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

2. Save Us, Bryan & Rowan

Rowan Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

The bout to claim SmackDown's vacant Tag Team Championships hit all the right notes, with new champions Daniel Bryan and Rowan besting The Usos in a contest typical of their Samoan opponents, who never seem to disappoint between the ropes.

It was an exciting bout throughout, and it peaked at the right moment. Double Superkicks led to an awesome near-fall as Jey's dive took Bryan out and allowed Jimmy to cover Rowan following a splash. This was The Uso's best chance to win. Later, Rowan swatted their double dive, and while the tide turned soon after, the former Bludgeon Brother eventually nailed Jey with the Iron Claw for the victory, with Shane McMahon handing the dark blue straps over.

While some will complain about Bryan being "relegated" to the tag scene so soon after returning, him and Rowan show great promise as a team. They work well together. Rowan, though limited, has always been an effective enforcer, and his bruising style provides a nice contrast to his master's sharp technicality and cunning villainy. They could yet be the duo that saves this paper-thin division from complete destruction.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.