13 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (July 23)

Ups...

13. The Goon Squad

Despite the booking concerns (and the widespread backlash they've received), this writer will be at least a teensy-weensy bit disappointed if Kevin Owens ends up banishing Shane McMahon from television, as has been rumoured in recent weeks.

Why? Because his goon squad works.

While Drew McIntyre doesn't feel like as big a threat as he used to, he and Elias perform their roles as subservient Shane-o suck-ups well. Last night's backstage segment was no exception. As brief as it was, watching the duo plant their lips on McMahon's posterior - calling him a "genius," etc. - felt right, and in response, Shane made himself the guest ring announcer for Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns, Elias the time-keeper, and McIntyre the referee. Stooges gonna stooge.

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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.