8 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Sept 18)

by Andy H Murray

1. Shining In Defeat

AJ Styles Andrade Almas
WWE.com

Shock of all shocks: Andrade 'Cien' Almas had another excellent TV match, as he met old opponent AJ Styles in a repeat of the bout that supposedly caught Vince McMahon's eye in the first place, resulting in his promotion into the Daniel Bryan vs. Miz programme.

The layout was much the same as AJ vs. Almas I, but different enough to leave it feeling fresh. 'Cien' got a lot in. He controlled long, long portions of the match, hitting a number of his signature spots on the reigning WWE Champion, which speaks volumes not only to AJ's selflessness, but the company's faith in the former La Sombra. They wouldn't have him rubbing shoulders with their most decorated stars if they weren't going to put him on that level someday, and this was another step in the right direction.

Though 'The Phenomenal One' won (because of course he did), the outcome isn't what matters here. What's key is that Almas once again enhanced his status by pushing the perceived best wrestler in the company to the absolute limit. Our recent concerns that he may suffer in this position now seem foolish: the man's gonna be just fine.

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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.