11 Ups & 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jun 18)

4. New Day Shine In Opener

The New Day
WWE.com

While Dolph Ziggler's written material and delivery threatened to stink SmackDown's opening segment up, The New Day were as on point as ever, with Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods elevating what could have been a complete bust.

The trio didn't step out of their comfort zone, but who cares? Their endearing entertainment value is one of the most impressive traits in the company. At a time when everything feels overdone and overexposed, The New Day are still hitting the right notes, they're still over, and, on this evidence, they definitely shouldn't be splitting anytime soon.

Kofi was the most compelling New Day man here. His Dolph Ziggler comebacks were all on point, with the WWE Champion rightly pointing out that his journey to the top started inside a cage (the Elimination Chamber). He added that while he looks forward to defeating 'The Show-Off' at Stomping Grounds, Ziggler would have to get through Xavier Woods first, prompting Dolph's awful closing diatribe.

This Kingston reign is very, very good. Some better feuds would be nice, though.

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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.