5 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Oct 2)

3. Bryan Vs. Benjamin Delivers

Daniel Bryan Shelton Benjamin
WWE.com

It's good to know that Shelton Benjamin still exists. Since splitting from Chad Gable earlier this year, the former Intercontinental Champion has worked just five singles bouts on SmackDown. There doesn't seem to be any room for him, even on the midcard, but contests like last night's versus Daniel Bryan are a perfect way to utilise a veteran performer who doesn't need to be pushed in 2018, even though he still brings plenty to the table.

Benjamin and Bryan met in singles action for the second time this year, and while it came in at just over nine minutes, it was as fun as you'd expect. Performers of such calibre and experience don't tend to drop the ball. Here, they delivered a typical WWE TV seesaw format, with plenty of momentum shifts, signature spots, and hard work from both.

The Miz was at the announce table, guaranteeing shenanigans. They came when 'The A-Lister' distracted his long-time foe, allowing Shelton to hit the Pay Dirt for an unexpected victory, and Miz to take the advantage with a post-bell beatdown. A solid piece of booking on the back of a fun midcard match, with Daniel protected in defeat.

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Channel Manager
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.