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

12. A Fresh Lick Of Paint

Brock Lesnar new SmackDown set
WWE.com

Holy sh*t, that new set design is awesome.

While Raw's Tony Hawk Pro Wrestler aesthetic feels similar to the previous wall-of-videos design, SmackDown's new layout is totally different. Yes, there are a lot of new video panels, but the four brackets at either side of the stage, new entrance tunnel, and illuminated ramp look great, as does the new lighting rig. These things combined to give SD a bold, cinematic feel every time the camera caught them, giving WWE's new A-show an A+ look.

The way a wresting show looks is important. In doing away with the old screen, WWE have erased much of the staleness that had crept into SmackDown's presentation.

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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.