5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (June 9)
4. Paul Heyman = Master Manipulator
Heyman circumvented Jey Uso's decision, which was heavily hyped going into Friday, by throwing a United States Title-shaped spanner in the works. That masterstroke of mental manipulation from Roman Reigns' manager handed WWE another out they could use to realistically keep The Bloodline's story chugging along.
Yours truly isn't mad it, although some fans do seem peeved that Jey's advertised decision didn't actually happen. Regardless of that social media flapping, Paul E announcing Jey vs. Austin Theory then reaching for a handshake with a smile made for a strong opening segment.
Uso wasn't fooled.
He saw right through Heyman's plan, but accepted the title tilt. That was logical, and made even better when Jey warned Paul that he'd be ousted from The Bloodline if Jey ended up gaining more power in the faction. This has just been a ridiculously-good story.