7 Ups & 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Nov 20)

by Andy H Murray

1. Randy Bloody Orton

Randy Orton Rey Mysterio Mask
WWE.com

Orton's mid-show promo focused heavily on Rey Mysterio's mask. He had a replica with him as he spoke, and claimed that while it represented "culture, pride, and respect" to many, to Randy, it was "nothing more than cheap polyester." 'The Viper' said it "doesn't deserve to be respected," and promised to erase and destroy it, before concluding a forboding diatribe similar to those delivered during his awesome feud with Jeff Hardy.

Unfortunately for Rey, Orton delivered on his promise after the main event. Having worked the mask throughout the bout, he finally separated it from Mysterio's head then threw him into the post with a steel chair wrapped around his neck. It was beautifully brutal.

Randy would then raise the scalp aloft, posing with Rey's mask to end the show. His streak as SmackDown's most despicable bastard continues. The significance of this act just took his heat with Rey to nuclear levels, and we rarely see moves like this on WWE television, making last night's events extra effective.

What an absolute d*ckhead.

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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.