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

Downs...

2. Big Lads, Big Snoozefest

Roman Reigns dive
WWE.com

While putting a couple of big lads in the ring to theoretically knock lumps out of each other could've been a smart, legitimacy-building move from WWE on this FOX debut, said big lads didn't knock lumps out of each other. Instead, Erick Rowan and Rowan Reigns elected to work a mundane run-of-the-mill midcard bout that was as plodding as Rowan's new entrance theme.

The lumberjack stipulation gave it a shot of extra flavour, but not much. For the most part, this was a routine bout worked at a house show pace, though Reigns did hit an awesome-looking dive to the outside. The one big spot wasn't enough to save it, though.

These two brutes kicking the absolute sh*t out of each other for nine minutes would have been a great look considering all the new eyes on the product last night. Alas, it wasn't to be. This was boring.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.