4 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Sept 5)

Downs…

3. Ellsworth & Carmella's Rushed Tension

Carmella James Ellsworth
WWE.com

Kevin Owens thwarted Carmella and James Ellsworth’s attempt to open the show with an in-ring promo, but the spotlight soon came back to them. Ms. Money In The Bank faced SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya in the first match of the evening, and while reasonably solid, it was too short to leave a lasting impression, though it did further a story started last week.

Ellsworth tried to convince Carmella to cash-in on Nattie during the match, but she refused. This allowed Natalya to score a quick roll-up victory. ‘The Princess Of Staten Island’ was furious, and ran James down afterward saying “he’s not even human,” and that his mother “should have given him away at birth,” seemingly ending their relationship.

They were back together by the end of the evening, but the tension angle feels rushed. These things always come across more natural when they play out over multiple weeks, but WWE pulled the trigger within seven days of establishing the thread, then repaired Carmella & Ellsworth’s wounds by the end of the show. This started as an interesting idea last week, and it’s only a minor ‘down,’ but it reeks of filler, unfortunately.unfortunately.

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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.