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SmackDown was a decent show this week with a couple of good matches. While the show had a title match, it also had a special appearance from Hulk Hogan. However, SmackDown didn't have great segments throughout the show, as there was a lot of room for improvement.
Bayley, the SmackDown Women's Champion, retained the title against Carmella. Sheamus continued his impressive run, destroying both Chad Gable and Apollo Crews in a Handicap match. Similar to Goldberg last week, Hulk Hogan made his presence felt via satellite, but was interrupted by Bray Wyatt. The long-awaited Valentine's Day date between Otis and Mandy Rose ended in a disappointing way, as Dolph Ziggler spoiled the party. Roman Reigns teamed up with Daniel Bryan in a tag team match to defeat The Miz and John Morrison in the main event of the night.
Let's take a look at four things WWE hinted on SmackDown this week.
#4 Sheamus will receive a big push
Sheamus has been at his best since returning from injury and displayed similar domination this week as well, earning an emphatic victory in a Handicap match against Apollo Crews and Chad Gable.
Sheamus has been booked as an invincible force, similar to the run in the early part of his career. A rejuvenated and refocused Sheamus is certainly a treat to watch, considering how he has been dismantling his opponents. After earning comfortable victories in the past few weeks, he has the momentum, and he might be set for a big push.
Once Sheamus finishes his rivalry with Chad Gable, he might move to a bigger picture, so the fans could take notice. Given Sheamus is a heel, he could be put into feuds with Braun Strowman for the Intercontinental title, Roman Reigns or even Daniel Bryan.
#3 Naomi will be the one to face Bayley at Super ShowDown
Winning a Fatal Four-Way match a couple of weeks ago, Carmella earned a title shot for the SmackDown Women's title. A huge championship match took place on SmackDown this week when Carmella faced Bayley for the championship. It was a good match, but Carmella failed to get her hands on the gold despite a good showing.
Being a heel, Bayley showed her persona after winning the match. The champion assaulted the Princess of Staten Island, but Naomi came out to rescue the latter, hinting a possible match with Bayley. As the SmackDown Women's Championship will be on the line at Super ShowDown, a #1 contenders match has been announced for next week with Naomi going one-on-one with Carmella.
Carmella has already received her title shot and hence, she is unlikely to receive another one. When Carmella and Naomi will cross paths next week, the latter should stand tall to punch a ticket for Super ShowDown.
#2 Dolph Ziggler and Otis will have a feud over Mandy Rose
Fans were eagerly waiting for the Valentine's Day episode of SmackDown because Otis and Mandy Rose were set to go on a date. However, the date didn't go the way Otis had expected.
Surprisingly, Otis was late for the date, as Mandy Rose was already waiting for him at the table. Since Otis didn't make it in time, Dolph Ziggler took advantage of the situation. When Otis finally arrived, he was heartbroken to see Ziggler at the table, and left the place after throwing away the flowers he had brought for Mandy.
Given the segment on SmackDown this week, it was hinted that things will not go well between Otis and Dolph Ziggler. The storyline has already grabbed the attention of the WWE Universe, and Otis has been highly entertaining with his character.
#1 Hulk Hogan could get attacked by The Fiend somewhere down the line
Hulk Hogan made a special appearance on SmackDown this week, but he wasn't in the arena. Michael Cole interviewed Hogan via satellite, asking him about the Universal Championship match between 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt and Goldberg at Super ShowDown. While Hogan was talking about the threat Goldberg could possess for The Fiend, he was interrupted by the Universal Champion himself.
Bray Wyatt delivered another incredible episode of Firefly Fun House, mocking Hulk Hogan and NWO. Moreover, he showed confidence in The Fiend to overcome a colossal threat like Goldberg. However, a big hint was dropped at the end of the segment, when Hogan mentioned that he would see Wyatt in Tampa. Bray Wyatt also warned Hogan with a picture of the latter.
As Tampa will host WrestleMania this year, it remains to be seen if Hogan has a big plan for the Grandest Stage of Them All. Even though Hogan is not in the best shape of his life, he could still produce an exciting segment with The Fiend. Knowing The Fiend's history of attacking legends, he could certainly do it somewhere down the line, possibly at WrestleMania 36.
