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Even though the NXT tapings will happen on Wednesday, for many WWE fans in Orlando, SmackDown LIVE is the final stop on Wrestlemania Weekend. It has been quite the ‘ultimate thrill ride’ over the last few days, and the action hasn’t stopped. In keeping with what has been a spectacular weekend, culminating so far, in a fabulous episode of Raw featuring appearances by Kurt Angle, Finn Balor, The Revival and Emma; SmackDown has the highest expectations to live up to.
We do believe that SmackDown can go the distance and close the weekend on a sweet note if booked in the right manner by WWE. So, without any further ado, here are five surprises we can expect on the first episode of SmackDown LIVE after WrestleMania.
#5 The main roster debut of Shinsuke Nakamura
There is probably no wrestler who's as talented, as charismatic, as gifted and as filled with swag as Shinsuke Nakamura. From the time he made his debut in NXT, people have wanted him on the main roster. Despite the language barrier, Nakamura is a babyface that fans can get behind, both as an entertaining character and as well as a professional wrestler. The best part is that it’s fairly certain that the King of Strong Style will make his debut on the first episode of SmackDown LIVE after Wrestlemania 33.
We do know that there might be a draft on Raw the following week, but as it stands Nakamura can have a variety of feuds on SmackDown. The likes of Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, The Miz, AJ Styles and Bray Wyatt could all work with the King of Strong Style in the immediate future.
#4 The return of Shelton Benjamin
We saw Kurt Angle become the Raw General Manager this week, and it only fits that Shelton Benjamin, his old ally, makes his SmackDown return. Benjamin was supposed to be a part of SmackDown LIVE immediately after the brand split, but an injury kept him out of proceedings. The 3-time IC Champion left the company in 2010.
It'll be great to see him return and possibly bolster the top and middle of the card on SmackDown LIVE. Because of his previous gimmick, Benjamin’s interaction with American Alpha will be very interesting as well. He recently confirmed his medical clearance to wrestle after a 9-month injury layoff and all we can say is, make it happen WWE!
#3 The return of Tamina Snuka
At WrestleMania in Orlando, Naomi finally had her big WrestleMania moment and reclaimed her Smackdown Women’s Championship in her hometown. This makes it the perfect platform for, her old partner, Tamina to make her big comeback and stake her claim as the woman who wants her prize. As former members of Team BAD, both of them have history, and a feud between them could spell money for the company.
Also read: The New Day talks about what went down backstage as The Undertaker down his gear in the ring
Another probable scenario could be former Smackdown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, bringing Tamina back as her sidekick, to even the odds against the babyface. With Tamina's physique and Smackdown’s booking, she could eventually become the Nia Jax of the blue brand.
#2 Erick Rowan reunites with his old master
Much like Tamina, Erick Rowan has been on the injured list for some time now. However, we have reason to believe that his return is imminent, and he could be back as soon as the SmackDown after Wrestlemania. While the Wyatt family has dissolved around him, Bray probably still controls the soul of this one member.
With Rowan in tow, Bray could chase the titles with the numbers on his side. Do not forget that he has a rematch clause after his loss to Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Also, do remember that Rowan was reportedly spotted at the performance centre months ago, fuelling speculation that he may be on his way back soon.
#1 A perfect 10 moment!
Tye Dillinger made his main roster debut at the Royal Rumble at number 10 (a play on the 'Perfect Ten’ gimmick), and the roof of the Alamodome in San Antonio exploded. We were made to believe that it was a one and done deal. Dillinger went back to NXT to feud with SAnitY and took the pinfall in an 8-man tag team match.
Now, rumours are circulating that Dillinger is on his way up and may well appear on the SmackDown LIVE brand. Dillinger is a likeable underdog, and his 'ten’ chants are almost as popular as the ‘yes' chants these days. We’d love to see the ultimate babyface make inroads into the blue brand.
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