4 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (June 17)

Ups...

4. Riddle’s Promo

Post-McMahon, it was back to kayfabe land for the promos.

Riddle did well to build up the importance of facing Roman Reigns to him personally. The smiling stoner mentioned family, thanked Randy Orton for standing by his side when it counted and managed to get the live crowd behind his cause. That's never a given with these often-rambling in-ring speeches.

The way Riddle worked with the audience and delivered several heartfelt story beats bodes well for his aspirations as a full-time top-liner in WWE. Perhaps the best thing about it is that Riddle's comedic flourishes seem natural and likeable. He doesn't try too hard.

RK-Bro's scooter-loving munchies machine has come a long-assed way from droning on about frostbitten feet (or whatever reason they tried to give for him wrestling barefoot) during his original SmackDown run. Riddle is a ready-made headliner, and a true breakout star.