5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE SmackDown Live (Oct 11)

4. American Alpha

Jimmy Uso Chad Gable
WWE.com

Chad Gable and Jason Jordan aren’t having a great time of it at the moment. On Draft night, it looked like they were being set up as SmackDown’s next big tag team. The competition was slim, and as one of NXT’s most popular acts, American Alpha had all the momentum in the word. All signs pointed towards them continuing their great Full Sail University run by establishing themselves as SD’s top babyface tandem, but it hasn’t worked out.

At this stage, American Alpha aren’t even close to title contendership. They’ve played a supporting role after being forced to withdraw from the Tag Team Title Tournament, and most worrying of all, they’ve made a dangerous set of enemies in The Usos.

It was The Usos’ assault on Chad Gable’s knee that forced Alpha’s withdrawal in the first place, and they rivalry has continued ever since. Last night saw Gable step into the ring with Jimmy Uso, and while the Samoan didn’t try to wreck the former Olympian’s knee again, he defeated him with Jey’s assistance.

The Usos vs. American Alpha should be a great long-term feud for both teams. As it stands, however, Alpha are far behind in the momentum stakes, and The Usos continue to frustrate, antagonise, and defeat the popular duo.

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.