18 Things You Probably Missed From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Feb 5)

9. The Mini-Story Between Mustafa Ali & Randy Orton

Randy Orton Mustafa Ali
WWE.com

WWE, to their credit, told a sweet-assed story between Randy Orton and Mustafa Ali that added so much context to what was otherwise an exhibition-style match. Firstly, Ali didn't get a TV entrance. Secondly, Randy said in an insert promo before the match that he couldn't be bothered to learn his opponent's name.

Thirdly, the former 205 Live man did what he does best and worked the underdog spot like a champ.

All three of those things helped weave a mini-narrative that told of Orton's veteran arrogance, Ali's lower status on the roster by comparison, and the begrudging respect Randy had for Mustafa after he'd beaten him with an RKO. This was the ideal way to use both men.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.