5 Surprises that could happen on the SmackDown Live before WWE Elimination Chamber 2019

Not long ago, we learned that SmackDown Live had scored the lowest ratings in the history of the brand this past week. This is a shame because of how loaded the roster is. What this means is that WWE has not been able to utilize the talent in a manner that gets fans invested. How do they get the viewership to soar again?

A surprise or two could certainly help in this regard. In this article, I will suggest a few of them for your reading pleasure. Let me know if you agree or disagree with the following list.

Most agree that SmackDown Live is the superior show over the red brand. And yet, the ratings somehow do not reflect this at all.

Why do you think this is the reason, readers?

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#5 Shane McMahon and The Miz start having tensions

This is the only way to make the alliance interesting

Do I want Shane McMahon and The Miz to split up already? The answer is no. Why do I want them to tease internal tensions then, in that case?

Teams like their Elimination Chamber opponents, The Usos, can tell fantastic stories in the ring because they're that good. Shane McMahon and The Miz are rooted a lot more in the sports entertainment aspect of the business and while they are still hot for the time being, I feel like they're a one trick pony.

Most experts are speculating that we're in for a clash between Shane McMahon and The Miz for WrestleMania 35, and this tension can also help in that regard. The Usos can regain the Championships and actual teams like SAnitY and even The New Day can get screen time once again. The actual split can happen on the night after Elimination Chamber.

#4 Nakamura and Rusev attack Shane McMahon and The Miz

There has to be a reason why these two came together

I still do not agree with the decision to turn Rusev heel. But if he's going to be a heel and team up with Nakamura, then I think it makes sense for the team to go straight for the gold. It would make sense for the two to interrupt the proceedings during Miz TV, this week.

Now, The Usos potentially taking on. Shane McMahon & The Miz would pit two strong babyface teams against one another. By having Rusev and Nakamura enter the fray, you can have the two add a whole new dimension to the match. Moreover, you do not need to have one of the babyface teams turn heel for the big match.

It would also take them out of the United States title mix. And that does need a reboot.

#3 Almas and Mysterio enter the US Title picture

Both of these men have proved how good they can be in the ring

On the previous page, I suggested removing Nakamura and Rusev from the US Title picture. Neither man could really elevate the prestige of the Championship even when they were feuding for it.

But at the same time, two other individuals were setting the ring on fire with extraordinary matches. Matches that were worthy of being 'Match of the Year' contenders, and they weren't even on pay-per-view.

I think that R-Truth needs to challenge Rey Mysterio and Andrade 'Cien' Almas to a triple threat match at Elimination Chamber 2019. Just by virtue of having the other two performers, this match would happen on the main card and not the Kickoff.

In my mind, Almas should become the United States Champion next. It would do wonders for his character and propel him to the next level.

#2 Lacey Evans challenges Asuka at Elimination Chamber

It may be time to kick things into high gear with the NXT call-ups

It does seem like every worthy contender for Asuka's Championship is in the Elimination Chamber match to determine the Women's Tag Team Champions. And much like we feared, the SmackDown Women's Championship is growing irrelevant now that Becky Lynch no longer holds it. Asuka needs a challenger for Elimination Chamber pronto.

Enter Lacey Evans. The 'Lady of NXT' can wrestle and even if she goes on to lose the title match at Elimination Chamber, it would still be a step up for her. Moreover, it would really add firepower to the SmackDown brand to have Evans as one of the contenders.

Evans has a very Charlotte Flair like look and it will be interesting to see the two women clash, maybe at Fastlane. Most importantly, this addition will stop the SmackDown Women's title from becoming irrelevant.

#1 Erick Rowan takes out Ali, replaced by Luke Harper

Luke Harper could change up the dynamics of the match entirely

This is not a knock on Mustafa Ali. But the fact of the matter is when you look at the contestants in the Elimination Chamber match, Ali sticks out like a sore thumb really. This is because everyone else is already an established superstar. Ali has been a 205 Live contestant until recently, a show that few members of the WWE Universe watch.

It may make sense for Rowan to take him out during the course of this week's show, to give Bryan the advantage. And then we're one man down for Elimination Chamber. Triple H comes in and announces the return of Luke Harper.

We know that Luke Harper has been training for a big return to action. Maybe Harper even wins the gauntlet match this week.

It also gives Ali a readymade feud after Elimination Chamber.