7 Ups & 9 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (April 2)

4. At Least Joe Looked Strong...

Ali Samoa Joe
WWE.com

The flipside to Ali looking like dirt in his squash match loss to Samoa Joe is that the United States Champion came off like the 'Destroyer' he is supposed to be presented as, setting him off for his WrestleMania 35 clash with Rey Mysterio on the right note.

Joe is one of the most convincing bruisers in the business. He always shines against smaller, more athletic foes he can bully around the ring. That was the case again here, as while Joe did spend a big chunk of the bout on the backfoot, he came off like a ruthless, cunning, and smart villain, particularly when he rolled away from the 054 to lock Ali in the match-ending Coquina Clutch.

Mysterio's ankle injury could put the 'Mania match in doubt, as there was no sign of the lucha legend on last night's SmackDown. The show could have used his presence, but at least WWE found something effective for Joe to do in his absence, making the US Champion look like a brute regardless of whether a replacement is needed or not.

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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.