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

2. Company Shills

... what the hell was this?!

The New Day were hanging out backstage, hyping up the WWE Network, pimping out the fact new subscribers don't pay for the first month, and can therefore enjoy WrestleMania 34 without spending a penny. A blatant shill, basically. The trio were then joined by The Usos, who ran through their catchphrases, before the Bludgeon Brothers showed up, scared everyone away, then smashed the camera with their goofy hammers. Talk about a trash way to head into the biggest show of the year.

Their feud has been strong, but the segment was hot garbage. It was designed solely to shift free Network subs, not build towards the match, and much like at least half the show, it reeked of filler.

What's most irritating is that the tag teams didn't even need this segment. The storyline is solid enough as it is, and the wrestlers' combined chemistry all but ensures a great match. If WWE do turn it into a TLC bout, as has been speculated, then it has an even stronger chance of being one of 'Mania's best matches, but you know, there are Network subscriptions to flog...

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.