7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 29)

6. Somehow, This Worked...

Naomi Lana
WWE.com

That a staged dance off between Naomi and Lana wasn't a complete catastrophe and comfortably one of the worst things on the show is a big win for SmackDown. Like last year's Usos vs. New Day rap battle, this segment took a format that should've plummeted through atrocious writing, yet somehow transcended it, creating an angle that you don't necessarily need to go out of your way to see, but was a net positive regardless.

It helps that Lana and Naomi can actually dance. This writer is no Len Goodman, but both at least looked like they knew what they were doing, and neither fumbled. The duo hit a stalemate after their allotted 60-second slots, leading to a coordinated routine before Lana struck with a neckbreaker, which spoiled The Usos' fun (Jimmy and Jey were having a great time in the background) and provoked the inevitable brawl.

Naomi and The Usos cleared the ring, which sets up for a mixed tag next week. This could conceivably lead to the anticipated Rusev Day split, as Aiden English, not 'The Bulgarian Brute,' will team with Lana. He'll be an easy scapegoat if they lose, so keep an eye out for that.

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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.