12 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 28)

6. Solid Tag Action

Drew McIntyre roman Reigns
WWE.com

Booking the 24/& Champion in conventional matches is problematic because any pinfall means he automatically loses the belt. Shane McMahon found a way around this last night, suspending the 24/7 rule between Elias winning the belt and the end of his tag match with Drew McIntyre, facing R-Truth and Roman Reigns, allowing the quartet to wrestle without taking the strap's gimmick into account.

It was to the match's benefit. Guys like Reigns and McIntyre should be above f*cking around with the midcard comedy belt, and not having to worry about it let them have a solid, believable bout. While nothing special, this functional main event allowed Reigns to reacquaint himself with an older rival in Elias, build heat with a guy he'll soon face in a WrestleMania rematch in McIntyre, with Truth showing fighting spirit upon rallying after the heels jumped him on the ramp. It worked.

An effective finish saw Reigns score the pinfall on Elias following a crushing Spear. Another followed after the bell, and, with Roman's encouragement, Truth covered 'The Drifter' to reclaim his ugly little belt.

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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.