2 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 16)

Ups...

2. The Highlight Reel Returns

Kevin Owens Highlight Reel
WWE.com

Chris Jericho might be gone, but the Highlight Reel is back under new management. Kevin Owens kicked the episodeoff by stating that since he booted Y2J out of WWE, he has taken his trademark talk show, and that Jericho will never, ever, be seen again.

KO started by ripping into his former best friend, replaying footage of the beatdown that sent Jericho packing from SmackDown, then stating that "the only list he's on now is the injury list." KO invited AJ Styles to the ring, calling the Jericho footage a preview of what he'll do to 'The Phenomenal One' on Sunday, before engaging in some verbal sparring with his United States Title challenger.

Owens is always tremendous on the mic, and while AJ's involvement was relatively limited, he held his own as always. Jinder Mahal eventually interrupted to throw a textbook "lazy Amaiercan" insult at AJ, building heat for the match that the segment soon bled into. It was a strong way to open the night, as Owens is easily the best talker on the brand right now, and the Highlight Reel provided a slight deviation from the usual format. It still wouldn't hurt to open the show with a match every now and then, though...

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.