4 Ups And 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Feb 21)

by Andy H Murray

1. The Build Continues

luke harper smackdown
WWE.com

WWE Champion Bray Wyatt didn't get a lot of airtime last night, but he didn't need it. He cut a brief promo ahead of the battle royal, then looked pleased when a concrete winner couldn't be found. SmackDown closed with a shot of him and Randy Orton on the big screen, and while Bray was consumed by laughter, The Viper couldn't help but glance at the championship belt on his shoulder.

It was a smart piece of foreshadowing from a company not usually known for their subtlety. The Orton/Wyatt saga continues to impress, and while last week saw Orton insist he won't face his "master" at WrestleMania, everybody knows what's coming. WWE are building towards a predictable outcome, but the set-up has been immaculate, particularly over the past few weeks, and Orton's eventual betrayal is going to go over huge.

Wyatt has shown no signs of vulnerability as champion thus far. He was allowed to pin both AJ Styles and John Cena at Elimination Chamber, and followed-up with another fall on Cena two nights later. It has been years since he has been booked this strongly, and he has an excellent foil in Orton, who remains one of the sport's biggest stars. While Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar will probably close WrestleMania, Wyatt and Orton more than deserve the spot, particularly if their story continues unravelling this strongly.

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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.