7 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown: Happy New Year (Dec 30)
2. Paul Heyman’s Subtle Warning
This was perhaps the kind of quick fire backstage segment that won't register with some. That's a pity, because it'll end up being a key plot point in Sami Zayn's eventual expulsion from the ranks of The Bloodline. Paul Heyman will be able to point at Sami and say: 'Well, I did f'n warn you!'.
Paul E cautioned Zayn for scooping some of Roman Reigns' spotlight on last week's show. This is something Heyman does better than anybody - he sincerely presents himself as a twin-pronged meddling annoyance and as someone who really has your best interests at heart.
Sami's facials were cracking too.
It's happening, boys and girls. That underdog babyface run has sort of already started given the positive reactions Zayn gets from live crowds, but it'll kick into high gear once Roman, The Usos and Solo Sikoa leave him bruised and beaten.