13 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown On FOX (Oct 4)

7. The Fiend Ravages Rollins

The Fiend Seth Rollins
WWE.com

There was no need for Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura to go any longer than it did. Having the Intercontinental or Universal Champion eat a pin or submission wouldn't have been ideal at the moment, and the whole thing was only booked to facilitate The Fiend's ambush of 'The Beastslayer.' Besides, doesn't it make sense that Bray Wyatt would choose to maul Seth early on rather than sitting around backstage, twiddling his thumbs, just letting the former Shield man wrestle?

A predictable but effective go-home angle saw Rollins retreated to the stage when Wyatt's gimmicks started hitting. A swell in crowd noise told the viewer that The Fiend had emerged behind him, and Bray struck, downing the Universal Champion with a Mandible Claw.

It's something we've seen several times before in recent weeks, but screw it. This worked. It was designed to show that Rollins is in deep, deep trouble at Hell In A Cell, and accomplished that effectively.

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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.