7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's SmackDown (Apr 10)

Ups...

7. The Wrestler

Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

Shane McMahon's show-opening diatribe was a success. The Commissioner didn't overstay his welcome, and accomplished two goals with minimal fuss: confirming that Daniel Bryan had resigned from his General Manager's position, then announcing his replacement.

We'll get to his successor in a moment, but while Bryan's return to the full-time roster was inevitable, it's great that WWE addressed the confusion surrounding his role so soon after WrestleMania. There was no way he'd continue as an authority figure after securing medical clearance. Still, dragging this out way longer than necessary (and eroding a bunch of goodwill along the way) would've been a very WWE thing to do, so they deserve props for cutting straight to the chase last night.

It's impossible not to be excited by Bryan's full-time return, and the new General Manager wasted no time in handing him an incredible first opponent...

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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.