4 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Aug 11)
Edge makes a surprise return; WWE crowns a new United States Champ; Jey Uso quits?!
Anyone wondering how WWE would follow up on SummerSlam got their answer on this week's SmackDown. Rey Mysterio ended Austin Theory's lengthy United States Title run, IYO SKY's first feud as Women's Champ appears to be working with the old guard, LA Knight is still over as hell, and The Bloodline, well...
...The Bloodline will be plundered nWo-style until money/interest drops off a cliff.
In fairness, WWE's writers did a better-than-expected job with Jimmy Uso's explanation for last weekend in Detroit. No, it definitely wasn't perfect and some folks are 100% sick of this story in August 2023, but the guys involved are still making the most of everything and doing whatever they can to keep it rolling.
Edge was in the house too, which was totally unexpected. He was scheduled for Toronto next week, but popped by Calgary to line up a match for that possible Canadian farewell. Although some viewers wouldn't have guessed that it'd be Sheamus, there's a neat reason for that too.
Here are all the 'Ups' and 'Downs' from a newsworthy if flawed edition of blue brand telly!