3 Ups & 6 Downs From WWE SmackDown (18 Apr - Results & Review)

1. Cody & Cena Bring The Intensity

There's no sense in ignoring it, somewhat ironically: The Rock being absent from promos between both Cody Rhodes and John Cena remains puzzling. it’s kinda weird that he's barely been mentioned at all this close to ‘Mania, but WWE is out of time to get something going there; he could still show up on the night though, of course, but it does feel like Dwayne should’ve been a bigger part of the build between Elimination Chamber and now.

Cody and Cena were up and at 'em on SmackDown regardless. There was a decent buzz once they came face to face, and both guys matched the other's intensity as the live crowd ebbed and flowed with their comments. Like with LA Knight standing tall, there is a chance that Cody Cross Rhodes on Cena means John is getting the belt this Sunday.

It remains to be seen. We'll see how things pan out.

There’s some mystery to the outcome, which is no bad thing. Triple H must be thrilled to bits with that, because no promoter ever wants their main attraction to feel predictable and safe. Cena going for his Attitude Adjustment but Cody slipping out of it to hit the latest in a series of finishers on JC does seem notable. That spot could be repeated in Vegas.

Overall, Cody and John worked a solid 'go home' segment that defo didn't hurt interest in seeing them collide. Rock involvement aside, one can't ask for much more than that from them.

What did you think of this week's episode of WWE SmackDown? For more wrestling, check out WWE WrestleMania 41: 20 Things That Must Happen and WWE WrestleMania 41: 7 Nightmares That Could Come True!