5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE SmackDown Live (July 26)

4. Heath Slater

Heath Slater
WWE.com

After failing to be Drafted last week, Heath Slater’s immediate WWE future was uncertain. Rumors swirled that he was set for a stint on the indy circuit after being snubbed by Raw and SmackDown, and while that may still materialise, he appeared on SmackDown to jump a “local talent” and officially kick-off the “sign Heath Slater” campaign.

The returning Rhyno eventually appeared to put Slater out of his misery, but the former Social Outcast was on-fire on the microphone. He took a Gore, sure, but Slater suddenly has everyone’s attention after months of being little more than a footnote at the bottom of WWE’s card. While he’s undoubtedly an excellent enhancement worker, Slater is an incredibly charismatic performer who had the audience in the palm of his hand last night, and if WWE continue to promote the “free agent” story, he’ll win-over the crowd in no time.

For all this show’s missteps, WWE have made a smart move in turning Slater’s lowly post-Draft status into a storyline. There’s a real air of unpredictability about the angle, and as Slater’s quest for a job continues, look for him to try all kinds of crazy schemes to get himself noticed by WWE brass.

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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.