6 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (10 May - Results & Review)
1. They Could Work Classics In Their Sleep!
![AJ Styles Randy Orton](https://cdn4.whatculture.com/images//2024/05/c83cd413442ec9a82481af422ef674d4.jpg)
AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton was always going to work.
Both guys are crafty veterans who could work classics with their eyes closed, but it's cool they didn't turn autopilot on and go through the motions when they easily could've. The outcome wasn't super-obvious either, which was lovely. AJ had a credible shot of advancing in the King Of The Ring tournament, and so did Randy.
Orton got the nod in the end, but not before he and AJ produced a SmackDown headliner worth savouring. Think about it: How many more times will fans get to see this pair do their thing? It isn't exactly some overdone WWE favourite anyway, but AJ vs. Randy still feels vintage somehow. That speaks to their star power and longevity as workers.
Styles wasn't harmed at all by taking the 'L' on Friday. After all, he lost to a big name, and the match was competitive enough throughout. If you enjoy pacing, psychology and supreme professionalism, then you'll enjoy what was dished out in this one.
What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more like this, check out 10 Secret Wrestling Retcons You DEFINITELY Don't Remember and 10 Things That’d RUIN WWE’s 2024!