Ups & Downs - WWE SmackDown Review (April 24th)

The WhatCulture Wrestling podcast reviews WWE SmackDown from April 24th, 2026, delivering a mixed but largely critical assessment of the episode. Hosts express frustration with the overuse of the Bloodline storyline, particularly the repetitive push for Jacob A2 and the lack of meaningful development for new narratives. While acknowledging strong performances from Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley, they lament the show’s overall drabness, lack of direction, and failure to capitalize on fresh talent like Blake Monroe and Ricky St. The segment highlights several standout moments: the comedic skits featuring Dan Housen and The Miz, which brought genuine joy; the exciting women’s tag team match between Flipping Fatal Influence and Paige/Brie/Charlotte, which generated heat; and the fun, over-the-top entrance of Trick Williams as the Gingerbread Man. Despite these bright spots, the episode is criticized for relying too heavily on disqualifications and no-contests, diminishing their impact. The hosts conclude with cautious optimism, believing the show needs more bold booking and fresh faces to reignite excitement. Key takeaways include: 1) WWE should stop recycling the Bloodline storyline and focus on new, compelling narratives; 2) Comedy segments like the Dan Housen/Miz skits are a much-needed breath of fresh air; 3) The women’s division is primed for a major push around Rhea Ripley and Flipping Fatal Influence; 4) Cody Rhodes’ promo was strong but weakened by the absence of Randy Orton; 5) Fresh talent like Blake Monroe and Ricky St. should be given immediate opportunities to elevate the roster. The overall sentiment is cautiously positive, with the host acknowledging the show’s flaws but still finding value in its entertainment and potential for growth.