WWE SmackDown: Burning Questions to Address After August 30 Show

We are no closer to knowing who Apollo Crews is after the Aug. 30 edition of WWE SmackDown. WWE Creative's idea of adding to his character was to get him to inform a rival of the letters in his name.

When Tuesday's SmackDown wrapped up, Crews' direction was among the most unclear situations unfolding on the show. 

But at least he got some airtime. Kalisto continued to be absent from the proceedings. WWE has remained quiet on why the high-flyer has been grounded.

SmackDown's trip to Dallas also left fans wondering about John Cena's place in the WWE jungle and whether the company has already put The Vaudevillains in the same category as The Ascension.

What Happened to Kalisto?

The King of Flight didn't show up on Tuesday's SmackDown, continuing a recent pattern. His rivalry with Baron Corbin may already be toast.

There was no mention of the Corbin-Kalisto feud on the show. Instead, The Lone Wolf crossed paths with Kane on the entrance ramp, seemingly setting up a showdown between those two.

Kalisto had been the underdog in a developing David-versus-Goliath story. Corbin attacked the high-flyer several times backstage. And then SummerSlam came and went without those two clashing.

Corbin talked that night about Kalisto not being healthy enough to compete, but WWE hasn't offered any additional info.

There was been no official report about him being hurt. WWE hasn't played up either a storyline or legitimate injury, and now it's been nearly a month since Kalisto has performed on SmackDown. 

If the former U.S. champ is out of action, why not tell us Corbin was responsible for it? Why just slip him into the shadows without a word?

WWE is often tight-lipped about the health of its Superstars, but it's missing a narrative opportunity staring it in the face.

Are The Vaudevillains Finished?

Aiden English and Simon Gotch didn't make it out of the second round of the SmackDown tag team tournament, and it's hard to be surprised.

The Vaudevillains have quickly fallen to the bottom of the WWE food chain. The mustached duo lost to The Hype Bros on Tuesday night, following a loss in 12-man action on Aug. 16 and a defeat courtesy of American Alpha on Aug. 2.

English and Gotch haven't won since June, per CageMatch.net.

With WWE elevating American Alpha, focusing on Heath Slater and Rhyno's partnership, and The Usos holding onto contender status, it looks like there's no room for The Vaudevillains on a higher rung. The company seemingly believes the former NXT champs are no more than stepping stones.

If that's the case, perhaps a shift is in order. As Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net wrote, "It's obvious that Vince McMahon or someone in Creative isn't digging the Vaudevillains' act, so why not change it and make better use of a solid team?"

What Is WWE Doing with Apollo Crews?

Crews needs an avenue to connect with fans. He needs serious character development to complement his astounding athletic skill. 

Instead, WWE scripted him to be a fan of spelling.

Backstage, Crews spelled out his name for AJ Styles. He later knocked The Phenomenal One down during their match and turned to announcer Mauro Ranallo to spell out the word "punch." 

Former WWE.com writer Zach Linder mocked the shtick:

Hopefully, the spelling-centric stuff is done with by next week. Crews deserves better.

Why isn't WWE telling his backstory the way NXT did in a powerful video package? Why doesn't the high-flyer have a philosophy or motivation that deepens his character? Crews' talents will go to waste if WWE Creative doesn't find something more for him. 

What's John Cena's Role Moving Forward?

Will Cena be a cornerstone for the blue brand or a part-time attraction a la Brock Lesnar?

There has been plenty of speculation about the powerhouse taking a hiatus following SummerSlam. The second season of American Grit will eventually turn the Superstar into a reality show host again. And Cena left his "Never Give Up" wristband in the ring after falling to Styles.

Cena didn't appear on Tuesday's SmackDown, marking the second show he's missed.

The 15-time world champ, though, was in the building in Dallas. In fact, he worked the dark match at the taping, as seen on the Internet Wrestling Database.

Why wouldn't WWE use Cena onscreen? Is this all to sell the impact of Styles' win over him?

It may also be a sign the company wants to move away from featuring him so much. After all, there has been a tireless effort to brand the present as the New Era—and there is nothing new about Cena.

If Cena is set to be busy with outside projects anyway, perhaps WWE positions him as a less omnipresent figure. Styles, Dean Ambrose and others could be in line to captain SmackDown in his place.