5 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Aug 21)

Downs...

4. Royce Stumbles To Victory

Peyton Royce Naomi
WWE.com

Well, would you look at that! One of The IIconics actually won a wrestling match. Congratulations to Peyton Royce for scoring her first victory since the 24 April episode of SmackDown, when she and Billie Kay overcame Becky Lynch and Asuka.

The Australian's win didn't come without help, though, as Kay was constantly involved. Billie distracted Naomi early on, allowing her partner to gain a foothold. She was then posted by the former Women's Champion towards the end, allowing Peyton to cut the ascendent Naomi off, hit her with that beautiful Fisherman's Suplex finisher, and pick up the 1-2-3.

Though the conclusion is a supplemental Up, this wasn't the smoothest bout. Hindered by a 3:30 runtime, they were made to work at a faster pace than usual, but struggled to get any real heat going. That the road agents crammed so many shenanigans into such a brief match made everything feel rushed and over-booked, too. Royce vs. Naomi reached the destination it wanted to, but the road to get there wasn't entirely satisfying.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.