11 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jul 16)

by Andy H Murray

1. KO Versus Everybody

Kevin Owens
WWE.com

Kevin Owens' squash of Dolph Ziggler at Extreme Rules was perfect.

When the rematch was confirmed for SmackDown, there was a danger that WWE would undo its impact with needless 50/50 booking. This wasn't the case. They teased the flash finish with another immediate Stunner attempt, and while 'The Show-Off' looked more competitive this time around (and technically won), the way it was executed fits with KO's recent rebirth.

Shane McMahon and his army of goons arrived halfway through. He had Drew McIntyre, Elias, and almost every other heel you can think of with him, and it looked like they were going to cost Owens the match. They certainly tried, but KO was wise to it. After enduring all manner of shenanigans (including Shane breaking a Stunner-induced fall up), Kev nailed his new finisher on McMahon on the outside, darted away from the action, costing himself a countout in the process.

Afterwards, a humiliated Shane promised he'd make KO pay. He'd been outsmarted again, and it's great to watch a WWE babyface who isn't booked like a complete dipsh*t for a change.

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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.