WWE SmackDown Preview: New title feud for Extreme Rules to begin today, possible twist in Braun Strowman vs Bray Wyatt? (July 3, 2020)

We are all set for this week's episode of SmackDown which has quite a few interesting segments planned for the night. One championship match has been confirmed for tonight's show as AJ Styles is scheduled to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Drew Gulak.

Apart from that, WWE have announced two more segments. First, Matt Riddle will appear in an interview segment with Michael Cole during which he is expected to discuss his SmackDown debut, his win over AJ Styles, and his future plans on the Blue brand. Second, Sheamus intends to 'celebrate' Jeff Hardy, but the segment is not expected to run as smoothly as the Celtic Warrior would hope.

The SmackDown Tag Team Championship picture has been quite dull lately. It will be interesting to see if WWE have anything planned for the division this week.

In this article, we will take a look at things that can unfold on tonight's episode of SmackDown. So, without further ado, let's begin.

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#1 New Intercontinental Championship feud to begin today on SmackDown?

As confirmed by WWE, this week's episode will see the Intercontinental Championship being put on the title as AJ Styles is set to square off against Drew Gulak in a title match. The 'Phenomenal One' defeated Daniel Bryan to become the new IC Champion on SmackDown. During a special segment dedicated to his victory, Styles got into an altercation with Bryan once again.

After the two Superstars engaged in banter, Bryan suggested that Styles should be a fighting champion and even picked out a Superstar who will prove to be a serious challenger to Styles' title reign. Bryan suggested that Styles should defend his title against Drew Gulak in order to prove himself as a dominating champion.

Styles seemed sceptical about the idea, and initially, he resisted being involved in a title match against Drew Gulak. But it was later confirmed that the two Superstars would indeed lock horns with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.

It is fair to assume that Styles won't be losing his title anytime soon on SmackDown. Therefore, he is expected to pick a win over Drew Gulak tonight. That said, Styles will need an opponent for Extreme Rules: The Horror Show, and he might find one after successfully defending his title against Gulak.

We could see him being attacked following the match. We could see Matt Riddle challenging AJ Styles for the title as WWE has already teased a feud between both the Superstars. It will be interesting to see what's in store for Styles on SmackDown in the coming weeks.

#2 Braun Strowman and a possible twist on SmackDown?

Although Braun Strowman won the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36, his title reign has been slightly underwhelming on SmackDown. Although he has successfully defended his gold against the likes of Bray Wyatt, The Miz, and John Morrisson, Braun Strowman needs a memorable feud before his first world championship reign in WWE comes to an end.

Braun Strowman is set to face Bray Wyatt at Extreme Rules: The Horror Show in a Wyatt Swamp Fight. Bray Wyatt has been teasing parts of the history shared between the two Superstars that dates back to their time together in the Wyatt Family.

It is interesting to note that Bray Wyatt used the same thing to try and manipulate Braun Strowman when he last faced the 'Monster Among Men' for the Universal Championship at Money in the Bank.

While it may not have worked back then, there's a high chance that WWE are bringing back those elements for an extended storyline. It is possible for us to see Braun Strowman explore his darker side in the coming weeks and it could all start tonight on SmackDown.

This will account for a valid reason behind the idea of him beating Bray Wyatt at the upcoming PPV only to set up a match against The Fiend.

#3 Matt Riddle set to appear on a special interview segment on SmackDown

Matt Riddle made his much-anticipated debut on SmackDown last month and immediately found himself in an altercation with AJ Styles.

This week, Matt Riddle is set to appear in a special segment during which he will be interviewed by Michael Cole. Now, for anyone who has watched WWE for a long time, you know that this is not going to go according to the plan.

It is expected that this special interview segment will be the key to setting up a title match between Riddle and AJ Styles at WWE's upcoming PPV, Extreme Rules: The Horror Show.

It is important to note that Riddle has already defeated Styles in a match on the night he made his SmackDown debut. Hence, it will be fair for him to claim a shot at Styles' title.

While the chances of AJ Styles retaining his title are higher, it is possible that WWE will have him use a low blow or some other wicked tactic to ensure the victory.

This will help them in keeping the title on Styles' shoulders while also protecting Riddle. However, even if Matt Riddle ends up losing clean against AJ Styles, it will hardly affect his overall credibility on SmackDown. Matt Riddle could also feud with Baron Corbin next on SmackDown.

#4 Sheamus to raise a toast to Jeff Hardy on SmackDown tonight?

The feud between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy has grown unexpectedly intense ever since the latter made his SmackDown debut.

From throwing piss, to reckless driving and arrests, their personal rivalry has seen it all. On tonight's episode of SmackDown, Sheamus intends to celebrate the legendary Jeff Hardy along with the other members of the roster.

Jeff Hardy and Sheamus locked horns in a Single's match at WWE's last PPV, Backlash 2020. The match saw Sheamus coming out on top as he picked a well-fought victory against Jeff Hardy.

Riding high with confidence, the Celtic Warrior has 'celebrations' planned for Jeff Hardy on SmackDown, but we all know where this will end for both the Superstars involved.

While Jeff Hardy and Sheamus have both delivered their best in the feud so far, fans can still expect them to engage in one final battle. Therefore, we could see the creative building towards a match between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy for Extreme Rules: The Horror Show.

#5 Sasha Banks and Bayley continue their domination on SmackDown

SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and her best friend, Sasha Banks, have been great as heels in the last months. Their antics have reached a whole new level ever since they won the WWE Tag Team Championships for the second time.

Honestly, it is exactly the kind of entertainment that you would expect from two Superstars as brilliant as they are -- both inside and outside the ring.

We know that WWE are planning on a feud between the two best friends, but it appears that it won't happen until the crowd is back.

Fortunately, Banks and Bayley have gained an excellent rhythm and are absolutely dominating the women's roster with their heelish intentions. Although both Superstars will square off for a title somewhere down the line, they have different challenges waiting for them at Extreme Rules: The Horror Show.

At the upcoming WWE PPV, Bayley is set to defend her SmackDown Women's Championship against Nikki Cross. Sasha Banks, on the other hand, will challenge Asuka for the RAW Women's Championship with an intention to win two belts just like her best friend and tag team partner.

In order to gain momentum in the weeks leading up to the PPV, Banks and Bayley are expected to continue their domination run on SmackDown tonight.