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

Ups...

9. English Foils Rusev

Rusev Aiden English
WWE.com

Some will complain about The Miz defeating Rusev in just 45 seconds, and yeah, it's a shame we didn't get to see these two talented guys work a longer bout. Valid points, but this shortform scrap worked.

WWE had a lot of content to cram into last night's two hours. Sacrifices needed to be made, and as a preliminary bout in a tournament that won't matter at all after Crown Jewel, this was a prime candidate. To top it all off, WWE even found a way to further the Rusev/Aiden English storyline with a finish that gives the duo something to work with after last week's entirely destructive segment, as 'The Shakespeare Of Song' distracted his former partner before the match could really get going, leading to the roll-up conclusion.

There's not much else to say about such a short segment, but it wasn't a burial. 'The Bulgarian Brute' will rebound from this without issue, continuing his war on English, while Miz gets something to gloat about after becoming 'The Two-Minute Man' at Super Show-Down. An easy Up.

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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.