9 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown 1000 (Oct 16)

by Andy H Murray

1. A Perfect All-Stars Vs. Veteran Team Clash

AJ Styles Daniel Bryan Usos
WWE.com

Bouts like AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan vs. The Usos can be troubling. WWE typically undermine the experienced tag team by putting the A-listers over in these situations, and that doesn't make any sense. Individually, the main eventers are better wrestlers, but how do you justify putting them and their lack of chemistry over two guys who literally work tag bouts for a living, and having usually done so for years? It's hard, but the norm in this company.

Fortunately, WWE went a completely different route last night. This tag was booked exactly as it should have been. Styles and Bryan performed well, but ultimately fell to the veteran unit when Daniel accidentally bumped into the WWE Champion. Jimmy and Jey capitalised with tandem Superkicks, Bryan ate the pin, and the bout itself was strong. Job done.

Daniel and AJ are both highly competitive characters, so each is going to upset with the other about losing here. This gave them an extra slither of heat without having to resort to forced violence. It still feels a tad muted for what it should be, but their bout is building nicely, and The Usos got a considerable rub in the process.

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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.