5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Aug 18)

1. They’ve Lost Interest

IYO SKY Bayley Dakota Kai Damage CTRL
WWE.com

OK, so that's two weeks on the spin that Shotzi has barely even been mentioned on the blue brand. Apparently, WWE's creative workforce has totally lost interest in her story, which is a shame when it seemed to have some legs. What happened to presenting Shotzi as a vengeful thorn in Bayley's side?

This is why certain undercard stories and characters die on their arse. Momentum is vital, and Shotzi seemed to be building something (new look, possible career-enhancing feud vs. Bayley etc) before being casually rubbed out on format sheets for SmackDown over the past fortnight.

Remember this when WWE wants you to care.

Use The Bloodline's story as an example; none of the key players were on TV this week, but Paul Heyman cut an easy promo to keep things in fan minds and present the tale as important. Meanwhile, Shotzi isn't around and Bayley isn't even talking about her anymore.

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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.