5 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Sept 11)

by Jamie Kennedy

1. Roman's Subtle Discontent

Roman Reigns Jey Uso Paul Heyman
WWE.com

Speaking of compelling.

Roman Reigns has been exactly that since wrecking shop at SummerSlam then taking the Universal Title at Payback. Last week, his cousin Jey Uso was installed as his first challenger, and everyone wondered how WWE would play this - would they have both guys act like pals, then book Reigns to brutally smash him at Clash Of Champs?

That doesn't seem to be the way they're doing it. On SmackDown, Jey kinda' played happy families to the chagrin of a perplexed Roman. His cold stares went right through Uso, so much so that Jey got the message by the end of the broadcast. This is a different Reigns, one who isn't some cuddly 'Big Dog'.

The way Reigns has taken to this new role is astounding. His presence, facial expression and general aura has kicked up a notch, and he'll look like an utter bastard when he destroys a family member's dream on pay-per-view soon.

More of his arrogance would be welcomed.

What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more, check out Every Champion In WWE (And Who Should Beat Them) and 10 Gimmicks That WWE Dropped Without Explanation!

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Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.