7 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Mar 27)

3. Shinsuke & Shelton Deliver

Shinsuke Nakamura Shelton Benjamin
WWE.com

Although WWE's assertion that last night's Shelton Benjamin vs. Shinsuke Nakamura match was the first time they've ever met in the ring was patently ridiculous (other promotions don't exist, apparently), the duo worked a strong, energetic main event that maintained a decent pace throughout, and had the crowd hooked.

'The King Of Strong Style' is often accused of taking it easy in weekly TV bouts, but was in good form last night. Perhaps spurred by his upcoming WWE Title shot, Nakamura didn't quite empty the tank, but performed well regardless. He was made to contend with Chad Gable at ringside, but showed off some slick counters, including an impressive triangle hold from a Pay Dirt attempt, and eventually Kinshasa'd his way to victory.

We'll get to the afters in a moment, but it's hard to complain about what Benjamin and Nakamura delivered in the ring. It wasn't exceptional, but it didn't need to be - this is free TV, after all. Both guys are experienced and smart enough to know that they don't have to kill themselves to produce an entertaining contest, and as a relatively fresh showdown between two wrestlers who've never met under WWE's umbrella, it succeeded.

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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.