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

by Andy H Murray

1. Round Two (Mostly) Delivers

Rey Mysterio Andrade
WWE.com

They didn't quite hit the same heights as last week, but Andrade and Rey Mysterio wrestled another barnburner on SmackDown, emptying their respective gas tanks across three falls of fast, spot-heavy action, featuring some of the most gif-worthy moments of the year so far.

Some of them were spectacular. The first fall concluded on a powerbomb from the top rope, with Andrade showing incredible balance to pull the damn thing off without killing his ageing opponent. Mysterio hit multiple Destroyers. A Poisoned 'Rana spiked Andrade's head into the mat. Mysterio escaped the Hammerlock DDT with by draping a foot across the bottom rope. At one point, Rey somehow turned his sliding splash to the outside into a powerbomb, with Andrade hitting the barricade back-first.

It was crazy, and while Mysterio botched a Tornado DDT late on, it didn't sully the bout in the same way as its screwy finish.

Given what these two have been able to accomplish within the restrictive TV wrestling format, we can only assume they'd make magic together on pay-per-view. They deserve the opportunity to do that. Andrade is top-tier, and while Rey has no right being anywhere near this good at his age. Give them 25 minutes, a prominent spot, and limited agent interference. They'll shine.

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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.