8 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (June 19)

4. Bryan & Joe Bring The Heat

WWE reneged on their promise of a Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe singles match a few weeks ago, inserting the now-departed Big Cass into their Money In The Bank qualifier. A shame, but the ensuing Triple Threat was enjoyable enough, and the company ended up delivering an exciting snapshot of what the singles bout could've been when they met in last night's Gauntlet match.

Bryan vs. Joe was strong. Though slower than the previous fall, they meshed well, with Bryan outstanding in his defensive phases, making his opponent look every bit the dominant bully he should. On top of this, the finish was just as well-worked as that between Miz and Daniel later. Having taken a powder before Bryan could hit his Busaiku Knee Kick, Joe seized his opponent in the Clutch on the outside, but Daniel worked his way out of it, then dashed inside before the referee's count hit 10.

Joe wasn't quick enough, and was counted out. He was protected, Bryan advanced, and the company left enough in the tank for a future singles match between the two. Whoever put this bout together deserves a huge pat on the back.