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

3. Finn Balor Vs. Ali Delivers

Finn Balor Ali
WWE.com

Speaking of workrate, Finn Balor and Ali killed it last night, delivering a fast, fluid opening scrap that was exactly what you'd expect from these two, with both wrestlers playing the hits, popping the crowd, and setting the tone for the next few months on SmackDown's upper-midcard.

Ali was the ideal opponent for this spot. Balor needed a rebound after losing to Andrade on Monday, and while the former 205 Live man's stock has risen since he joined the main roster, he isn't above clean defeats to guys like Finn. They're on different tiers, and that should be established.

The wrestler formerly known as Mustafa still looked good, though. He was allowed to work through the majority of his signature stuff and even came close to winning, though he whiffed on the 054. This allowed Balor to hit him with a shotgun dropkick, scale the top rope, and nail the Coup de Grace for the victory, after which he and Ali showed mutual respect with a handshake.

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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.