4 Ups & 6 Downs From WWE SmackDown (May 29)

Ups...

4. That Opening

Here it is - the explanation.

It cannot be denied that WWE's decision to use Jeff Hardy's real-life substance abuse issues was in bad taste. There's no getting away from that, and anyone offended by SmackDown's angles is perhaps justified. However, this fan didn't have a problem with it, largely 'cause Jeff would've given it the green light.

If he's comfortable putting his personal demons out there on camera and turning it into a storyline, then that's his choice. If nothing else, the arrest plot WWE used on SmackDown was unique and gave the show a hot opening that the announcers could debate throughout the rest of the night. That's something this company don't do enough of, and it felt like an 'Attitude' throwback.

Besides, WWE left enough hints that Sheamus was behind the whole thing. Yep, it's totally bizarre to think that he drugged Jeff and/or planted alcohol in his car, but this is pro wrestling. Utter nonsense and over-the-top stuff like this happens all the time.

People shouldn't be too stunned that WWE used real drama to get folks talking.