7 Ups & 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 22)

2. A Strong Women's Dynamic

WWE have done a great job establishing a strong clash of personalities in SmackDown's women's division at a time when genuinely deep characters are hard to come by. This isn't anything new, of course, but last night's interactions hammered it home.

Becky Lynch is the folk hero whose confidence and bravado enhance every little thing she does. These traits make her WWE's most compelling antihero since Steve Austin, and her transition into this role leaves room for a second babyface to ascend to a similar level, as the main event scene lacks a traditional white-hat do-gooder.

Asuka is dangerous, no matter the opponent. Having her jump Lynch last night was a smart idea. She's never going to be cheered against 'The Man,' and isn't a heel, but she is a killer. 'The Empress' was laid out in the end, but this small move means she should be rooted against without too many jeers seeping through this weekend.

Charlotte Flair's character, meanwhile, is a no-good piece of sh*t heel with few redeeming features, and she plays it perfectly.

This division is awesome. It could use a few extra faces, particularly on the middle tiers, but long may these dynamics continue.