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

5. Who Needs Big E Anyway?

Kofi Kingston KEvin Owens
WWE.com

The night's second multi-person bout took place in the main event, as The New Day and Kofi Kingston cemented their alliance with a victory over the heel combination of Rusev, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Cesaro (where the hell was Sheamus, by the way?). A cut above most other matches on the show, it was every bit the entertaining, crowd-pleasing encounter it was supposed to be, with each participant looking good throughout.

There were slow portions in the first action, then again when we returned from commercials. Regardless, it finished in exciting fashion as Cesaro locked Kofi Kingston in a Sharpshooter in Montreal, before Owens booted his head off. A brawl broke out. KO came in and took Rusev down, so Kofi dived on 'The Bulgarian Brute,' then hit a Trouble In Paradise to set up Owens' Stunner and the victory for this new alliance.

It remains to be seen where this New Day/Big O partnership is going, but this was a great first night together. They were entertaining in their various segments, worked well in the ring and picked up the victory. How could anyone ask for more than that?

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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.