2 Ups And 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE Talking Smack (Jan 17)
4. Down - One And Done
After last week's impressive effort from guest host Shane McMahon, it was apparent this week just how much Daniel Bryan's dynamic personality adds to the ebb and flow of the fast-paced Talking Smack.
Whilst able to keep up with Renee's effortless segues into all the key talking points, Shane's active role in discussion with the talents became more harmful this week, particularly when trying to spar with the wonderfully cocky Baron Corbin.
Initially supporting the confidence of 'The Lone Wolf', McMahon suddenly seemed ill-at-ease with heel Corbin's insistence that he only cared about the fans for their money, and repeatedly try to shut Baron down as he made his disdain for the 'WWE Universe' more apparent.
Though it didn't work with Corbin, his sycophantic interruptions to Jerry Lawler were disruptive, and his awkward refusal to fully engage on some feather-light retort with Renee on, of all things, his own birthday made for uncomfortable viewing.
Unlike Raw, WWE don't tend to acknowledge if an authority figure is or isn't around on Smackdown Live, but the sooner General Manager Bryan returns to 'his' seat on Talking Smack, the better.