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

2. Squashing Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn
WWE.com

What is the point of Sami Zayn in 2017?

He’s one of the best wrestlers in the company, and a potentially invaluable underdog babyface commodity, yet WWE have no idea what to do with him. Instead of dragging his career out of the doldrums and producing the push fans have spent years pining for, Sami’s move to ‘The Land Of Opportunity’ in April has only shoved him further down the pecking order, and it continued last night.

Zayn’s career reached a nadir with a one-minute loss to Aiden English. ‘The Drama King’ was chased away after the match, so we’ll likely get a continuation next week, but Sami lost to a novelty enhancement act, and is now a million miles away from gaining traction up the card.

He doesn’t necessarily need to be pushed as a main eventer, but Zayn’s misuse is a major issue. What’s the point in even having such a talented guy around if you’re going to use him this way? The company has succeeded only in transforming him into one of the biggest losers on the roster, and while English has generally been enjoyable in his current role, these are the kind of matches that guys with Sami’s potential should never be losing.

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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.