3 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Sep 26)

1. Destined To Do This Forever

Sami Zayn Kevin Owens
WWE.com

Yes, it's a match we've seen a thousand times before, and yes, it'd be nice if WWE showed a little more variety with their booking, but who could possibly complain about last night's Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens main event?

It was an excellent TV match, and the best contest that SmackDown has produced since last month's Shinsuke Nakamura vs. John Cena clash. This comes with the territory, though. Nobody on the roster has chemistry like Zayn and Owens, whose careers are so closely intertwined that they could probably have a great match together even if one of them was comatose.

The bout was as heated as we've come to expect. They set a relentless pace from the first bell, immediately turning the match into a chaotic brawl, then fighting all over ringside, with Sami particularly fired up. Ultimately, Zayn's over-enthusiasm cost him. He ate a superkick after attempting to dive through the turnbuckles, and was soon powerbombed onto the apron, prompting the referee to call a stoppage.

It was comfortably the best thing on the show, and concluded with another confrontation between Owens and Shane McMahon, continuing what has become SmackDown's most compelling rivalry. A great use of everyone involved, and a great way to end the show.

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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.