11 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Oct 30)

2. A Simple Solution To A Tough Problem

Samoa Joe
WWE.com

Could WWE have possibly come up with a more acceptable Daniel Bryan substitute than Samoa Joe?

Yes, we've already seen this match several times in 2018, and no, it isn't quite as big a pay-per-view attraction as Styles vs. Bryan was, but WWE were in a difficult position. Their options were extremely limited and with the bulk of SmackDown's other top stars tied up in the World Cup, they had a tough choice on their hands.

Rusev isn't doing anything at the moment, but that's another repeat booking.

Andrade Almas? He's lucky to make TV most weeks, and barely has any heat, though it'd be an awesome match.

... Big Show? LOL.

WWE did the right thing. Joe's previous matches with Styles were the finest of AJ's lengthy title run, and while he's probably going to Saudi Arabia to lose, there's no reason to believe he won't do a stellar job again. As far as replacements go, this one makes all the sense in the world.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.