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.

Advertisement
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.