7 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Jan 17)

Ups...

7. A Touching Tribute To The 'Soulman'

If there's one thing WWE do better than any company on the planet, it's video packages.

The production team deserve a pat on the back for the sensitive, heartwarming and classy way they handled Rocky Johnson's tribute vid. It was emotional, informative to younger fans who know nothing of his career, managed to include The Rock as a reference point to those fans and was a lovely tribute to a real industry trailblazer.

Johnson came across as a doting family man who worked hard to tear down barriers for African Americans in pro wrestling. His WWF Tag-Team Title run with Tony Atlas was shown, and so was his pride upon being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame by his son in 2008.

In another classy touch, Rocky's message about inspiring people regardless of their skin colour, religious background or upbringing was as hard-hitting here as it was 12 years ago.