12 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Apr 23)

6. Roman Vs. The Authority

Roman Reigns Shane McMahon
WWE.com

There was a lot to like about last night's show-opening encounter between Roman Reigns and Shane McMahon:-

1. Heel Shane, whose bullsh*t is insufferable when he's a babyface, but works when he's playing the bad guy. This idiot actually thinks he's 'The Best In The World.' "Defeating" The Miz at WrestleMania 35 has empowered him, and his eventual comeuppance is going to be glorious.

2. McMahon asking "what kind of man puts his hands on another man's father?!". Brilliant.

3. Roman Reigns coming out like a silent badass, tossing the microphone aside instead of engaging with the former Commissioner.

4. Shane squaring up to the kayfabe hardest man in the company like he's the shoot hardest man in the world.

5. Corporate stooge heel Elias jumping 'The Big Dog' from behind, leading to a two-on-one beatdown, with Reigns left lying in a sympathetic heap to close.

More of this, please, and book Shane vs. Roman for SummerSlam while we're at it.

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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.