5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Aug 26)

4. Actual Tag Division Depth

Hit Row Maximum Male Models Los Lotharios
WWE

SmackDown has two non-title tag-team feuds. Two!

That's progress for the division, because it shows that WWE understands the need to build coming challengers before they're in the challenger role. OK, so some might not fancy an inevitable eight-man tag involving The Street Profits, Hit Row, Maximum Male Models and Los Lotharios, but at least the E is trying.

New Day vs. The Viking Raiders is the other non-title doubles rivalry on the show, and it's admittedly a bit more high-profile. That said, these four squads are getting plenty of time in backstage segments to further their issues before clashing in-ring. Again, that's progress.

There was nothing offensive or wasteful about the backstage stuff here. MMM and Lotharios mesh well as self-obsessed a*sholes, and the Profits/Hit Row side is based on respect. If WWE gives the eight-man time, and lets a fresh team breakout as contenders, then it'll be worth the effort.

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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.