6 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (July 17)

by Jamie Kennedy

1. AJ's Show Of Respect

AJ Styles Matt Riddle
WWE.com

So, rather predictably, was the main event.

AJ Styles and Matt Riddle were interrupted by some ad breaks and hype for other matches, but they're talented enough to offset any typical WWE intrusions. The post-match stuff was also stunning, and it kept everyone in the proper spot.

As the veteran, AJ extended the hand of respect towards his challenger. Riddle accepted, and then 'King' Corbin attacked him from behind. In less than 30 seconds, Styles put Riddle over big time, the 'Bro' looked like a star-in-the-making and then Corbin came across as an absolute d*ckhead for ambushing from behind.

AJ then got his heel points back for refusing to help Riddle - he just walked away and let Corbin blow off some steam. That was the right move. There was no need for Styles to hint at turning babyface by helping, and it would've been confusing had he joined in to put the boots to someone he'd just shaken hands with.

What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more like this, check out WWE Extreme Rules 2020: 10 Things That Must Happen and 10 WWE Stipulations That Only Had One Good Match!

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.