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

8. This Was... Fine?!

Shane McMahon The Miz
WWE.com

Regular SmackDown Ups & Downs readers may be surprised to see a Shane McMahon/Miz segment sit on the positive side of the column, but 'The Best In The World's' birthday bash was actually pretty entertaining.

Though he has often looked like a dope throughout this storyline, 'The A-Lister' was great here, once again proving his ability to transcend shaky writing with strong performances. He'd prepared an over-the-top celebration for his new pal. There were balloons, cakes, banners, and gifts, with Miz presenting Shane with a fresh pair of Jordan 33s, then screening a melodramatic video package highlighting some of his greatest hits. Then, the duo bonded over their shared desire to become Tag Team Champions, prompting The Bar's inevitable arrival.

Sheamus and Cesaro dumped on the ceremony, leading to Shane booking the Irishman to face his apparent buddy there and then. This marks the segment as a logistical success (objective) as well as a creative one (subjective).

Miz and Shane taking the tag gold at the Royal Rumble seems like a certainty. If that happens, the optimal conclusion is a quick loss followed by 'The A-Lister' turning heel on McMahon, leading to a singles match. Let's hope WWE don't drag it out any longer than is necessary.

Advertisement
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.