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

2. Close Your Eyes & Count To 10

Shinsuke Nakamura AJ Styles
WWE.com

Shinsuke Nakamura bested AJ Styles in what may have been the best match of their feud so far last week, earning the right to name their Money In The Bank Stipulation in the process. Last night, 'The King Of Strong Style' promised answers, and unlike The New Day, he delivered.

The number one contender and WWE Champion faced off halfway through the show. AJ was in no mood for Nakamura's games, and demanded answers early, but Shinsuke wanted to screw with him. First, he jokingly suggested a pillow fight, drawing a "King Of Soft Style" jab from AJ, before pulling out the usual "knee to face" line. It inevitably broke down, though. They brawled in the crowd and back to ringside, with Nakamura eventually laying the champ out with a steel chair, an imperfect announce table slam, and the Kinshasa.

As if Nak's 10-count tease didn't cement the Last Man Stipulation, he made it official moments later. It's a smart choice that totally eliminates the possibility of a count-out and disqualification, but worryingly keeps a double knockout in-play.

This was a strong, well choreographed setup segment. Here's hoping WWE go for a definitive resolution at MITB.

Advertisement
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.