14 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown Superstar Shake-Up

8. An Overdue Promotion

F*ck yeah, Buddy Murphy is on SmackDown now.

This rules. Not only is 'The Best-Kept Secret' one of WWE's most consistent performers between the ropes, but he's a fully-formed heel with real personality and a decent talker. There's no reason he can't become a major upper-midcard player over the next year or so, and he was introduced with a quick promo last night.

Murphy was stranded on 205 Live. He was comfortably the best Cruiserweight Champion the company have had since bringing the belt back, and his livewire performances were one of only a few reasons to actually tune in to WWE's most neglected brand, but he was working his backside off for minimal pops. Now, he can finally bring his talents to a bigger stage. The graft he has put in over the past 12 months more than warrants this promotion.

Book him vs. Finn Balor immediately, please.

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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.