9 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Sept 25)

5. Nakamura & Tye Collide

Tye Dillinger Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE.com

A rare Tye Dillinger appearance! Shinsuke Nakamura working had between the ropes (albeit for two minutes) then looking weaselly in the post-match! Randy Orton being a complete piece of sh*t!

Everything about this worked.

Dillinger took it to the United States Champion, putting him on the back-foot from the bell. He even scored a near-fall with a Superkick/Frog Splash one-two punch and was in complete control until Orton appeared for the DQ finish, and could now be conceivably used in a longer, more meaningful title defence, having reminded everyone of his existence last night.

As for Nakamura? He conveniently disappeared when 'The Viper' struck, only re-emerging to take advantage of his wounded prey following Randy's draping DDT to the floor. He Kinsasha'd an opponent he was having clear difficulty with against the LED boards, because he's a slimy, no-good scumbag who shed every redeeming feature the first time he low-blowed AJ Styles, and while his heel run hasn't made him 'The Guy,' he shines in set pieces like this.

Fingers crossed Nakamura is actually involved in the follow-up, unlike his previous dalliances in Orton's business.

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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.