5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (8 Aug - Results & Review)

2. Brock Lesnar’s “John Cena Problem”

SmackDown kicked off with a top opening promo from John Cena. His sugary sweet speech was a masterclass in crowd manipulation, babyface vulnerability, and then fire once he started addressing Brock Lesnar's attack at SummerSlam. WWE are keeping that match back, because they've got something else in mind for Clash In Paris. Sorry, France, but it doesn't look like you're seeing 'The Beast'.

Cena then asked for somebody to come through the curtain because he was in a fighting mood. Logan Paul answered the call to set up the main event tag and a match vs. John at Clash. Cool. This was a different kind of revolving door promo, 'cause Cena actively encouraged it rather than being outraged he got interrupted mid-rant.

Personally, this fan is also glad they addressed the coming Lesnar vs. Cena match. WWE kinda had to, because that was one of the biggest (and most controversial) takeaways from a memorable SummerSlam weekend. Some folks online are predicting that the writing team will ride this all the way to Survivor Series. Hmm, maybe, but WWE also has a huge show in Australia before that.

Crown Jewel takes place in Perth on 11 October. If they fancy it, WWE could take both Cena and Lesnar down under and headline the PLE with their first match in years. It's either that or Survivors - John won't be around come Royal Rumble or WrestleMania 42, so they can't hold off until those blockbusters.

Cena's promo was a fab way to jumpstart the show regardless. He motored through a ton of business in a relatively short space of time, and the live crowd seemed thrilled to see him.