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And just like that, Smackdown Live changed the game.
The blue brand has been making some noise lately and while they still aren't exactly on the same level as Monday Night Raw yet, they seem to be closer than they have ever been! Not only that, Smackdown Live finally seems to be focusing on overarching narratives and adding big names to the mix, which is creating the kind of combustible elements that will make it The A Show.
Of course, that still might be a way away's but with Smackdown Live's smart booking decisions and moments that really had an impact, expect it to happen sooner or later. With that being said and yet another great edition of Smackdown behind us, here is what the company hinted at on Tuesday night.
As always let us know your thoughts in the comments below and also tell us what you believe WWE is planning to do in the coming weeks.
#4 John Cena vs R-Truth at WrestleMania 35
As crazy as John Cena versus R-Truth might sound, the added popularity to Truth's character over the past couple of months and The United States title makes the match a little more interesting. Furthermore, it might not represent a changing of the guard moment, but it would be a nice little side plot to see play out on WWE's biggest stage.
Beyond that, R-Truth is phenomenal on a microphone and watching him and John Cena go back in forth in a promo would probably be a must-see segment. In fact, it would be extremely interesting to see if Truth's new star power is big enough to keep the fans on his side against the company's biggest draw.
In the end, it's a great narrative and something WWE should play with. Maybe make it R-Truth versus his hero, John Cena at WrestleMania 35. Maybe WWE could even turn Truth heel and let him beat Cena clean at Mania. At least that way, Cena gets one-upped, R-Truth gets an interesting character change and both will get a chance to shine at Mania.
#3 Trying to make Vince McMahon look out of touch
Does Vince McMahon seem more out of touch than usual?
While some might see that question as a joke, especially with how many out of touch decisions McMahon has made over the years, it becomes a serious one when you consider what he did on Smackdown Live this week. Its almost as if WWE is trying to play off The WWE Universe's opinion of Vince McMahon and using it to their advantage.
Think about it! Why else would Vince McMahon take Kofi Kingston and Becky Lynch out of their respective title matches in less than a month? Furthermore, why is he constantly insisting that he knows what is best for business and what will be a box office draw that fans enjoy?
In the end, it really seems like WWE is planning on doing something special with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania and it could involve, at least in the storyline, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon taking over the power of the company. At least fans have a potential power grab storyline to look forward to, which could go a long way in boosting ratings.
#2 Kofi Kingston getting his match back
What a shame.
Seriously though! Vince McMahon taking Kofi Kingston out of the WWE Title picture in favour of Kevin Owens was nothing short of a travesty of justice and should in no way stand. Not only is that evident by the overwhelming response Kingston got during his promo during the opening of Smackdown Live, but also by just how shocked The WWE Universe was by the decision.
If nothing else, Kofi Kingston has a lot of momentum on his side and it seems like the company is saving that for WrestleMania 35. In fact, what WWE did Tuesday night on Smackdown Live might be the company's way of getting Kevin Owen's opportunity out of the way at Fastlane and then doing Kingston versus Bryan at WrestleMania 35.
Either way, don't expect Kofi being out of the title picture to last for very long. Its obviously not a popular decision with The WWE Universe and the company would be absolutely mad not to give him Kingston another opportunity.
#1 Is Charlotte Flair being crowned Raw Women's champion?
Remember when we talked about Vince McMahon seeming out of touch?
Nothing would make him seem more out of touch than walking to the ring Monday night on Raw and announcing Charlotte Flair as the new Raw Women's champion. It would also be the logical next step in the ongoing feud between Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey, which would be a great controversial moment leading into WrestleMania 35.
Sure, it might sound like the dumbest idea anyone could think of, but just imagine the heat the moment would get. Furthermore, imagine how hated Charlotte Flair would be in that moment! Then consider how combustible the situation would become if Rousey and Lynch both stormed the ring and you can start to see why its a good idea.
Finally, the result of all this will finally force Vince McMahon to address the issue and put Becky Lynch back in the match. If nothing else, it allows for WWE to get a pop in the ratings, creates massive heat for Charlotte Flair, helps fans get behind Rousey a bit again and certifies the match as main-event worthy at WrestleMania 35.
