6 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jun 12)

2. Nakamura's Latest Cheap Shot

Shinsuke Nakamura Jeff Hardy
WWE.com

Jeff Hardy hasn't been around a lot lately, mounting just two successful United States Championship defences since defeating Jinder Mahal in April. He has wrestled a couple of non-title bouts, but has been without a major program since vanquishing Randy Orton at Backlash. A shame, as he's over as hell, but with Jeff reportedly suffering from nerve issues at the moment, at least there's a reason.

Hardy was back on television last night, wrestling Shinsuke Nakamura with nothing but pride on the line. His diminished physical condition limited Jeff's exertion, but him and 'The King Of Strong Style' still produced a solid upper-midcard clash that delivered a satisfying conclusion for both, as Nak's latest nut-shot prompted the DQ.

Nakamura couldn't lose heading into his WWE Championship match with AJ Styles. Jeff, meanwhile, has been a fun US Champion so far, and deserves protection himself. He was used as a pawn in the main event feud here, but that's fine: he can't be made to look like a fool, but he is a secondary star.

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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.