6 Ups & 1 Down From WWE SmackDown (24 Oct - Results & Review)

Down...

1. Not Sure Aleister Black Was The Right Man?

Right, let's get this negative that isn't even all that negative out of the road.

There’s an upside to all of this that’ll be explored in the ‘Ups’, but the timing of having Aleister Black answer a United States Title ‘Open Challenge’ did feel a little weird. Like...he’s just been aligned with Zelina Vega on the 10 October episode, and Black scored a big fiery win over Damian Priest. So, having him lose to Ilja Dragunov might’ve been the wrong decision, interference from Priest or not. Dunno', something feels off about the whole thing.

Also, this easily could’ve been a PLE bout for the US belt with some build. Ilja and Black share a lot in common when it comes to their approach to matches and their philosophies on wrestling generally, and it'd be lovely to see them go hell for leather in a 15-20 (maybe even 25?!) minute match on a major show. That almost seems like a wasted opportunity now.

Sure, it’s a small ‘Down’, but they all count. Again, there were major positives too, and those will be laid out later. It simply doesn't sit right that the Black and Vega double act are eating some humble pie so soon after blasting someone in the eye with a fireball and standing tall like the second coming of Karrion Kross and Scarlett.

Triple H maybe could've protected Aleister a little better here, that's all. As good as the match was, perhaps someone else could've bagged that spot so they could build towards Black challenging Ilja at SNME in December, or something.

Man, check this guy moaning about excellent wrestling matches on free TV!