12 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (13 Aug)

2. Ember Reignites Against Flair

Ember Moon Charlotte Flair
WWE.com

Two nights removed from a disappointing clash with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley at SummerSlam, Ember Moon came back to life with a great showing against Charlotte Flair, who defeated Trish Stratus in a legacy pay-per-view match.

Quality-wise, this was a big leap forward for the 'War Goddess.' She looked great against 'The Queen.' Igniting the bout with hyper-athleticism and her flashy, high-impact offence, Moon reminded the audience that she's a firecracker between the ropes, despite falling short at SmackDown.

The bout's reason for existing was simple. More than a mere exhibition, this was Charlotte's shot at revenge after Moon blasted her with the Eclipse in lead-up to SummerSlam. That move saw Flair, aghast that she'd been left out of the main title programme, sow the seeds for her clash with Stratus. Regardless, the lust for retribution never leaves a mind as petty as hers, and she got it here.

There's a point to be made about Moon losing again after WWE had systematically failed to prevent her as a threat in the Bayley feud. That's a shame, though it's secondary to the match's real goal: giving Flair closure and potentially setting her up as the next title challenger.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.