7 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (3 Jan - Results & Review)

5. Drew McIntyre’s Distraction

Speaking of workers who recently worked their best WWE match yet - it's Drew McIntyre.

The Scot interrupted Cody Rhodes then said he was there to help not hurt him, but that set the table for a Kevin Owens ambush. Technically, Drew didn’t lay a finger on Rhodes, so he was true to his word. However, deep down, it’s clear he understands why KO resents Cody teaming with Roman Reigns back at Bad Blood. That, dear readers, is consistent characterisation everyone can get behind. McIntyre comes across as a real human being who remembers the past.

OK, so nothing earth shattering happened between Cody's entrance and Owens sneaking up from behind like a crafty little git, but it was a star-strong opening to the show that sold one PLE match (Rhodes vs KO at Royal Rumble) whilst teasing another (Rhodes vs. Drew for the title) to come. That's a win for the creative team as far as this WWE lifer is concerned!

It'll be interesting to have a killer, cerebral heel like McIntyre on SmackDown going forwards, and it looks like that’s the plan during this transfer window gimmick. He seemed to forget the name of that, but didn't lose track of his promo. Cody was there to play John Cena to Jeremy Piven by bailing him out. Christ, hope we don't have to wait until Summerfest to see them going at it.

Seriously though, get used to this sort of segment on three hour shows. That won't be a problem if each is laced with the kind of forthright direction this one was.