11 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Nov 13)

4. On The Bright Side...

Charlotte Flair Women's Roster
WWE.com

While Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair isn't as immediately exciting as Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch (and doesn't have anything resembling a build), it was easily the best available compromise. Asuka would've been great had WWE not spent the past few months destroying her aura, of course, but we can't be too upset about this Survivor Series substitution.

With a nod to WhatCulture's Michael Sidgwick, who pointed this out in his typically excellent Evolution review, WWE's best women's wrestlers have their best main roster match with Charlotte. The evidence? Consider her showdowns with Asuka (WrestleMania 34), Becky (Evolution), Bayley (Raw, 13 February 2017), and Sasha Banks (Raw, 28 November 2016). Each was excellent. Say what you will about Charlotte's sloppiness, or her inconsistencies on weekly TV, but she usually delivers in a big spot, and will likely do the same against Rousey.

That's not to say it'll definitely be a better bout that Ronda vs. Becky would've been (it probably won't), but a disappointment would be a huge surprise. Charlotte understands the importance of this spot, she's more than ready for it, and she's in there with a wrestler who dragged Nia Jax, of all people, to a great bout a few months ago.

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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.