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

9. Rowan, Revisited

Daniel Bryan Erick Rowan
WWE.com

As deflating as the Daniel Bryan/AJ Styles Royal Rumble finish was, this is a fine role for the returning Rowan (sorry, 'R♻wan').

The aesthetics of this alliance are great. Rowan and Bryan look like they'd legitimately hang out together in real life, though the big man's switch from leather-clad Bludgeon Brother to flannel-wearing, backpack-wielding environmentalist is a tad jarring. On top of this, the former Wyatt Family man has always been best suited to lurking on the periphery. He isn't skilled enough to be more than a sidekick, but he's an effective bruiser, and playing Bryan's henchman will allow WWE to mask his weaknesses.

Compounding everything is how great this should be for Bryan's heel act, as the diminutive WWE Champion now has a meat shield to hide behind. Rowan will help him score many a dirty victory. This makes him an invaluable tool in keeping Bryan over as a heel, as there may come a time when Daniel's crowd reactions swing back to cheers, such is his skill as a performer.

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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.