10 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 21)

1. Shut Up & Stop Crying

Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

Where to start with this horrible Dolph Ziggler promo?

This thing stunk. It began with 'The Show-Off' rejecting a backstage interview and heading to the stage, claiming he'd boo himself if he was part of the crowd. Cue: the year's most cringe-worthy faux passionate delivery. Ziggler was trying to convey the idea that he was so upset by his own actions that it was bringing him close to tears, yet he sounded like an upset toddler who'd lost their favourite teddy. Couple this with that textbook '90s-style quiet/loud thing he likes to do on promos and his delivery was laughable.

Ziggler ran through Kofi Kingston's many triumphs, finishing each point with an "it should have been me." Nah, mate. You haven't won a big match since Pepsi Crystal was a hot product. This led to the reveal that he was facing Kingston for the WWE Championship at Super Showdown, because "he has to," before promising that every single audience member would come to admire and respect him.

Don't get worked into thinking that this is the start of a proper main event run for Ziggler. The man has come back for a sweet Saudi Arabian paycheque: nothing more, nothing less.

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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.