7 Ups & 8 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 7)

3. World-Class Presentation

Though new SmackDown star Roman Reigns didn't directly appear on last night's show, a well-crafted video package recapping his career up to this point ensured he had a presence - and a strong one at that.

It began with 'The Big Dog' telling the world he hoped his story could inspire others to tread a similar path. We saw shots of him from 2010 to 2014, bleeding into Shield highlights, then Roman winning the 2015 Royal Rumble. From there, Reigns faced Triple H to become WWE Champion in 2016, then beat John Cena the following year, before besting The Undertaker in that WrestleMania 33 bout. The good times ended with his leukaemia diagnosis and ensuing absence, before the package closed with him punching Vince McMahon in the face and announcing SD as his new home.

WWE's video packages always look and feel like gold. This was no different. It was a top-level production for a top-level star, and a break from the kind of presentation that drove fans away from Reigns in the first place, with the crowd's positive reaction highlighting its effectiveness.

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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.