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With a huge return of Goldberg, Smackdown was bound to be a great show this week. Not only the Universal Championship match got confirmed for Super ShowDown but also the number one contender for SmackDown Women's Championship was decided through a Fatal 4-Way Match in the main event.
Bringing back The Dirty Sheet, The Miz and John Morrison delivered an entertaining segment to open the show this week. The Usos beat Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode in the first match of the night. Elias was victorious against Sami Zayn, while Daniel Bryan squashed Heath Slater.
Appearing through satellite, Goldberg challenged The Fiend for the Universal Championship. On the other hand, Roman Reigns confirmed a Steel Cage match with King Corbin at Super ShowDown. Carmella won the main event of the night, earning a title shot against Bayley.
In this article, we take a look at five hints WWE dropped on the Blue brand this week.
#5 Chad Gable and Sheamus will continue the feud till Super ShowDown
Sheamus has been untouchable since returning to the squared circle a couple of months ago. Upon his come back, the Celtic Warrior set his eyes on Chad Gable, who was running high after building momentum as the runner-up of King of the Ring tournament last year. Even after colliding twice, WWE hinted on SmackDown that the feud will continue, possibly till Super ShowDown.
Sheamus made his presence felt on SmackDown this week, where he faced Apollo Crews. It didn't take long for Sheamus to connect the Brogue Kick and pin Crews. However, Sheamus continued to assault Crews after the match, and Gable came out to the rescue, but the latter was also taken down by a vicious Brogue Kick.
Sheamus had already defeated Chad Gable at Royal Rumble in a single match. The result didn't alter in a rematch on SmackDown last week and hence, Sheamus might prevail again if they wrestle with each other at Super ShowDown.
#4 Daniel Bryan will have some quick matches to rebuild momentum
Daniel Bryan went through a tumultuous journey, facing The Fiend for the Universal Championship twice. First, the Leader of the Yes Movement faced The Fiend at Survivor Series and then, he squared off with The Fiend again in Strap Match at Royal Rumble. Losing both encounters despite valiant efforts, Bryan needs time to get back on track again.
After skipping SmackDown last week, Bryan was present on the Blue brand this week. While he was still getting over from the defeats against The Fiend, he was confronted by Heath Slater in the backstage area. Although Slater was trying console Bryan, the latter didn't take it well and challenged him for a match.
Bryan took little time to dismantle Slater in the ring, which was certainly expected from the former WWE Champion. As the rivalry between Bryan and The Fiend is done and dusted, the former needs time to rejuvenate himself and rebuild momentum. Hence, Bryan could face some lower mid-card Superstars in the next few weeks before starting a major rivalry, possibly for the Showcase of Immortals.
#3 Elias could team up with Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman was ecstatic after winning his first singles title on SmackDown last week. The Monster Among Men dethroned Shinsuke Nakamura, ending a lengthy title reign of 201 days. When Strowman showed up on the Blue brand this week, he was confronted by Nakamura and Sami Zayn.
Although a rematch didn't happen this week, Strowman was outnumbered once again, as he was assaulted by not just Nakamura and Sami Zayn but also The Revival. Surprisingly, Cesaro wasn't present during the segment, but he already had a match against Elias earlier last night.
Strowman needs to find a partner, and the storyline hints that Elias could be the one to join hands with the current Intercontinental Champion. With Elias as a partner, they might not outnumber Nakamura and his allies, but Strowman is capable of taking on multiple men on his own. Elias could help Strowman to prevent interference from Sami Zayn and Cesaro in a rematch, considering the heels could go to any extent to recapture the belt.
#2 The Steel Cage match between Roman Reigns and Baron Corbin will be fair and square
After getting embarrassed by Roman Reigns last week, Baron Corbin was furious and called out the Big Dog. Reigns was quick to answer, ambushing King Corbin and confirming the continuation of this feud. Subsequently, Reigns was announced to face Corbin in a Steel Cage match, and it will take place at Super ShowDown.
Even though The Usos, The Revival, and Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode were involved in this feud, they weren't involved this week, hinting Reigns and Corbin might have a one-on-one bout without any outside interference. The Usos fought Ziggler and Roode in the opening match of the night. The Revival, on the other hand, assaulted Strowman after teaming up with Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn.
The involvement of other men certainly diminished the quality of matches between Reigns and Corbin in the past. Nevertheless, it shouldn't happen in a Steel Cage match because both competitors will be locked in the ring. Moreover, the build-up of the match should be one-on-one in the next few weeks.
#1 Goldberg will pass the torch to The Fiend at Super ShowDown
Goldberg was advertised for SmackDown this week, raising expectations of the fans for a match at Super ShowDown. However, the WCW legend wasn't present in the arena, as he appeared through satellite to do an interview. When he was asked about his next move, Goldberg challenged for the Universal Championship, for which he had never received a rematch after dropping it to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33.
Bray Wyatt, the Universal Champion, also accepted the challenge from Goldberg, and the fans are set to witness a blockbuster match in Saudi Arabia this month. It should be a spectacular match, considering the indomitable force from the past will take on the indomitable force of the present.
Goldberg might be the biggest threat for The Fiend to date, but the latter is unlikely to lose the title a couple of months before WrestleMania 36. Moreover, Goldberg is a part-timer, who wrestles occasionally, and he shouldn't carry the most coveted prize of the Blue Brand around his waist.
Being in the twilight of his career, Goldberg has nothing to lose nor a defeat against The Fiend will hurt his legacy. Hence, it is feasible for Goldberg to pass the torch to The Fiend at Super ShowDown, making the latter more invincible.
Teddy Long snaps when Swerve Strickland's race is brought up HERE
