5 Surprises for SmackDown: Big Hell in a Cell match to be changed, Former MITB winner to be added in title feud? (May 21st, 2021)

This will be the first episode of SmackDown after WrestleMania Backlash, and it should be an interesting one. Despite the Blue brand having a far superior build to pay-per-view, the matches from RAW delivered more.

That doesn't mean that RAW will have more interest than SmackDown. Since the move to FOX, the Blue brand has been the better show. A large part of that is the solid storylines, the more stacked main event scene, and surprises.

While Hell in a Cell isn't the biggest event of the WWE calendar year, it arguably holds more importance than Survivor Series - which has long been labeled as a part of the "Big 4" pay-per-views.

We expect a strong build to start on the first SmackDown on the road to Hell in a Cell 2021. Here are some surprises that we can see:

#5. A change in the main event feud on SmackDown

Based on how things have gone at WrestleMania Backlash, there seems to be an indication of two things on SmackDown. Firstly, a potential Roman Reigns vs. Jimmy Uso Hell in a Cell match, and secondly, a renewal of the rivalry between Cesaro and Seth Rollins.

The Seth Rollins-Roman Reigns confrontation at WrestleMania Backlash seemed to indicate that there is something else planned on SmackDown as well. It wasn't the first time the two had a face-to-face interaction recently, and it may not be the last.

But what if there's a twist and WWE decides to continue the Reigns-Cesaro feud on SmackDown? It would be a bit complicated, and it might require Jimmy temporarily aligning with Reigns.

It wouldn't be as straightforward as the Jimmy Uso rivalry, where he had to have the respect beaten into him. While Jimmy aligning with Roman Reigns seems to be the inevitable goal, it's a good way to fill up the time until SummerSlam.

#4. Could Carmella be added to the SmackDown Women's Title mix?

Bianca Belair had her first successful defense of the SmackDown Women's Championship as she defeated Bayley. It wasn't without a stroke of luck that she did it, and all signs seem to point towards a rematch - whether it's on an upcoming episode of SmackDown or Hell in a Cell 2021.

However, Carmella, another former SmackDown Women's Champion seems to be getting back in the hunt for the title as well.

She was a challenger on the road to WrestleMania, and with Sasha Banks out for the time being, another woman on the roster needs to step up. Carmella is the right name for that now, and she deserves a SmackDown Women's Title shot.

Despite a bunch of triple threat matches getting booked on pay-per-view in the recent months, it could be another great one. WWE hardly gets triple threat matches wrong.

#3. A character change in the SmackDown Tag Team division

History was made at WrestleMania Backlash

Rey and Dominik Mysterio are now on top of the SmackDown Tag Team Division. In the past six months, there have only been four actual teams in the mix for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships - Alpha Academy, The Street Profits, and The Dirty Dawgs - the latter who recently lost the titles at WrestleMania Backlash.

There needs to be another major team injected into the mix, but we don't see that happening anytime soon. Either way, a nice and long reign could be what the SmackDown Tag Team division and the Mysterios need.

If there aren't going to be more teams added, then a big heel or face turn is needed. Since Rey and Dominik Mysterio are the top dogs, them turning heel is out of the question.

The Street Profits, however, could turn heel in a shocking move. It would also require Alpha Academy to quietly turn face. Never a bad time for a double turn on SmackDown.

#2. Aleister Black finally returns to SmackDown

When Aleister Black was absent from SmackDown for over half a year, there were questions about whether he would end up on the chopping block. Right around the time of the WWE releases, it was revealed that the company had begun filming vignettes for Black's return to SmackDown.

Surely enough, the rumors were true, and for most weeks this past month, we've had small vignettes teasing Aleister Black's return. But that doesn't mean that he will be expected back immediately.

It isn't clear as to when WWE plans to bring him back to SmackDown, but what better time to do it than on the first episode post-pay-per-view? It could be a surprise return where he attacks a top star, particularly a babyface to announce his arrival.

It's hard to think of a name, especially since Shinsuke Nakamura seems to be in a feud with King Corbin. Either way, a return to SmackDown would be perfect, especially in a time where more top names are needed on the roster.

#1. The Fatal-Four-Way on SmackDown ends in a title change

Apollo Crews will arguably have the toughest match of his career on SmackDown as he defends the Intercontinental Championship against three previous holders of the title - Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens.

Fireworks are guaranteed on SmackDown, as WWE rarely goes wrong with Fatal-Four-Way matches. Given the level of all four competitors, a great match is to be expected. Right now, it seems hard to think of anyone more deserving of the Intercontinental Championship than Apollo Crews.

With Commander Azeez by his side, he has his insurance policy. But given the nature of Fatal-Four-Way matches, nothing is guaranteed. A big surprise on Smackdown would be a title change, with either Kevin Owens or Sami Zayn winning the Championship.

If the title is to change hands, then Zayn is arguably the best man among the three challengers to win it. With that said, it's been four years since Owens last held a title in WWE. Perhaps it's time to have his first Intercontinental Championship reign since 2015.