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Extreme Rules was an interesting showing for the blue brand. It did feel like they were given the short end of the stick by not being featured in the main event. A mid-card title closed the pay-per-view, and the WWE Championship match happened right before it. What lies next for SmackDown Live?
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The fallout episode for RAW seemed a tad disappointing. SmackDown Live has a chance to set things right with a solid showing of their own. What surprises can we expect on the forthcoming episode?
In this article, I will look at a few interesting scenarios. Let me know if you have some suggestions that you would like to chime in with yourself.
This is merely a speculative article so I encourage you to not hold back at all!
#5 Dean Ambrose returns to SmackDown Live
Everyone expects Dean Ambrose to return to RAW and align himself with The Shield. Some even expect him to return as a heel and turn on either Reigns or Rollins, going forward. What if Ambrose doesn't go down either route? What if he returns to SmackDown Live to add some much needed firepower to the show?
The fact of the matter is that AJ Styles needs a brand new opponent for SummerSlam and there are few performers in the roster who genuinely fit the bill. Having Ambrose return as a heel will be an interesting reboot for his character and may also inject some fan interest in AJ Styles too. His programs haven't really been setting the world on fire, these days.
All eyes are on SmackDown Live because of the FOX deal, and to be honest, they lack genuine, high profile superstars. Ambrose is just what the brand needs, and therefore, let's hope he shocks the world by returning from injury when people least except it.
#4 Samoa Joe attacks AJ Styles
AJ Styles has been a fighting champion on SmackDown Live. He has reigned supreme for a long time now, and there have been very few real 'threats' that he has faced. Samoa Joe could definitely be the most difficult challenger in his way. This is because Samoa Joe does not really play by the rules.
Joe attacked Tye Dillinger last week before their match and SmackDown Live had to call it off! Speaking of backstage attacks, one Dean Ambrose also felt the brunt of Samoa Joe's nefarious tactics when he was attacked backstage. I would not be surprised at all if WWE decides to book AJ Styles' next feud in pretty much the same way!
Joe vs. Styles would be a pretty interesting match for SummerSlam. It would probably not main event the show, but then again, Styles is used to that.
#3 Rusev turns on Aiden English
The plot has actually been laid out quite masterfully by WWE creative. Aiden English untied a turnbuckle pad to help Rusev out at Extreme Rules. Only AJ Styles took advantage of the opportunity and scored a win! The exposed turnbuckle actually cost Rusev the match.
I have a big feeling that this was to set the stage for Rusev to turn on Aiden English. Could the two men have an exciting program against one another? Only time will tell. I am intrigued by the possibilities.
#2 Singles push for Cesaro
The tag team division on SmackDown Live is stacked as of right now. So much so, that teams like The Club don't even get TV time on a regular basis. The same punishment has been meted out to The Bar as well. Fortunately, the tag team comprises two very gifted WWE superstars.
Could Cesaro, in particular, be given a singles run? Could he work against a gifted young talent like Andrade 'Cien' Almas? Imagine the kind of matches both men could have!
Sheamus too could be given a run with the ball. After all, he does have an impressive singles record!
#1 Daniel Bryan teams up with his worst enemy?
Kane is out with a legitimate injury right now. Daniel Bryan succumbed to the combined might of the Bludgeon Brothers at Extreme Rules. He could want to get back in the Tag Team title picture again. And he may not have anyone to team up with, except for The Miz!
This oddball pairing could be quite interesting. It could even lead to a match down the line. Maybe the technical prowess of Daniel Bryan and the sharp mind of The Miz can work wonders together.
So there you have it! These are my predictions for SmackDown Live this week.
How many of these do you see happening?
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