3 Ups & 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Aug 29)

2. Bobby Roode Flattens Mike Kanellis

Bobby Roode Mike Kanellis
WWE.com

There was nothing exceptional about any of SmackDown’s better moments this week, and Bobby Roode vs. Mike Kanellis was no different. Still, it was a fun little TV sprint that was much more effective than Roode’s overlong debut match, and succeeded in putting him over strongly.

‘The Glorious One’ took control of the bout early on, but Kanellis fought back, seizing the momentum with a brief heat segment. Bobby quickly cut him off with strikes, however, dominating his opponent throughout the match’s final minute, before inevitably putting him away with the Glorious DDT.

While short, the bout accomplished everything it needed to. Roode looked good, Kanellis was an effective enhancement opponent, and the crowd were left satisfied. A slight supplementary down for Mike’s quick demotion to such a lowly roster position may be in order, but is it really any surprise, given his gimmick? It certainly shouldn’t be.

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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.