WWE SmackDown Preview – Roman Reigns hits back, big swerve planned for title match? (Jan 22nd, 2021)

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso could influence the result of the title match on WWE SmackDown
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso could influence the result of the title match on WWE SmackDown

WWE SmackDown has an interesting show lined up for the fans this week. Between the actions of a frustrated Roman Reigns and a plausible title change, the show looks exciting. In addition to that, we have an obstacle course scheduled for this week’s episode, and it could set the perfect premises for a shocking heel turn.

In this article, we will take a quick look at things that can transpire on WWE SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let’s begin.


#1 Roman Reigns hits back at Adam Pearce and Kevin Owens on WWE SmackDown

Roman Reigns can still turn things around
Roman Reigns can still turn things around

Last week on WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns was defeated in his own game by Adam Pearce and Kevin Owens. Reigns had forced Pearce into a title match, but the latter had other plans in store for the Universal Champion. Throughout the episode, Paul Heyman chased Pearce to sign the contract for their Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble.

In the closing moments of WWE SmackDown, Reign walked to the ring alongside Jey Uso and Paul Heyman. There, he arrogantly signed the paper before Adam Pearce revealed that it is precisely what he wanted. To put things into context, Reigns is known for dodgy contract signings, but this time he couldn’t escape the trap laid by the WWE official.

Soon after that, Pearce started limping on his way back and then said that he had sustained an ‘injury’. As a result, he was replaced by Kevin Owens who returned on WWE SmackDown last week and tricked Roman Reigns to put his title on the line for the third time. That said, this could be the final meeting between both these Superstars.

Roman Reigns was visibly agitated after Kevin Owens outsmarted him. He is now set to confront his challenger this week and probably add a condition to his match. Reigns previously referred to Owens and advised him to prepare for his ‘final journey’ to the ‘island of relevancy’. He is expected to reveal more details about the same when he addresses the situation on WWE SmackDown tonight.

We have seen both these Superstars deliver two good matches. That said, the fans would want a new challenger to enter the title picture in the coming weeks. One can also be sure that Roman Reigns will pull some strings backstage and gain an advantage ahead of his match against Kevin Owens. It will be interesting to see what is in store for this title bout and how The Tribal Chief will turn things in his favor on WWE SmackDown.

#2 Apollo Crews set to challenge Big E in a title match on WWE SmackDown

Apollo Crews can take the title away from Big E
Apollo Crews can take the title away from Big E

Apollo Crews defeated Sami Zayn on WWE SmackDown and was involved in a brief confrontation with Big E. He has already challenged the latter for the Intercontinental Championship earlier this month. Crews now has another opportunity to go after Big E’s championship on WWE SmackDown this week, and he will look to make the most of this opportunity.

It is also important to note that last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown teased a possible alliance between Crews and Roman Reigns. The latter was seen talking to Crews about things that he can learn. We have seen glimpses of a heel turn from Apollo Crews on WWE SmackDown over the last few weeks. Thus, he may soon join Reigns’ stable and help him dominate the Blue brand.

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso may run interference during the Intercontinental Championship match that will allow Crtews to win the title from Big E. This will cement the alliance between Reigns and Crews on WWE SmackDown. At the same, it will also free up Big E to possibly win the Royal Rumble and eventually challenge Reigns for the Universal Championship.

#3 Bayley and Bianca Belair compete on WWE SmackDown

The two Superstars are expected to be at each other throats
The two Superstars are expected to be at each other throats

Bayley and Bianca Belair have been involved in a feud on WWE SmackDown for a few weeks now. Last week, we saw Bayley invite Belair to a talk show, and their conversation got a little heated. As a result, both Superstars were booked to participate in an obstacle course challenge. The details of this competition have not been revealed but the name kind of tells you what to expect.

Belair’s promo packages on WWE SmackDown often show her as an uncompromising athlete who excels in such type of challenges. As a result, she is expected to dominate the competition. This could lead to a brawl between the two Superstars, and we might see a match being booked between them, preferably for the final episode of WWE SmackDown before Royal Rumble.

Belair is expected to come out victorious of this feud as she needs momentum on her side ahead of the upcoming pay-per-view. She is one of the few favorites to win the match and eventually challenge Sasha Banks for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship. There’s also a slight possibility of Belair turning heel during the obstacle course challenge which will account for an exciting surprise on the show tonight.

#4 Dominik Mysterio returns to action on WWE SmackDown

Dominik Mysterio would like to challenge Baron Corbin
Dominik Mysterio would like to challenge Baron Corbin

Over the last few months, Dominik Mysterio has barely been involved in good storylines on WWE SmackDown. Last week, we saw him at ringside while Rey Mysterio locked horns with King Corbin. The latter picked a comfortable victory and also a brief confrontation with Dominik Mysterio during the match.

Tonight, on WWE SmackDown, we expect to see Dominik Mysterio return to in-ring action. He could lock horns with King Corbin who has caused trouble for both Rey Mysterio and Murphy in the past. Dominik Mysterio can perform well in a match against Corbin that will eventually allow him to gain momentum ahead of Royal Rumble.

As harsh as it may sound, Dominik Mysterio desperately needs to be involved in a couple of good storylines on WWE SmackDown. He made a promising debut and has managed to impress the WWE Universe with his in-ring performances. However, he needs to be a part of the compelling narration in order to keep his gimmick interesting on WWE SmackDown.

#5 What’s next for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions?

Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are enjoying a good run on WWE SmackDown
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are enjoying a good run on WWE SmackDown

Following a good run, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode managed to get their hands on the WWE SmackDown tag team titles after defeating The Street Profits. However, it appears that they are not yet done with Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford as they have not left any opportunity to attack the former champions.

In the absence of other promising teams on WWE SmackDown, we expect to see these two teams involved in an extended rivalry on the Blue brand. They have delivered good matches in the past and could be headed towards another battle with the tag team title on the line. That being said, WWE should work to identify other challengers for the tag team gold in order to keep the title picture interesting.

Overall, this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown looks quite promising on paper. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, fans are excited to see more and more Superstars booked strongly so that the build-up to the pay-per-view is exciting. We could also see a couple of new matches added to the Royal Rumble match card.

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