3 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Mar 28)

Ups...

3. AJ Styles Really Hates His Boss

AJ Styles Shane McMahon
WWE.com

Just as AJ Styles will likely carry Shane McMahon to a fun, chaotic brawl at WrestleMania 33, he continues to outshine him through the build. Shane was egregiously invasive after having his head thrown through a car window the other week, but he was absolutely fine last night, and his "land of opportunity" spiel threw an effective pitch for Styles' home-run. McMahon wasn't bad at all - but AJ was on a completely different level.

Styles ripped into Shane's vision, insisting that he made his own opportunities in WWE before reminding the Commissioner of his undeniable pedigree. Calling himself "the best performer to ever step into a WWE ring," AJ finally signed the match contract, but rejected Daniel Bryan's call for a handshake and bailed instead. A strong exclamation point ahead of a match many didn't want to see, but one that has benefited from a surprisingly strong build.

WWE made a wise choice in avoiding physicality here, as another week of Shane's pitter-patter punches would have only dragged the segment down. Whether or not they can hide his weaknesses at WrestleMania is a completely different matter, but if he and AJ focus on spots and moments above all else, they have a legitimate chance of stealing the show in Orlando.

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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.