6 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 15)

Downs...

3. How To (Not) Get Over

Reuniting (Luke) Harper and (Erick) Rowan should've been an easy home run to revive a criminally underrated big man and a burly side who has only ever prospered by his fellow bruiser's side, but this isn't working.

The duo aren't getting over. Their chemistry is obvious, the matches are fine, and their beatdowns are impressive, but the direction stinks. Instead of working a feud, they're currently sitting on the sidelines, watching The New Day and Bar get their hands dirty while the SmackDown Tag Team Championships gather dust.

Last night's minute-long promo served only to remind the audience that Harper and Rowan exist. A team with the word "Brothers" in their name said "family is for the weak," shot a few insults at The Usos, then demanded the division come and play with them. The brand is full of great teams, yet this is the best the writers can concoct.

Harper and Rowan aren't generating reactions, and while the Usos feud should've delivered, they were never given the chance to have a truly great match. That didn't help, and neither will filler promos like this.

Advertisement
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.