8 Ups & 8 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Mar 26)

5. Trollolololol

Kurt Angle AJ Styles Randy Orton
WWE.com

WWE trolled the f*ck out of their audience with AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle last night.

It was glorious. They took a steaming dump on the very idea of this late-career "dream match" by having it last barely over a minute, with hugs and respectful words giving way to an immediate escalation as Kurt drilled AJ with a German Suplex. Styles caught him in a Calf Crusher soon after, but Angle reversed into an Ankle Lock, though he was quickly sent into the ring post.

Cue: Randy Orton, and RKO, and the no contest.

Jeers rained upon 'The Viper,' who was eventually fended off by Angle. He'd "ruined" the moment. That's why it delivered. Most fans would've liked to have seen Angle and Styles work something more substantial, but nobody should ever consider themselves above being worked, and while Kurt's Raw match with Samoa Joe over-delivered, the poor fella can barely even throw a convincing punch anymore. Having him not wrestle isn't a major issue.

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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.