WWE SmackDown Preview: Big title match on the card, Sasha Banks and Bayley to revisit old rivals (July 10th, 2020) 

We are all set for tonight's episode of SmackDown which is set to host a title match along with a few other important encounters that have been scheduled for the night. As we move closer to WWE's upcoming PPV, The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, there are a few ongoing feuds that need a significant boost.

As of this writing, WWE have confirmed two huge matches for the night. First, The New Day will have to defend their SmackDown Tag Team Titles, and second, Bayley and Sasha Banks will look to reignite their tag team rivalry against their old rivals. Additionally, Jeff Hardy is scheduled to appear on Miz TV tonight where he will discuss his ongoing rivalry with Sheamus.

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

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#5 The New Day await SmackDown Tag Team Championship challenge from Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro

The SmackDown Tag Team Championship hasn't been quite active in the last few weeks. This is mostly because WWE wants to limit the number of people present inside the ring to avoid any sort of COVID-19-related danger.

However, with Extreme Rules just a little over a week away, it is now time for the SmackDown Tag Team Champions to get involved in a feud and find a spot for themselves on the PPV match card.

But before that, The New Day are set to defend their SmackDown Tag Team Championships this week. As confirmed by WWE, we will see Kofi Kingston and Big E square off against the team of Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro with their tag team titles on the line. This match was confirmed after Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Kofi Kingston in their Single's match last week.

However, there's more to this feud. Both Nakamura and Cesaro have used every opportunity at hand to attack the 8-time Tag Team Champions. The New Day have good title challengers in Nakamura and Cesaro and the reigning Champions will look to successfully defend their gold on tonight's episode of SmackDown.

Given the fact that The New Day will put their titles on the line this week, it remains to be seen if they will find themselves defending their Championships again at Extreme Rules. However, WWE know that Big E and Kofi Kingston can deliver a classic almost every time they step inside the ring. And it will be interesting to see how the creative will book them ahead of the upcoming WWE PPV.

#4 Sasha Banks and Bayley look to extend their rivalry with Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross on SmackDown

The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Sasha Banks and Bayley, have been having a great run ever since they won the titles for the second time. The last few weeks have seen the 'best friends' defending their titles across all the three WWE brands - RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.

On tonight's episode of SmackDown, Sasha Banks and Bayley are set to square off against Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss. However, their Women's Tag Team Titles will not be on the line for this match. Both teams share a storied history, and it is important to note that Sasha Banks and Bayley defeated Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross to become the Women's Tag Team Champions again.

The two teams were involved in an altercation last week. Their match today will be helpful for the momentum of SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley as well as Nikki Cross, who will challenge the former for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Extreme Rules 2020. The only thing that Nikki Cross needs to do is to keep her emotions in check for their match tonight.

#3 Jeff Hardy set to appear on Miz TV on SmackDown tonight

Ever since his return to WWE, Jeff Hardy has been involved in a feud with Sheamus. During this rivalry, we have has seen some really bizarre and controversial segments on the Blue brand involving both the veteran Superstars. On this week's episode of SmackDown, Jeff Hardy is set to appear as a special guest on Miz TV to discuss his feud with Sheamus.

Last week, Sheamus arranged a 'Toast' for Jeff Hardy but the latter wasn't even mildly pleased, for obvious reasons. He is expected to get into an altercation with Sheamus tonight following the Miz TV segment. This could set up a match between the two Superstars for WWE's upcoming PPV, Extreme Rules.

Recent backstage rumors have suggested that WWE are trying to bury Jeff Hardy on his way out of the company. The reports claim that WWE can't convince Jeff Hardy to extend his contract and therefore, they aren't looking to book important victories for the legend in the coming weeks.

#2 Revisiting Braun Strowman vs Bray Wyatt from Money in the Bank 2020 on SmackDown this week

On their official website, WWE confirmed that this week's episode of SmackDown will revisit the Money in the Bank 2020 match between WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt. In this match, the latter didn't bring his 'Fiend' gimmick to the ring and ended up losing against the 'Monster Among Men'.

It is important to note that this match saw Bray Wyatt bringing up the history that him and Braun Strowman share, which dates back to their days in the Wyatt Family. Their current feud has referred to their good old days a decent number of times already, and it seems as though WWE are relying on the duo's past to build up their Championship feud on SmackDown.

If reports are to be believed, WWE have planned a trilogy of encounters between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt. Strowman won their match at Money in the Bank and Bray Wyatt is expected to win their match at Extreme Rules.

Finally, the two SmackDown Superstars are expected to lock horns in a title match at SummerSlam 2020 that could see the WWE Universal Championship changing hands.

#1 What's next for Matt Riddle on SmackDown?

WWE Superstar Matt Riddle has been great ever since he made his debut on SmackDown. Backstage reports have suggested that even Vince McMahon liked Riddle's promo last week and the 'King of Bros' is expected to have a dominant run on the Blue brand. Not to forget, his match against John Morrison last week on SmackDown was highly praised by fans and critics of the pro-wrestling business.

Currently, WWE are building up for a feud between Matt Riddle and Baron Corbin and both the Superstars are expected to be involved in a segment in the episodes leading up to Extreme Rules. It is quite possible for the creative to book a match between King Corbin and Riddle for the upcoming PPV as it will hugely benefit the relatively new Superstar on SmackDown.

Prior to Matt Riddle's SmackDown debut, there were allegations made against him as a part of the #SpeakingOut movement. This led to several fans speculating about his future in WWE. However, Riddle contradicted the reports of alleged misconduct and even posted a statement about his innocence on his social media accounts.