4 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 9)

by Andy H Murray

1. Jinder Steals A Fun Main Event

Jider Mahal Singh Bros
WWE.com

SmackDown viewers have become accustomed to enjoying a strong main event on a near-weekly basis, and after the set-up at the start of the show, last night's six-man tag didn't disappoint. Finishing at over 20 minutes, it was a lengthy affair, but they were able to keep things enjoyable throughout, and each individual feud was given ample time to shine.

Whether it was Corbin working the heat on Sami, Owens cutting-off Styles, or Jinder finishing Orton off with his Cobra Clutch slam, there were plenty of solid interactions between the warring parties. The finish came from another Singh Brothers distraction, as is always the case with Mahal, but pinning a wrestler as credible as 'The Viper' is a serious coup for 'The Maharajah,' and giving him another shady victory adds heat to what could still be a dismal pay-per-view match.

The main event wasn't quite on-pair with the high-level singles matches we're often treated to in this spot, but it still succeeded. Combining three feuds in a single setting is a great way to feud each program without hogging hours of airtime: NJPW use this technique on almost every single show, and it's surprising WWE don't utilise it more often. The six-man capped off another rock solid night of action for the blue brand, who haven't produced a bad show in months.

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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.