5 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 30)

2. Cash-In Chaos

Carmella Cash-In
WWE.com

Last night's Charlotte/Riott Squad segment concluded with Carmella charging to the ring, intending to cash-in her Money in the Bank briefcase on the fallen champion, but 'The Princess Of Staten Island' was foiled. The referee was knocked to the floor as he was attempting to ring the bell. Carmella tried to improvise, and attacked Charlotte, but the champ soon got back to her feet, scuppering the attempt.

As one of only a few segments that actually drew a reaction from the lacklustre crowd, the cash-in attempt was one of SmackDown's biggest successes. It provided a jolt of excitement after a relatively lifeless segment, and while 'Mella was unsuccessful, it was good to see her attempt to cash-in after sitting dormant on her banked title shot for so long.

WWE have exercised great restraint with Carmella thus far. She's held the briefcase for over seven months now, but has remained patient, lurking in the background instead of spamming title challenges. A smart move, as last night's strike felt refreshing and exciting as a direct result.

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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.