5 Talking Points from this week's WWE SmackDown (5th February 2021): Edge shows up, Kevin Owens lays out Roman Reigns 

#4 Big E retains his IC title after defeating Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match on WWE SmackDown

STEP UP AND GET SOME! #SmackDown #ICTitle @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/zs1EnnfVy8

— WWE (@WWE) February 6, 2021

In what was easily the best match of this week's WWE SmackDown, Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match to retain his title. The bout was also arguably the best Big E has had since becoming the champion.

With Crews eating the pinfall, it seems he's out of the title picture for good. Also, his partnership with Universal Champion Roman Reigns seemingly went nowhere, and he's back to square one. As for Zayn, the WWE creative can still book another singles bout for him against Big E, though it's clear that the former New Day member is going to be the champion at least until WrestleMania 37.

😮😮😮#SmackDown #ICTitle @WWEBigE @WWEApollo @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/S0fwStqp6s

— WWE (@WWE) February 6, 2021

There are several Superstars on WWE SmackDown who can contend for the IC title. Among them, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro seem like the best options as they have enough momentum behind them to warrant a title match.

While Kevin Owens would be busy tangling with Reigns for some more time now, by the time WrestleMania 37 approaches, he could thrust into the IC title picture as well. A ladder match at Mania for the title seems like the best chance to include several Superstars from WWE SmackDown while also presenting the best opportunity to take the title off Big E without damaging his character.