6 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 16)

5. Restarting The Riott

Riott Squad
WWE.com

The Riott Squad haven't had a good run.

They've suffered through repetition, as their angles often resemble carbon copies of those already performed by Absolution on Raw, but their lack of protection is just as complicit in their failings. The writers have done an excellent job of completely diminishing the trio's threat level. It's tough to treat them like serious heels as a result, but the good news is that The Squad are back on the right track, and their upward trajectory commenced this week.

Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, and Sarah Logan clashed with Charlotte Flair, Naomi, and Becky Lynch - the brand's three biggest faces. Much like Roode vs. Mojo, the bout was solid but unspectacular, but succeeded in its goal of giving each participant some shine.

The outcome is what really matters, though. The Squad triumphed over their rivals, with Morgan cheap-shotting her way to a pinfall on former Women's Champion Naomi, which puts her side back in the W column. An important result, but the follow-up is key. It'll be for nought if WWE have the trio fall back into their losing habit next week, but let's be optimistic and hope they succeed in strengthening the Squad ahead of the women's Royal Rumble.

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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.