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

9. A (Not So) Noble Sacrifice

Rowan Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

Another week, another very good Daniel Bryan promo.

Last night's served as an introduction to the gauntlet. Bryan wasn't at his most condescending, but he was dialled into his 'Planet's Champion' gimmick as he shot bullets at those praying for him to lose his lovely hemp belt on Sunday night. When they chanted "Yes!", he called them fickle, and reiterated that they need him as WWE Champion. Daniel then added that he didn't want to do the Chamber because he knew it'd shorten his career, but called his predicted victory a necessary sacrifice. Just don't call him a martyr, though.

This was a tidy gauntlet prologue, with the detestable WWE Champion getting the crowd riled up before The New Day's introduction and Kofi Kingston's insertion. Nothing groundbreaking, but Bryan is operating on a different level to most on the roster at the moment, and, like Becky Lynch, WWE could ask him to read any old bullsh*t and he'd still find a way to make it compelling.

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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.