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We are all set for another exciting edition of WWE SmackDown. With less than 10 days to go until SummerSlam 2021, the show promises interesting developments on the Blue brand tonight. From unprecedented attacks to jaw-dropping swerves, there’s a lot that can happen tonight. While we don't expect a big return, we might see interesting additions in ongoing feuds.
Here, we look at some of the things that could unfold on WWE SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#5 John Cena confronts Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown
John Cena is set to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam 2021. However, both superstars are yet to engage in a physical altercation on WWE SmackDown. Reigns believes Cena wrongfully got a title match while the latter is adamant about dethroning The Tribal Chief at the upcoming pay-per-view.
While Roman Reigns has managed to stay out of John Cena’s way so far, things might not be the same tonight. The creative team only has a couple of shows to make this feud intense, and they wouldn’t want to waste time. Thus, we could see Cena and Reigns finally come face to face on WWE SmackDown tonight.
Both superstars have passed on brutal comments about each other over the last few weeks. Fans are excited to see Reigns – a big bad heel – convincingly stand up for himself against Cena’s soul-destroying insults. Additionally, a brief promo war between Paul Heyman and John Cena will single-handedly make the Blue brand a must-watch until SummerSlam 2021.
Reigns sent out a message by attacking Finn Balor after the main event last week. But he refused to do anything when John Cena signed the match contract right under his nose. The 16-time world champion will leave no stone unturned in challenging Reigns’ ego – a move that would guarantee a response from the Universal Champion and his entourage.
The said feud has kept the WWE Universe in anticipation ever since Cena returned. But it has been in the making for almost half a decade. The creative team has dropped enough teasers, and it is now time to see this storyline unfold on the Blue brand, starting tonight. It would be a mistake to limit all their engagement to the WWE SmackDown’s go-home show alone.
#4 Edge gets his revenge against Seth Rollins on WWE SmackDown
Last week on WWE SmackDown, Edge was determined to make Seth Rollins pay for his actions. The Architect had laid out a brutal attack on the former the week before. Although The Rated-R Superstar had a plan to teach Rollins a valuable lesson, the latter didn’t turn up. A frustrated Edge then asked for a match at SummerSlam 2021, and a confident Seth Rollins readily accepted.
Both superstars share a long history. Rollins had refused to end Edge’s career at one point, but he has promised that history won’t repeat itself. He even warned the WWE legend about an impending Stomp that will seal the latter’s retirement. This feud’s build-up has been flawless so far, turning it into an epic storyline.
The creative team has done well in borrowing elements from their history and using it to craft their current rivalry. Edge did not like Rollins’ claims about his retirement, especially when his future is being questioned.
Thus, he is set to unleash his demons and humble his rival, whom he lovingly calls “Edge Lite.” Rollins has attacked The Rated-R Superstar multiple times, but now the 11-time world champion wants to control the feud on WWE SmackDown.
#3 Sasha Banks makes a huge statement on WWE SmackDown
Sasha Banks recently returned on WWE SmackDown and went straight after the women’s champion, Bianca Belair. Both superstars previously faced each other in a title match at WrestleMania 37 earlier this year. Banks lost her title then and now, she will get a shot at reclaiming the championship at SummerSlam 2021. The match was made official on WWE SmackDown last week.
Last time, the feud between Banks and Belair was quite lackluster. Although both superstars delivered an excellent match at WrestleMania, the build-up could have been better. We hope that the creative team won’t repeat the same mistake this time. Banks could lay out a surprise attack or pull off a cunning swerve to take advantage ahead of SummerSlam.
Belair is being pushed as a top babyface on the Blue brand. She is often booked as someone who fights and wins against all odds. They need a well-balanced storyline between a violent heel and an unforgiving babyface to create an engaging narration.
Hopefully, we will see Banks and Belair deliver intense segments ahead of their title match. The winner of the title match at SummerSlam 2021 will feud with Zelina Vega on WWE SmackDown.
Tonight, both superstars will sign the contract for their SmackDown Women's Championship match at SummerSlam 2021. Will The Legit Boss have a surprise up her sleeve for this segment?
#2 Shinsuke Nakamura targets the Intercontinental Championship on WWE SmackDown
Last week on WWE SmackDown, “King” Shinsuke Nakamura faced Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews. It was a good match that ended with Nakamura’s victory – thanks to Commander Azeez’s interference. But it still counts as a win, and he has now earned a shot at the Intercontinental Championship.
Apollo Crews has enjoyed a lengthy run with the title but he spent most of his time feuding with Big E. It is high time he crosses paths with another credible challenger. Nakamura will be an entertaining contender, and both superstars could deliver a good title feud on the Blue brand. It could potentially set up a rematch at SummerSlam later this month.
Both Nakamura and Crews deserve to be a part of promising storylines on WWE SmackDown. They have Rick Boogs and Commander Azeez by their respective sides, which ensures a balanced equation. It will also help push both of them into the limelight while Nakamura and Crews battle it out for the Intercontinental Championship on the Blue brand.
#1 What’s next for Finn Balor on WWE SmackDown?
Finn Balor headlined WWE SmackDown last week and faced Baron Corbin in the show’s main event. Corbin attacked Balor a couple of weeks ago when he was about to sign the contract for the Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns. The Prince got his revenge by destroying Corbin in their match last Friday.
Soon after that, Roman Reigns and The Usos unleashed a brutal attack on Balor and left him in the middle of the squared circle. Thankfully, right before taking an intense punishment, Finn Balor pointed at Reigns in his signature fashion and confirmed that he didn’t leave The Prince behind. He will now look for payback with The Tribal Chief as his key target.
Balor also said he has a 'bone to pick with John Cena,' who replaced him in the Universal Championship match at SummerSlam 2021. He hinted at a potential feud with the 16-time world champion and that looks very promising on paper.
Will he attack both Cena and Reigns on WWE SmackDown? Will Balor force the Universal Championship match to turn into a triple-threat battle at SummerSlam?
