WWE SmackDown after Extreme Rules- 5 Surprises that could happen- Big return, NXT call-up?

This has been one of the best weeks in recent memory for just about any sports entertainment fan across the entire world. I mean it began with AEW, which clashed with Evolve's 10th Anniversary celebrations, continued all the way through to the G1, culminating in Extreme Rules and WWE RAW.

None one of these events was without its share of faults, but the positives outweighed the negatives on almost every occasion. Will SmackDown Live be able to continue the momentum or will it sink under the pressure of all the mighty expectations?

Bear in mind that this is the first SmackDown of the Bischoff era. Which is why all eyes will be on the product to see how different the show will be.

Here are 5 things that could really shake the show up from the very core.

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#5. McMahon announces he's stepping down, puts Eric Bischoff in charge

We all know that there's a sense of resentment not only in the WWE Universe but also in the locker room for Shane McMahon hogging up all of the TV team. We also know that this very fact is being used to launch a storyline where he's destined to face off against Kevin Owens in the same way that his father faced Stone Cold Steve Austin. The fact that Owens uses a Stunner as his finisher is a clear indication of this fact.

What if McMahon appoints Bischoff as an on-screen character to book matches? He could say that he will focus on becoming a WWE Superstar, to face off against Kevin Owens at SummerSlam 2019. Fans would love to see the return of Bischoff as an on-screen authority figure.

Remember the massive pop that he got at RAW 25? Fans of sports entertainment still love and revere Bischoff.

See WWE Smackdown Live Updates, Highlights of event, & more on WWE Smackdown updates page

#4. Eric Bischoff introduces his clan of new Superstars

There is a whole host of superstars on SmackDown Live who aren't on TV. This includes a list of big names such as Buddy Murphy, Liv Morgan, and even someone like Matt Hardy, who's waiting for his brother to return to action. Could all of them come back under the Eric Bischoff banner?

Honestly, I would assume so because the launch of a new era means that new names should be pushed to the top. Just like Cedric Alexander scored a massive upset over Drew McIntyre, Murphy could be launched in a big way on SmackDown Live. He could take on someone who's not getting any screen time, like EC3.

If the Bischoff regime does not mean that we get to see new faces, I would deem it a failure. A change of guard should essentially mean a change in the overall product.

#3. Aleister Black comes out to take on Shinsuke Nakamura for the title

I remember the time when Shinsuke Nakamura became the US Champion and we assumed that he'd have a long and prosperous reign. It almost seemed like he was forgotten and when he became an afterthought, the title was forgotten too.

Fast forward to right now when he is the reigning and defending Intercontinental Champion. Because of the reason that I have outlined previously, I really think that Nakamura needs to face off against someone like Aleister Black to be seen as a worthy champion.

The two men can trade a variety of strikes and blows in a hard-hitting contest. I know that Black would love a chance to be inserted into a title picture already.

Even if Black wins the title soon after, it would help put Nakamura back in public consciousness once more. He's very easily forgotten.

#2. Sasha Banks is revealed as Ember Moon's partner

So one of the matches that has been confirmed for this week is Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville taking on Ember Moon and a mystery partner. Everyone expects it to be Liv Morgan and not Sasha Banks, of course. But this is a list of surprises, so I'll examine the probability of Banks showing up to team up with Ember Moon.

I'm sure that Banks would love to team up with Moon. Moon is a great hand in the ring and we know how much Banks loves to wrestle. The Ember Moon and Sasha Banks pairing will be fresh.

Everyone expects Sasha Banks to come out and take Bayley out to challenge her for that big elusive SummerSlam match. But if you give the people exactly what they have been expecting, they may not really go along for the ride, so a swerve is always welcome.

#1. The Undisputed ERA challenges The New Day, for all the gold

One of the highlights of my week is getting a chance to cover NXT. While it doesn't get nearly the same number of reads that my RAW and SmackDown pieces do, I really enjoy the product served up by the black and yellow brand.

In any case, this is not an article about me. Let me instead speak about The Undisputed ERA, the hottest act in NXT right now, who vowed to own all of the gold in the brand by the time 2019 was over and done.

Something that they may have realized by now is that every member of The New Day is a Champion, and they would make fantastic challengers for the men that like to Shock the System. Could we see a call-up to mark Bischoff's arrival?

Big E told me during an interview that The New Day really wants to face The Undisputed ERA.