4 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Aug 22)

Ups…

4. Hooray For New Guys

Bobby Roode Renee Young
WWE.com

While Bobby Roode’s debut match was poorly executed, it’d be remiss not to mention what a strong addition to the roster he could turn out to be. Though far from the most exciting wrestler in the world, the former NXT Champion plays his character to perfection, and is more than ready for a big main roster spot, regardless of card position. Let him do his thing, and he’ll shine.

Roode was immediately over in Brooklyn. The fans adored him, and while he’ll probably go full heel in the next week or two, his character work and bombastic entrance music (which is still as fantastic as the day we first heard it) means he’ll always be popular. The match stunk, but his appearance was a definite highlight.

Shelton Benjamin also returned on the show, and while re-introducing him via backstage segment felt a little cold, it’s great to have him back. ‘The Gold Standard’ remains a tremendous wrestler, and whether placing him with Chad Gable results in a new tag team or a fresh singles rivalry (as Shelton’s reaction suggested), he should be a nice addition to the roster.

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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.