4 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (April 25)

Downs...

3. Michael Jackson Jokes

Shinsuke Nakamura Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

WWE have done little of note with Shinsuke Nakamura since he joined the SmackDown roster, but that's fine. The former NXT Champion is so over that all he really needs to do to pop the crowd is make his entrance, confuse a heel, then leave. That's pretty much been the formula for the past three weeks, but it's not something WWE can maintain forever, and sooner or later, they have to start using 'The King of Strong Style' in a greater capacity.

Last night was their first attempt at doing so, and it flopped. Originally set to open the show with an in-ring interview, Nakamura was interrupted by his new rival, Dolph Ziggler, and was then subjected to some of the worst jokes WWE Creative have concocted since Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson were playing comedy goofs last year. Ziggler's Michael Jackson rhetoric was unfunny, cringe-worthy, and did absolutely nothing to build interest for a match between him and Nakamura.

The segment ended in violence, with Ziggler bailing before Shinsuke could hit the Kinshasa, and the feud continues. This should be a decent introductory program for Nakamura, but WWE are going to have to do much better than this to keep things interesting. Unfortunately, Nakamura's first main roster storyline already looks like a dud.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.