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With a fantastic episode of RAW after Royal Rumble, it was time for SmackDown to produce a good show as well. Even though some big names were missing from the show, the Blue Brand delivered a great show with an interesting main event.
A new Intercontinental Champion was crowned, as Braun Strowman won the belt from Shinsuke Nakamura, ending a lengthy title reign of The Artist. On the other hand, The Miz and John Morrison became the number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Sheamus picked up another victory in a rematch from Royal Rumble, while Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss defeated Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
In this article, we take a look at five hints WWE dropped on SmackDown this week.
As always, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to tell us what you think WWE has planned next for the road to WrestleMania:
#5 Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross might receive a title shot
The women's tag-team division of WWE is yet to reach its full potential, and the division certainly needs more tag teams to become competitive. The scenario is the same, both on SmackDown as well as on RAW.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, the former Women's Tag Team Champions, faced Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville in a tag team match. It was a decent match and the team of Bliss and Cross stood tall with a victory. However, a major hint was dropped during the match.
The commentary team of SmackDown mentioned that the winners could receive a tag team title shot against The Kabuki Warriors. Although Asuka and Kairi Sane are part of RAW, the twin belts can be defended in any brand. Moreover, The Kabuki Warriors don't have any feud at the moment and hence, Bliss and Cross could be next in the line.
#4 SmackDown Men's Tag Team Titles will change hands at Super ShowDown
SmackDown tag team division has got a huge boost with the arrival of John Morrison and his reunion with The Miz. The former two-time Tag Team Champions have been on a roll since the reunion, and they are set to challenge the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, earning a title shot on the Blue Brand this week.
A Fatal 4-Way tag team match took place in SmackDown. The team of John Morrison and The Miz, Heavy Machinery, Lucha House Party, and The Revival competed to get a title shot against The New Day. It was an incredible match, but The Miz and Morrison prevailed and earned the right to face The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
The first match for Super ShowDown, was confirmed on SmackDown this week. Given the momentum of The Miz and John Morrison, they have a bright chance of dethroning The New Day. Morrison has already defeated both members of The New Day in two separate singles matches upon his return.
#3 Shorty G is unlikely to get push anymore
A Royal Rumble rematch took place on the Blue Brand this week when Sheamus faced Shorty G in a singles match. While the Celtic Warrior made a winning start upon his return to the ring at Royal Rumble, the result didn't alter on the other SmackDown either. Sheamus beat Shorty G for the second time this week.
When Shorty G moved from 205 Live to SmackDown a couple of months ago, he received a noteworthy push. Defeating some big names of the Blue Brand, he had reached the finals of King of Ring tournament, where he failed to cross the final hurdle.
After building momentum, Shorty G was expected to do well. However, he hasn't been booked as a top guy in recent weeks. As he suffered two consecutive losses against Sheamus, WWE hinted that they don't have a major plan for Shorty G anymore. Sheamus, on the other hand, could reach the top of the ladder once again if he continues his impressive run on the Blue Brand.
#2 Lacey Evans might need to wait to receive a rematch
Bayley retained the SmackDown Women's Championship at Royal Rumble, earning a win against Lacey Evans. The champion made her presence felt on SmackDown this week and bragged about embarrassing Evans in front of her daughter at Royal Rumble.
Delivering an outstanding promo on SmackDown, Bayley proved again why she is one of the best heels of the women's division. Bayley's next opponent was hinted on SmackDown this week when Naomi interrupted her.
The two-time SmackDown Women's Champion made a return at Royal Rumble earlier this week. After confronting Bayley, Naomi wanted a title shot for the blue belt, and she also stood tall after the segment.
The feud between Lacey Evans and Bayley is unlikely to end after Royal Rumble, considering they faced each other only once. Naomi might be next in line to face Bayley, but WWE might save the rematch for Lacey Evans for the future. Given Evans was also absent from SmackDown this week, she could also stay away from TV for a while until she gets another title shot.
#1 Roman Reigns could move to the main event scene after his feud with Baron Corbin
Roman Reigns already took revenge against Baron Corbin at Royal Rumble, where the latter was defeated in a Falls Count Anywhere match. The Big Dog was pinned twice before Royal Rumble, and it was the first loss for King Corbin in this feud. The two men crossed paths again in a tag team match, possibly for the final time to end the lengthy feud.
Roman Reigns and The Usos wrestled Robert Roode, Dolph Ziggler, and Baron Corbin in a Six-Man Tag Team match. We saw a similar match in the past, but the interesting thing about the match was the involvement of dog food again. As Corbin and his team lost the bout, he took a bath with dog food, similar to how Reigns was humiliated by Corbin a few weeks ago.
If Reigns is done with Corbin, the question remains who is next for the Big Dog. With WrestleMania around the corner and Royal Rumble winner Drew McIntyre challenging Brock Lesnar, Reigns might set his eyes on the Universal Championship, which he was forced to relinquish. The Fiend skipped SmackDown this week, but the answer could be given next week.
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