11 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (24 Sept)

2. Rowan, Elevated

Erick Rowan Daniel Bryan Luke Harper
WWE.com

Daniel Bryan is the perfect opponent for any wrestler WWE are trying to elevate because the man is absolutely selfless. He'll eat all kinds of sh*t if it means getting his opponent over as he's devoid of ego, understands his role perfectly, and is one of the few people on the roster who can believably be called a wrestling genius, with Kofi Kingston, Heavy Machinery, and now Erick Rowan all on the long list of wrestlers who've benefitted from working with him this year.

Rowan and Bryan worked a strong opening match with a classic David vs. Goliath format enhanced by Daniel's evasiveness, as the former WWE Champion slipped out of holds and tried to chop the big tree down. He sold like crazy for the brutish big man and Rowan, to his own credit, looked menacing throughout, though he's still growing into his role as a singles wrestler.

The finish came when Harper stood on the announce table for the distraction, allowing Erick to drag Bryan back into the ring and hit the Iron Claw, only for Daniel's leg to get trapped in the rope. This enhanced the brutality. Finally, after untangling Bryan from his coil, Rowan hit another finisher for a strong, strong victory.

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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.