10 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 29)

Downs...

4. The Man Bails Out

Becky Lynch refusing medical treatment following Charlotte Flair's assault on her injured leg is very 'Man'-like behaviour.

Becky Lynch leaving the arena less than one hour into the broadcast most certainly is not.

An odd move, this, as while Becky's justification ("I don't need to spend any more time on the shelf") is objectively smart, characters like hers should let their hearts lead their heads in these scenarios. Such flaws are what makes them relatable. Seeing the babyface getting knocked down over and over, then rising up in the face of insurmountable odds, triumphing through heart, badassery, and just the right amount of bravado is a timeless booking technique. Here, for the first time in months, Lynch was portrayed as someone who is running out of fight.

Having Becky ordered to leave the arena by an authority figure, accompanied by 'The Man's' protestations, would've been a wiser move here. WWE haven't damaged Lynch with this brief character deviation, but they have dropped an inconsistency.

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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.