2 Ups & 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Aug 15)

Ups…

2. Natalya Builds Some SummerSlam Momentum

Natalya Becky Lynch
WWE.com

There wasn’t much going on within Natalya vs. Becky Lynch last night. It was a relatively listless TV match, the kind of which we see every single week, but in the context of last night’s subpar show, it had enough quality to finish as one of the evening’s biggest plus points.

These two usually work well together, and they produced a solid back and forth affair last night. Becky came close to winning with a top rope leg drop, but it wasn’t to be, as Nattie rolled out of the way, locked in a Sharpshooter, and forced Lynch to tap. Natalya challenges for the SmackDown Women’s Title on Sunday, so this was the right outcome, and she looked strong in victory.

The aftermath saw Nattie apply a second Sharpshooter on Lynch, before Naomi made an inevitable save. Carmella and her Money In The Bank briefcase then made an appearance. She teased the idea of cashing-in at the pay-per-view, and while there’s little to suggest that the title match will be anything better than average, Carmella’s looming presence at least adds some intrigue.

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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.