WWE SmackDown Live: Analysing and grading each segment (27 February, 2018)

#5 Shinsuke Nakamura def. Aiden English

This was Shinsuke Nakamura's first televised match since January

Storyline: Rusev has not appeared on SmackDown Live for the last two weeks. During a backstage segment earlier in the show, Aiden English complained about this to Shane McMahon and Rusev’s side-kick was granted a match against Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura.

Segment: If there was any doubt, Rusev and English were cemented as heels when the latter informed the crowd before the match that they “don’t deserve to celebrate Rusev Day”. Rusev kicked Nakamura in the head when the referee’s back was turned but the Rumble winner still walked away with the win after connecting with a Kinshasa on English.

Verdict: The crowd reaction Rusev and English received at Clash of Champions is among the loudest and most passionate you’ll hear from a WWE audience, yet Rusev continues to be portrayed as a bad guy. The show started with fans chanting his name but disappointed jeers broke out when he tried to get involved in this match. The only positive? Nakamura was actually on SmackDown!

Grade: C-