6 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Jan 20)

4. Roman’s Mind Games

Incoming weekly praise for The Bloodline.

There's a depth to this story involving Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn and others that you just don't get from most pro wrestling narratives. This week, Roman set the tone for the rest of the night by blanking Sami's attempted fist bump right at the top of the show. That broke poor wee Sami's heart.

More mindful*ckery followed when Reigns told Zayn to get out of his private dressing room later. Then, as if that wasn't enough for one show, Roman sought council from Paul Heyman and smoothed things over like a manipulation machine. It was all top class character work.

This series of skits achieved two things. Firstly, it brilliantly portrayed Roman's manipulative, selfish side. Second, it made Sami a helpless puppy dog who kinda knows what's coming next but doesn't want to admit it.