6 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (March 15 - Results & Review)

by Jamie Kennedy

1. The Rock’s Vicious Promo

The Rock
WWE.com

As the intro says, nobody can handle lengthy in-ring promos like The Rock.

He was on top form for Friday yet again, and successfully melded comedy that had babyface flourishes (because of the pro-Rock crowd in Memphis) with heel viciousness. The way he leaned into the thought of making Cody Rhodes bleed in front of his mother was particularly savage heel work from a true master.

Those paying close attention might've spotted another subtle sign that Rock thinks he's above Roman Reigns too. He called himself the "final boss", and seemed to speak for the 'Tribal Chief'. This week, 'The Great One' didn't have to share the stage with anyone. This was all about him and his desire to humble Cody.

What a stunning way to kick off SmackDown it was. The segment was a vast improvement over the guff Logan Paul and KSI served up when droning on about Prime energy drinks, put it that way. Comparing that to Rock's work here was outhouse to penthouse stuff.

What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more wrestling, check out 20 DUMB WWE Gimmick Changes (That We Didn't Want To Admit Were GENIUS) and WWE 2K24: 15 CAWs You Must Download Immediately!

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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.