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

1. Andrade & Mysterio Absolutely Nail It

Andrade vs. Rey Mysterio was always going to be good. There's a quality baseline when it comes to guys this skilled, and no matter their instructions, the duo were going to concoct something enjoyable. Still, there was always the chance that WWE would hamper them with a five-minute runtime or convoluted finish. Such is the nature of TV wrestling. Putting these "dream matches" together is all well and good, but the bookers often get in the talent's way in such situations.

That wasn't the case here. Andrade vs. Mysterio was brilliant.

More than a great TV bout, it would have stolen the show on most main roster pay-per-views. They got close to 20 minutes, boatloads of big spots, and a finish that made sense in the context. The wrestlers and agents ticked every box on our wishlist, and your writer doesn't have a bad word to say about what was delivered.

Two masters of the mat spent the early stages attached to each other. They came unglued when Andrade viciously powerbombed Rey on the outside, and the big bombs kept dropping thereafter, with Rey diving around like a man 10 years his junior. Mysterio repeating the previous week's Canadian Destroyer for an awesome near-fall. Later, his crucifix bomb was just as exciting. The gaps between these spots felt important too, and while Mysterio vs. Andrade would make a great highlights package, the time spent working holds deserves as much of your attention as the more pop-worthy moments.

Perhaps the biggest triumph here is that they made the outcome feel extremely important, enhancing the rub Andrade should enjoy following his masterful performance. Mark this down as a way-too-early clubhouse leader for WWE Match of the Year.