7 Ups & 0 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Sep 10)

Ups...

7. The Early Energy

Man, was MSG into Roman Reigns or what?

New York boomed with approval when Reigns did his "acknowledge me" bit, but any worries that his one night babyface turn might eat into Brock Lesnar's pop were washed away when the 'Beast' arrived. This was just such an energetic and fun way to open up the show.

WWE's opening promos are played out now. They know it, fans know it - everyone knows it. The meandering way programming opens, and has done for 20+ years, is a crutch they lean on too much. Here, there was none of the lazy writing. Even Brock, despite never being the best promo guy, got his points across nicely.

Fans chanted, but never overwhelmed or spoiled the scene with daft sh*t like, "We are awesome". Nah, there was a smart self-awareness about the NYC folks. It was almost like they knew they were seeing the genesis of a WrestleMania 38 feud live and in living colour.