7 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Jan 22)

3. KO Adding Emotional Weight

Kevin Owens is the kind of guy who works best when he's not forced into lame comedy or actually given too much material at all. He was reared on the classic ROH way of doing thing, and thrives when he's left to his own devices. For proof, check out his pre-taped promo on this week's SmackDown.

KO went deep by talking about how his grandfathers had battled back against serious illnesses. They might've been dying, but they never once spoke of quitting, and that's what motivates him to keep on going even when Roman Reigns uses his influence to put barriers up in front of others.

Ooft.

Owens then showed off some tattoos on his knuckles, revealed their ties to his story and sold the 'Last Man Standing' match with Reigns at the Rumble. What a promo this was, and it should teach WWE a lesson; they don't need to force words into someone's mouth. Let them speak freely and watch the cream of the crop rise.