega
WWE

Andrade lost two-thirds of his name last night. "'Cien'" and "Almas" are no more, and just like Rusev and Cesaro before him, the former La Sombra will now push forward under his forename.

Though the simplification will matter little in the long run, these moves always feel a tad patronising. It's as if WWE don't trust their audience to string a few Spanish-sounding words together. "Gotta trim it down for these simpletons, pal," the decision-maker said, "a seven-syllable name is way too much for them to handle."

It's a nitpick, and a very minor Down, but "Andrade 'Cien' Almas" was a cool name that sounded unlike any other in the roster. WWE have just chipped a chunk of his identity away, and it feels entirely unnecessary.

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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.