7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Aug 14)

6. Overconfidence Costs English

Andrade Almas Aiden English
WWE.com

Another segment that was functional and effective but wholly unexciting, Aiden English vs. Andrade 'Cien' Almas did its job.

'The Shakespeare Of Song' was out for redemption. He has become a colossal f*ck-up merchant in recent weeks, costing Rusev and Lana with a string of high-profile mistakes, and he promised to make things right by putting the former NXT Champion away ahead of SummerSlam. Unfortunately for him, he was grossly over-matched.

Aside from a mid-match Lariat/Frog Splash combo, English never had a look in. Almas took control early on, fought through Aiden's meek comeback, then killed him with the double knees. Finally, the Hammerlock DDT put the former Vaudevillain away in about 90 seconds.

A guy like Almas should be defeating English with such efficiency. 'Cien' is a star, and as entertaining as he is, Aiden is cannon fodder. He's an amusing enhancement talent whose primary role is putting other people over. Bouts like this are a perfect use of his skill-set.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.