7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 23)

Ups...

7. KO'd

AJ Styles Kevin Owens
WWE.com

While AJ Styles defeating Kevin Owens in just over 60 seconds would finish as a Down under most circumstances, last night provided the exception. The runtime suggests a squash, but although the bout wasn't at all competitive, its context makes it acceptable.

KO is reportedly struggling with a back injury. The former 'Prizefighter' has been kept off house shows for a couple of weeks, and will likely take a backseat in the Royal Rumble's handicap match. Thus, having a competitive, back-and-forth fight with the WWE Champion wasn't possible.

The company played it smart, too, with Owens losing due to a kayfabe injury following a missed cannonball splash. This keeps him protected, and ensures that his momentum isn't shot to pieces ahead of the title match. Could WWE have just refrained from booking it in the first place? Absolutely, but KO's ringside presence also allowed his partner, Sami Zayn, to pin Styles later on, which we'll cover in a moment...

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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.