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

by Andy H Murray

1. It's Not Paranoia, It's The Best Team In The Company

The Usos
WWE.com

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate how good The Usos are these days.

One year ago, Jimmy and Jey were one of WWE’s stalest acts. Their dancing babyface gimmick had long since run its course, and while they were still delivering in the ring, The Usos had lost their groove. They were Roman Reigns' cousins and part-time allies, and while this occasionally gave them a decent rub, they weren't over.

Now, they’re one of the best things on SmackDown. Turning heel has transformed them into a menacing set of thugs, and they’ve done a great job not only with their characters, but in transforming their wrestling style. They delivered a great match at SummerSlam, and they followed up by smashing The Hype Bros last night, putting the lowly duo away in just over three minutes.

The match was short, fun, and energetic, and SmackDown Tag Team Champions put the division on notice with a quick post-bout promo delivered in their uniquely manic style. An abbreviated night for them, but one that was completely effective. They feel like the most exciting tag team in the company at the moment. Not every match needs to hit 10-15 minutes, and not every promo has to ramble on until tumbleweed starts drifting around the arena. This was absolutely spot on.

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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.