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

4. Samoa Joe Clobbers Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy Samoa Joe
WWE.com

The night's second Survivor Series qualifier saw Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe go to battle, just a few short weeks after the face-painted daredevil overcame the former NXT Champion via knee injury in a similar pre-World Cup match. This time, however, the outcome was reversed.

His janky joint healed, Joe overcame Hardy after a typically hard-hitting display that built to an exciting closing stretch. Notching a close two-count on a low dropkick, Hardy had to fight off the clutch once, then nailed the Twist of Fate, setting him up with a Swanton. Unfortunately for him, Joe got the knees up, on went the clutch, and out went Jeff's lights, securing the big man's spot on the team.

This neat-and-tidy TV encounter didn't overstay its welcome, and gave Joe a much-needed victory after playing a loser against AJ Styles several times over the past few weeks. His strength of character means he's almost bulletproof to such booking, but he still needs to look strong between the ropes when the time comes, and this was a nice Crown Jewel rebound.

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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.