8 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (May 22)

1. Hardy & Bryan Bring Their Working Boots

Samoa Joe was supposed to face Big Cass for a Money In The Bank slot last night, but a knee injury forced the seven-footer to pull out. Instead, Joe sat ringside while US Champion Jeff Hardy and Daniel Bryan did battle for the right to face him next week, resulting in a match far more exciting than the original could've been.

Bryan preluded it with an excellent babyface promo early in the night, in which he not only put himself over as a fighter, but Hardy as a "legend." This dolloped another spoonful of anticipation on an already enticing bout. They delivered from there, with Jeff continuing his recent run of strong TV matches, and Daniel once again knocking it out of the park with breathless offence and expert selling, bound together by a solid layout that kept Hardy strong in defeat.

Inevitably, Joe leaped from his perch as soon as Bryan started with the "Yes!" chants. His message was simple: "I fail to see what we're celebrating here, because next week, you face me," which was all he needed to say. Joe's the most believable talker in the company. He can sell a bout with a single line, and this proves it.

A great way to not only end one of the year's best SmackDowns, but get the ball rolling for next week.