10 Ups & 1 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Sept 4)

3. Cat & Mouse

The Miz Maryse Empty Arena
WWE.com

The Miz and Maryse took their evasive tactics to a new level last night. Like a couple of complete sh*theads, they called Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella out in an empty arena, knowing full well that the duo were nowhere near the building. This, of course, led to them calling their enemies "afraid" when they didn't show up, taking their headgames to the next level.

The duo re-emerged after Bryan's victory over Almas, claiming they'd taken the evening off for an Italian meal, so the faces grabbed their cases and headed to the restaurant. Predictably, 'The It Couple' were nowhere to be found, and it all backfired in the end, with Miz booked to face R-Truth in the main event, leading to Bryan and Bella running the avoidant duo off as the show closed.

Though this was all very similar to what Samoa Joe did with AJ Styles last week, it hit the mark. It's exactly the kind of thing we expect from unrepentant bastards like Miz and Maryse, who thought they had the upper-hand on their Hell in a Cell opponents, but still wound up losing in the end. Extra points to WWE for not portraying the babyfaces like complete idiots in this situation, too.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.