5 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Feb 6)

Ups...

5. The Queen Reigns

Charlotte Flair Liv Morgan
WWE.com

Jumped by the Riott Squad last week, SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair was gifted a chance at revenge last night. She wasn't given a match with the trio's ringleader, though. Instead, she faced the inexperienced Liv Morgan, and while the match fell flat with the live crowd, it was perfectly competent.

Charlotte might be the most complete female performer in the company these days. She's not as smooth as Becky Lynch, as instantly captivating as Asuka, or as flashy as Sasha Banks, but she's above each one as a complete package. Flair's ring and character work are strong, but she carries herself with such presence that even otherwise mediocre bouts (like this) are elevated.

This creates a problem, as 'The Queen's' excellence is such that it's hard to buy the likes of Morgan as serious challengers. Thus, investing in the bout was tough, but the work was solid regardless. Charlotte showed good control throughout, and while Liv is still green, she always shows fire.

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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.