13 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Feb 26)

3. The Odd Couple Prevail

Kofi Kingston Rowan
WWE.com

Insincere spotlight thief Kevin Owens got his wish in SmackDown's main event: him and Kofi Kingston teamed to face Daniel Bryan and Rowan, and their odd partnership paid dividends.

Rowan's first televised bout since August 2018 ended in defeat. It took a number of twists and turns, with Kingston narrowly escaping Bryan's LaBell Lock, and the WWE Champion surprisingly kicking out of a variation on KO's Pop-Up Powerbomb. This mean Owens had to think on his feet for the finish, so he did, and after avoiding the running knee, the former Universal Champion scored the victory with an unexpected Stunner on Bryan.

"Oh hell yeah!", Tom Phillips yelped. Thanks for that, chief.

Some will take umbrage at Bryan eating the pinfall again, but this was a strong main event and an effective way to cap the show. The post-match saw Kingston and Owens engage in an unheard conversation. It's clear that their business is far from over, despite their victory, and this should make for a curious character dynamic at the top of the card.

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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.