6 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Oct 9)

by Andy H Murray

1. Through The Set You Go, Becky...

Becky Lynch Charlotte Flair
WWE.com

There was no reason to expect anything other than a very good match from Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair on SmackDown, and they met this target handily. Their latest bout was in-line with the feud's general in-ring quality so far, and while not quite the riveting roof-raiser we know these women are capable of delivering on their best days, it was still the strongest thing on last night's show.

Though this match came in at 23 minutes, it didn't necessarily feel that long. It's testament to the competitors' skill that they were able to keep things interesting for such a period of time on weekly television. They did so not only through solid work and exciting spots, but by delivering several call-backs to their previous bouts, elevating this to a level beyond typically disposable "this is awesome" fodder.

Lynch's cowardice came to the forefront once more, as she tried to bail on Flair multiple times. Charlotte sold her exasperation at her opponent's tactics well, and the fight felt like a real struggle throughout, leading into a finish that works perfectly for the storyline.

A double count-out manifested shortly after Becky had taken a powder following Flair's Natural Selection. They brawled, and 'The Queen' got vicious, eventually spearing her foe through the LED board. It felt suitably heated, made for a great visual, and keeps things boiling over nicely for Evolution, where they'll meet in a Last Woman Standing bout.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.