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

1. Owens Vs. Kingston II Delivers

Last night's Kevin Owens vs. Kofi Kingston match was received with tempered expectations. The duo wrestled a good, solid bout at Money In The Bank, though it didn't hit the highs many thought it would, owing primarily to a lack of intensity. Thus, it was tough to get totally amped for last night's second chapter, as talented as these guys are.

When viewed through this lens, Owens vs. Kingston II was a triumph. It was at least a couple of steps better than the tepid MITB clash. That should be considered a triumph in itself, given the problems associated with TV wrestling, and the duo deserves credit for taking their in-ring rivalry to a different level.

There's no shortage of heat between the two in segments. The trouble is that this hasn't yet translated to the ring, though they were certainly locked into a higher gear last night, with Kofi's fire coming off well in the face of KO's domineering style. The near-falls were suitably dramatic. Owens almost stole it first with a cannonball, then later with his Frog Splash, then again with a senton. It wasn't his night, though: Kingston countered out of the pop-up Powerbomb then hit Trouble In Paradise, and that was that.

Another successful title defence for the best World Champion in the company. Here's to another when he faces Dolph Ziggler next week.