8 Ups & 11 Downs For WWE In 2018 (So Far)

10. Where In The World Is Andrade Almas?

Zelina Vega Andrade Almas
WWE.com

Former NXT Champion and all-round company standout Andrade 'Cien' Almas was drafted to SmackDown on 17 April. In the 11 weeks since then, he has wrestled just two matches, both of which were against local enhancement talents. His last bout came on 22 May, his feud with Sin Cara has seemingly been forgotten about, and now, Andrade and valet Zelina Vega are lucky to make TV.

This is a sham. Aligning with Vega transformed 'Cien' from developmental bust to must-see megastar, and he seemed like the 2018 NXT call-up most likely to succeed on the main roster. A ready-made headliner, he could've conceivably been thrown straight into the upper-midcard or main event scene immediately after the Superstar Shake-Up, yet he has become the new Tye Dillinger, lost without a programme.

It's too early to write Almas' main roster career off, but as they've done with the Authors Of Pain and Sanity, WWE have botched his introduction. How can creative possibly justify having nothing for such a talented performer?

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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.