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

1. A Predictable Ending

Samoa Joe Randy Orton
WWE.com

Though not quite the roster-wide brawl WWE often close modern Royal Rumble go-home shows with, SmackDown nonetheless concluded with a bunch of the match's participants getting their hands on each other, with the final shot showcasing a guy who hasn't been on television for weeks, and definitely isn't headlining WrestleMania 35.

Stellar production meant Randy Orton's RKO on Samoa Joe at least looked cool, but this closing scene was straight-up copy/paste material. It's boring, predictable, and, just like last week, this specific segment closed SmackDown on a bum note after another electric Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade match, which, with a clean winner, would've resulted in a far more exciting last scene.

We're used to WWE taking it easy and reverting to formulae on Network-era go-homes. Still, it's disappointing when such things happen on the blue brand, particularly as the last few weeks have been so strong, and though it's hard to imagine the Rumble disappointing, a little extra effort would've been nice.

Advertisement
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.