9 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jan 15)

5. A Fine Opener

Becky Lynch Asuka
WWE.com

This week's obligatory opening talking segment starred Becky Lynch, who strode through the backstage area with typical cocksure swagger, having dealt with Kayla Braxton's mundane questioning and Otis Dozovic's gross protein shake.

'The Man' once again came off like the most confident person in the building as she hit the ring, then spoke on creating buzz and making the world stand up and pay attention. "Men and women alike, on Raw and SmackDown," she said, "trying to find that extra gear, trying to be a badass since I broke through," before putting down Asuka, who was now "finding out how hard the division really is."

'The Empress Of Tomorrow' interrupted amid "Becky!" chants. Running through her usual routine, she called Lynch a "bee without a sting," switched into trademark terrifying Japanese yelling, and out came The IIconics to set up SmackDown's first two matches.

Not the most compelling spot of verbal jousting this show as seen lately, but Lynch could probably read passages from your dad's competitive fishing magazine and still sound great at the moment. Her form is incredible.

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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.