11 Ups & 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jul 2)

by Andy H Murray

1. A Worthy Confrontation

Kofi Kingston
WWE.com

It speaks volumes that this week's strongest Up is a bloody in-ring talking segment, but Kofi Kingston and Samoa Joe did a great job here.

What could have been a lame, routine champion vs. challenger confrontation was taken to a different level by two excellent promos. Joe and Kofi were both on point. In a heavy shot at Kingston's pre-WrestleMania narrative, Joe suggested that his foe is no more than a beneficiary of WWE's extreme generosity, and that while he respected the hustle, he knows the New Day man has been using the people to get ahead.

Kingston refused to let Joe get inside his head. He criticised the big man for sneak-attacking people, then called him out when Joe went down the predictable route of commenting on his family. From there, he told Joe he'd never have a WrestleMania moment like his, and refused to take the bait when the big man went for a handshake, flipping a middle finger as his Extreme Rules opponent talked trash before nailing him with the Trouble in Paradise.

Again, it was good to see another smart, strong babyface performer. These guys can't fall for the heels every single time, and Kingston's great WWE Title reign continues down the right path.

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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.