5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (22 Aug - Results & Review)

Downs...

3. MFTs Look Like Genuine Jobbers

JC Mateo and Tonga Loa did not come across as stars here. They didn't even particularly come out looking like threatening heels! If anything, the pair were borderline enhancement talents vs. The Street Profits. This tracked like a match from Sunday Night Heat back in the day. Yes, Profits vs. Melo Don’t Miz will be fun next week, but you’ve got to be concerned for packages like JC and Loa.

Solo Sikoa hasn’t exactly put together a Bloodline-quality lineup here, has he? Even big Talla Tonga isn’t that much of a difference maker anymore. The live crowd chanting “YOU CAN’T WRESTLE” at Mateo was sure something. It isn't true, obviously, but it does show exactly where he stands in the eyes of the fans. Things aren't working for Jeff Cobb in WWE, sadly.

The late-on Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn interference was all this match had to offer, being blunt. That sucked Dublin back in after they'd been bored senseless by unconvincing heat sections from the heels and some painfully slow moments. Look, workers taking their time isn't a problem, but they need to be telling a story rather than going through the motions.

In mere weeks, Sikoa's MFTs have gone from being viable tag title challengers to staring at the lights like they're called 'Slick' Jim McCabe and 'Hotshot' Mickey Pierce. In other words, Mateo and Loa looked every bit like acts you really shouldn't give a toss about or won't see again. Sorry, but it's true. Their only value is as warm bodies Solo's opponents can bump about the place.

Yikes. Not good.