5 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (July 3)

by Andy H Murray

1. Miz & Hardy Shine... Again

Jeff Hardy The Miz
WWE.com

Though a clear level or two below the Money In The Bank qualifying bout they worked in May, The Miz vs. Jeff Hardy was a strong singles match and comfortably the best thing on last night's show, with the United States Champion overturning his previous loss to 'The A-Lister.'

It was a classic seesaw-style bout, with the momentum swinging back and forth throughout. Jeff, for a supposedly injured man, put in one hell of a shift. Though Miz's textbook heel stylings slowed things down, giving Hardy time to recover, he threw everything into his offence and took a couple of big bumps, including one to the barricade. The man's a maniac, and that's why he's still this over 24 years after his WWE debut.

Though Miz looked to have things won after countering the Twist Of Fate with a roll-up (and his feet on the ropes, naturally), the referee caught him. Jeff took advantage when the former champion decided to bicker with the official, hitting the Twist, a Swanton Bomb, and securing the 1-2-3, making this his fourth successful defence since taking the belt in April.

It'd be nice to see WWE slot Jeff into a more cohesive program, but "fighting midcard champion" is a solid role for him, even if he is several years past his prime as a performer. More of this, please.

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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.