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

Tag teams shine in an effective Extreme Rules go-home show.

by Andy H Murray
Kane Daniel Bryan Team Hell No
WWE.com

While Raw headed to Extreme Rules with an uninspired go-home show typical of the Network era, SmackDown came through with a solid offering that not only built excitement for the pay-per-view, but should also be seen as a minor rebound after two weeks of mediocrity.

With the buzz around Team Hell No's reunion still carrying the show, WWE pushed the blue brand's tag division to the forefront last night. Kane and Daniel Bryan opened as guests on Miz TV, but they were in for a chaotic evening, as the Bludgeon Brothers, Sanity, and The New Day all made their presence felt. It all built towards a wild 10-man main event that produced drama and excitement in equal measure, renewing hopes of a revival for the oft-neglected division post-Extreme Rules.

Elsewhere, we got another bout between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, only without the former's WWE Championship on the line. Asuka wrestled James Ellsworth for the second consecutive week, Jeff Hardy and Rusev both made their presence felt, and lo and behold, Andrade 'Cien' Almas finally worked a match against a full-time roster member. Rejoice!

A perfect tonic for anyone let down by Monday's meek pre-PPV showing, SmackDown's two eventful hours were more than worth the time investment...

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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.