WWE SmackDown: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for June 12

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Daniel Bryan vs. Shelton Benjamin

Result: Daniel Bryan defeated Shelton Benjamin via submission

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Prior to the match, part of Bryan’s excellent backstage promo from last week was shown. OH NO, HE LOOKED INTO THE CAMERA. But you can’t deny that it enhanced that particular promo, since you could tell D-Bry was speaking directly to Big Cass. Anyone who’s ever said Bryan can’t cut a promo, you can go sit down now.

And once the match got started, it was predictably awesome. I feel like Shelton is this super under-the-radar guy in 2018 because he hasn’t really done too much since returning to WWE last year. But don’t forget he’s a tremendous pro wrestler with one of the best amateur backgrounds going. Dude was Brock Lesnar’s tag team partner in OVW — and his legit wrestling coach in college! Of course he’s going to bring it against a guy like Bryan.

I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say this was the best Benjamin has looked since returning to WWE. The precision attack to Bryan’s knee was some of the most focused work anyone in WWE has done lately. And Bryan answered with his own attack to Shelton’s knee, bringing a nice symmetry to the match.

The finish to the match was so damn good, too. Bryan went for the YES Lock, but the knee pain slowed him down and he was unable to properly cinch it in. Benjamin powered out and seamlessly transitioned into a half crab, which he had used earlier as part of his assault on Bryan’s knee. But Shelton’s knee also made it difficult for him to lock in the hold, and Bryan was able to reverse into a heel hook, and a quick tap out ended things.

Bryan being built up as the ultimate submission machine slash greatest technical wrestler in the world is wonderful for everyone involved. I don’t expect Sunday’s match against Big Cass to be nearly as good as this one, but Bryan can probably pull something halfway decent out of the big man.