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From Edge's in-ring return for the Blue brand to a volatile backstage brawl, this week's edition of WWE SmackDown featured many contrasting moments.
Except for a few grievances, the go-home episode of SmackDown before Fastlane was indeed an enjoyable show. While Roman Reigns' Universal Championship scenario is the Blue brand's biggest offering, other feuds and storylines have significantly stepped up in recent memory.
Are you excited for WWE Fastlane? Which show was better this week, RAW or SmackDown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here are the five biggest news stories from this week's episode of WWE SmackDown (March 19, 2021).
#5 Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn could be a major showdown at WWE WrestleMania 37
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have crossed paths numerous times throughout their professional wrestling careers. During this week's WWE SmackDown, Zayn tried to sell his frenemy on his conspiracy angle.
However, Owens put forward his own theory, which is that Zayn is trying to twist the narrative to cover up for his own inadequacies in the ring. Zayn invited Owens to witness his match against King Corbin. The Conspiracy Theorist wanted Owens to look out if anyone tried to plot against him during the match.
While no one plotted anything against Zayn, he engaged in some shenanigans but was eventually defeated by Corbin as a consequence of his own actions.
After the bout, Owens did not feel that the odds were stacked against Zayn in any way. Soon, the latter became incensed and attacked Owens from behind with a brutal Helluva Kick.
Clearly, this is leading up to yet another Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn showdown. It seems unlikely that they will immediately face-off at Fastlane, meaning the two stars could have their eventual match at WWE WrestleMania 37.
Since both men have proven in-ring chemistry with each other, the action promises to be excellent. Can Zayn overcome his longtime counterpart in the ring, or will this feud be another addition to his losing streak in WWE?
#4 Seth Rollins received his WWE Fastlane match through a confrontation on SmackDown
Seth Rollins cut a promo regarding his beef with Cesaro during this week's WWE SmackDown.
Oftentimes, Rollins' promos tend to become repetitive, and his most recent segment was no exception. Whether The Messiah's promos are repetitive on purpose or not, it significantly lowers the must-see aspect of his WWE routine.
As Rollins recapped the recent developments between himself and Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura decided that he had heard enough.
The King of Strong Style interrupted Rollins' promo and shut him down. The two had a physical confrontation in the ring, at the end of which Nakamura emerged as the more dominant star.
As a result, Nakamura will defend his former tag team partner's (Cesaro) honor at WWE Fastlane, where he is scheduled to take on Rollins in a singles match.
Even though Shinsuke Nakamura and Seth Rollins will most likely have a good match at the upcoming pay-per-view, the former's chances of winning don't seem good.
From a booking standpoint, Nakamura could play the role of a stepping stone in Rollins and Cesaro's feud, which doesn't sound too promising for The King of Strong Style's diehard fans.
#3 Apollo Crews and Big E's backstage interview turned into a wild brawl on WWE SmackDown
During this week's WWE SmackDown, Big E and Apollo Crews took part in an interview from two different backstage locations.
The WWE Intercontinental Champion made it clear that there was no room for reconciliation between him and Crews anymore. Meanwhile, Crews demanded respect and touched further upon his Nigerian heritage. Clearly, there won't be any kumbaya between these two men anytime soon.
At one point, Big E had enough and did not wait until their match at WWE Fastlane. He hopped on a golf cart to search for the Nigerian star. Crews also searched for his rival, and both of them eventually got involved in a wild brawl.
While Crews and Big E were being separated, the former grabbed the opportunity to flee the scene on the golf cart. The entire sequence was shot perfectly, which added a gritty and cinematic tone to their last confrontation before Fastlane.
Their upcoming match should capture the same intensity as well. Who do you think will walk out of WWE Fastlane as the Intercontinental Champion?
#2 It was a bad night for the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions before Fastlane
While Reginald went off to relax somewhere this week, WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler wrestled their Fastlane opponents in two separate singles matches.
WWE SmackDown kicked-off with Jax getting a title shot against Sasha Banks.
Before the match, it seemed like Banks wasn't on the same page as Bianca Belair. However, as the match progressed further, Jax and Baszler turned out to be the duo that wasn't on the same page. Due to some miscommunication, Baszler accidentally kicked her partner and cost her the SmackDown Women's title match against Banks.
To make up for her mistake, Baszler promised to brutalize Belair in their own singles match.
But during Baszler vs. Belair, Jax walked away and left her partner alone in the ring, adding more conflict to their partnership. The match itself ended in a no-contest when Tamina and Natalya interfered and dominated everyone in the ring.
So here are three major takeaways from this entire plot thread that took place during this week's WWE SmackDown:
- Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair are on good terms before Fastlane.
- Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are not on good terms before Fastlane.
- Natalya and Tamina want a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair are scheduled to wrestle each other at WrestleMania, so there is a good chance that they won't be on the same page once again.
Additionally, this dissension between Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler could cost them their titles at Fastlane. If that happens, will they have a reason to stay as tag team partners anymore?
With so many overcomplications at hand, when will WWE solely focus on the WrestleMania clash between Banks and Belair?
#1 Edge earned a major role at Fastlane through his first WWE SmackDown match in 10 years
The main event of WWE SmackDown featured Edge and Jey Uso's clash to determine the special ringside enforcer for the Universal Championship match at Fastlane.
As for the upcoming Universal title match between Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, the two stars cut promos against each other earlier in the night. Reigns thought that Bryan was out of his mind to think that the Yes Movement's leader could realistically tap out The Tribal Chief. However, Bryan vowed to break down Reigns' inflated ego at Fastlane. Unfortunately, Bryan would later regret his words at the end of this episode.
During the main event, Edge fought Uso in a decent match. But the stakes involved made it an engaging bout. As expected, The Rated-R Superstar was able to win the match and become the special ringside enforcer for Reigns and Bryan's clash this Sunday.
However, Edge's post-match celebration was short-lived as Reigns immediately attacked him with a Spear. When Bryan was baited into entering the ring, Uso blindsided the babyface to set him up for a Spear from The Tribal Chief.
Things went according to plan for Roman Reigns on SmackDown. But will he be able to recreate the same outcome at WWE Fastlane? Also, could Edge influence the outcome of Reigns vs. Bryan to benefit himself on the Road to WrestleMania 37?
Do catch Rick Ucchino and Sid Pullar III (SP3) on 'Smack Talk' in the video linked above, as they share their thoughts on all that went down during last night's WWE SmackDown.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
