5 Ups And 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 2)

Ups...

5. The US Title Takes The Spotlight

AJ Styles Shane McMahon Chris Jericho
WWE.com

There was nothing about SmackDown's opening segment that'll blow you away, but it was a good way to start the show and pour some extra heat on the forthcoming Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles match. It started with Shane McMahon welcoming Chris Jericho to SD in the ring, before shenanigans inevitably followed, essentially leading to AJ being banned from ringside during the night's United States Title main event.

WWE did well to play-off AJ and Jericho's history by bringing up their brief tag run as 'Y2AJ,' and the rivalry that followed. They spent some time building-up a match that will never happen before Owens interrupted and provoked Styles into attacking him, keeping the US Title scene's volatility alive, and building further tension between KO and everyone in the ring.

While most fans assumed Owens was going to leave last night's show as US Champion, the opener did a good job of convincing the audience that this might not be the case. It wasn't a vital segment by any stretch of the imagination, but a fun way to start the show regardless.

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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.