5 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Dec 25)

2. Sami’s Excuse

Sami Zayn Otis The Street Profits
WWE.com

'Lumberjack' matches aren't for everyone, if only because they're rather one-sided stips designed to put loudmouth heels in their place. Or, sometimes, they let other villains kick the sh*t out of brave babyfaces. Either way, the loser has an out they can use as an excuse in the aftermath.

Think Sami Zayn's character will pass up an easy moan? Think again.

He'll bitch and complain about how faces like Apollo Crews, Otis, Chad Gable and The Street Profits cost him that precious Intercontinental Title, and that should lead to some wonderful promos. It'll also pave the way for an obvious rematch with new champ Big E at Royal Rumble. Bring it on, boys!

This was a feel-good segment from beginning to end. Big E was a credible challenger for Zayn to start with, and the heel's arrogance was torn from him along with his prized possession. Sometimes, the simplest stories are the best ones.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.