11 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (July 30)

2. Kofi Thwarts AJ

Kofi Kingston AJ Styles
WWE.com

WWE treated us to two strong singles matches on last night's SmackDown, with AJ Styles vs. Kofi Kingston the slight lesser of the two.

It was a smart, sharp, and well-worked affair between two guys who understand their role perfectly. While not quite pay-per-view calibre, there was little to complain about throughout. Styles is very detestable in his new heel role and Kofi worked well from beneath. There were ringside shenanigans with The New Day and OC lurking around, but they weren't too overbearing, and actually served to enhance the drama rather than detract from it.

Kudos to the road agents for avoiding a clichéd interference-based finish, too. Rather than take a shortcut, we got a clean conclusion as Styles downed Kofi with an Ushigoroshi, but flew into Trouble In Paradise while attempting the Phenomenal Forearm. A great spot, and the right result. The WWE Champion should be defeating his United States counterpart if roster hierarchies are a thing.

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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.