8 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Nov 6)

7. A Promise, Not A Threat

Though he chose not to hit the ring in the town in which he saved the WWE Universe from the atrocities of Jinder Mahal's World Title reign, AJ Styles addressed the crowd via backstage promo, calling back that fateful night one year ago while also pushing himself towards Survivor Series.

'The Phenomenal One' called his Brock Lesnar rematch a "reward." Putting 'The Beast' over as a unique opponent, he said he threw everything he had at Lesnar in 2017, but it wasn't enough. This time, however, he's going to defeat the Universal Champion at Survivor Series, "and that's not a prediction; it's a spoiler."

Nothing groundbreaking here, but Styles came off well. There's no reason to believe he won't help Lesnar deliver his best match of 2018, just like he did last year, and it'd be awesome to see AJ come away with the victory, cementing him as the company's top top champion.

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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.