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

2. Nakamura Vs. Styles Heats Up

Shinsuke Nakamura AJ Styles
WWE.com

WWE did a good job of furthering the relationship between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura last night, heaping a dose of tension on what will likely be a blowaway WrestleMania match.

It began with the duo meeting backstage. The challenger questioned the champion's confidence, but conceded that if they want to stay at their best before 'Mania, they needed to watch each other's back. This led to Styles agreeing to corner Shinsuke in his match with Shelton Benjamin, after which things took a turn.

AJ took Chad Gable out during the bout, which resulted in Nakamura insisting that he didn't need the WWE Champion's help, leading to Styles accusing him of playing mind games. Both promised victory. Styles, Nakamura claimed, was too emotional, but AJ stated that there was no question that he is the best in the world.

Nakamura saved his future opponent from a Gable/Benjamin assault, but teased a Kinshasa after. Then, in a brilliant move, Shinsuke stopped just short of hitting AJ, patted him on the head and took his leave, completing an almighty power play. Excellent in-show storytelling all-round, and an effective way to pile further intrigue on an already exciting bout.

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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.