9 Ups & 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Apr 30)

by Andy H Murray

1. Solid Tag Action

Randy Orton Ali
WWE.com

That a bout this ordinary finishes as our top Up speaks volumes of this week's SmackDown's general mediocrity. Regardless, this was a fun little seven-minute sprint between future Money In The Bank opponents, and a solid addition to a card otherwise lacking in strong in-ring action.

The more athletic wrestlers worked hard to get it over. Randy Orton kept things grounded with trademark chinlocks, which isn't even a problem. He was in charge of the bout as we returned from commercials, before Ali belted him with a dropkick, leading to tags to Andrade and Finn Balor as the bout worked through its gearbox. The former 'Cien' ended up on the floor. Babyface dives followed, though Zelina Vega's distraction led to Andrade scoring a near-fall on Balor with the double knees, before the countering spree commenced, Ali made himself legal, and Andrade was felled by the 054 Splash.

Low on narrative significance it may have been, but SmackDown desperately needed some excitement. This all-star tag provided it, albeit in shortform.

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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.