5 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (27 Dec - Results & Review)

Ups...

5. Way Better Than Expected

Count out losses to Carmelo Hayes? Baaaaaad. Decent bouts vs. Austin Theory? Goooood. Sorry, but something about Braun Strowman just reminds one of those mockups of Metallica frontman James Hetfield during the whole Napster drama. Look it up if you've never had the pleasure. Even the band themselves had a right good giggle at it years later.

WWE didn't reach for the laughs during Braun vs. Theory though. This could easily have been another routine squash that did nothing for either man. In a pleasant surprise, they got a decent chunk of time and used Grayson Waller well as a distraction from ringside. Theory even got some shine throughout the match before Strowman overpowered him, and it's worth saying that the fans were really into Braun.

Personally, this fan's not hot on Strowman tangling with A-Town Down Under on the side when he clearly has unfinished business with Carmelo Hayes and should’ve been solely focused on revenge there, but you’ve got to call this sort of thing on a show by show basis. For what it was, Braun vs. Theory was inoffensive and an easy watch. They meshed well together, which bodes well for Strowman's longer matches going forwards.

This was a fun midcard match. It ticked a lot of boxes.

Side note: Theory deserves way better than he’s been getting in 2024, man. Split the team with Waller and get something going on the babyface side already. They're a busted flush together heading into the new year, and it's time to make some moves.