6 Ups And 7 Downs From WWE Clash Of Champions 2016

2. Dead End Booking

Luke Gallows Karl Anderson
WWE.com

WWE sprung a number of booking surprises on their fanbase last night, and not in a good way.

While it's too easy to complain when your favourites lose, it's safe to say that few people had Chris Jericho down to pin Sami Zayn last night, nor did anyone think Cesaro vs. Sheamus would finish as a draw. Such results didn't just suck the life out of Clash of Champions, but they provided no clear indication of losers' future direction, and left several key roster members stuck in dead ends.

Where do Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows go from here, for example? Sure, they lost through weapon use, but they've now failed to beat The New Day on two consecutive pay-per-views. Can they ever be built-up as credible challengers again?

Cesaro and Sheamus are stuck in the mud, Rusev lost his championship in decisive fashion, and Sami Zayn must head back to the drawing board. Surprises are the lifeblood of professional wrestling, but these moves left fans scratching their heads rather than begging for more.

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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.