8 Ups & 2 Downs For WWE SmackDown Superstar Shake-Up

1. The In-Betweeners

Rusev Aiden English
WWE.com

The consensus most underused wrestler in WWE enjoyed solid positioning last night. Rusev first appeared in the opening segment, before wrestling AJ Styles in an ill-fated singles clash designed to set up the main event. His and Aiden English's tussle with the WWE Champion and Daniel Bryan ended in a DQ loss, but it was good to see them once again rubbing shoulders with some of SmackDown's biggest names.

A supplemental Up for all that, but a clear Down for the bigger picture.

What are we supposed to make of Rusev at the moment? At WrestleMania 34, he took a dismal pinfall to Jinder Mahal. Since then, WWE have booked him to face The Undertaker, replaced him with Chris Jericho, reinstated Rusev, and had the big man tease his own release on social media. Last night? They presented him and English as heels, yet still had 'The Shakespeare Of Song' play to the crowd and encourage "Rusev Day" chants.

The bookers don't seem to know what to do with the act, and can't pick a direction. Asking for a bigger push is almost moot at this point, but the company must decide where Rusev is going, stick with the plan, and push forward. Otherwise, he and English are in a holding pattern.

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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.