6 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (24 May - Results & Review)

3. Randy Orton Advances Past Tama Tonga

Randy Orton WWE King Of The Ring 2024
WWE

Some folks out there might roll their eyes at Tama Tonga taking his first major loss in that KOTR semi final, but it was the only way. Besides, he lost to Randy freakin' Orton, and there's no denying that Randy vs. GUNTHER was always going to be a much tastier finale for the crown. Tonga had to lose at some point.

Doing the honours for Randy isn't a bad gig.

Orton refused to make Tama look like some jobber anyway. That isn't his style. The 'Legend Killer' turned legend in his own right sold well for The Bloodline recruit, but then spiked him with a crowd-popping RKO for the win. Let's make one thing perfectly clear coming out of this match: Tonga will be absolutely fine.

It's worth saying that Randy was selling his knee again, which is something to keep an eye on when he matches up vs. GUNTHER on Saturday night. The Austrian was ringside to watch SmackDown's main event, and you just know he'll target that limb during their final.

What a match it'll be.

Advertisement
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.