5 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown

4. Becky's Back

Becky Lynch
WWE.com

While The Riott Act haven't been pushed as effectively as Raw's Absolution (directly copying the Paige-led group's every segments will do that to a trio), this week saw their fortunes improve, with Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, and Liv Morgan victorious against Natalya, Tamina, and Carmella.

Sure, they were facing SmackDown's lowest-ranked women's wrestlers, and the match itself wasn't anything special, but the outcome helps rebuild some of their lost momentum. They've been booked in too many losing positions already, and WWE must alter this course if they're to turn the Squad into a credible unit.

The post-match is the real reason this features in 'Ups' column. Ruby cut a promo after he victory, announcing that she and her two sidekicks will take part in the upcoming women's Royal Rumble, before threatening the rest of the division. This drew Naomi and Charlotte Flair out, and they was soon followed by Becky Lynch, who hasn't been seen Riott's group took her out a few weeks ago. It then closed on a feel-good moment with the babyfaces clearing the ring.

If we're lucky, this'll lead to a blow-away singles bout between Lynch and Riott sometime down the line. Sadly, we'll probably get a pedestrian trios clash instead.

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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.