12 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Feb 12)

10. Mustafa's Explanation

Elimination Chamber was going to be a huge opportunity for former 205 Live man Mustafa Ali, who has fast become SmackDown's foremost rising star since transitioning from the lowly Cruiserweight brand. Having gone 30 minutes in the Royal Rumble, he'd have no doubt put forth a similarly gritty Chamber performance, perhaps even scoring a pin on one of his more celebrated opponents, taking his main roster career to the next level.

But while missing out is a disappointment, it need not be a disaster. Injuries have pulled the rug out from under Ali. That's an instant jolt of sympathy for an already sympathetic character, and it was nice to see WWE giving him a quick promo to explain the situation rather than letting it pass without mention.

Standing in the snow, Mustafa said he was disappointed that his body had given up before his heart, but promised it wasn't the end. It'll take more than Rowan, Randy Orton, and Samoa Joe to stop him, and he won't stay down.

Good, simple stuff from one of SmackDown's purest babyfaces. Here's hoping he makes a swift recovery.

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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.