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SmackDown is going old school this week in a throwback special. While there isn't much news about what WWE is going to do differently, we imagine that the set and presentation will be a throwback to the early days of SmackDown as well as the Ruthless Aggression Era.
WWE fans have been clamoring for the company to bring back the old stage for SmackDown featuring the giant fist. It would be the best set WWE could put out, but apart from the overall presentation, here are five big things that could happen on the Throwback episode of SmackDown:
#5. Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro has an unexpected finish on SmackDown
The old-school episode of SmackDown will feature a WrestleMania rematch between Cesaro and Seth Rollins. The two had one of the best matches of the two-night WrestleMania event, and Rollins has been behind The Swiss Superman ever since.
While they could have a great match, a more effective way to go about it would be to have a squash match where Cesaro defeats the four-time World Champion again. Since The Swiss Cyborg is naturally next in line for a Universal Championship match at WrestleMania Backlash, this is the best way to build him up as a legitimate challenger.
Cesaro has had the best run of his singles career on SmackDown this year, and squashing Rollins would only add to that. It will be interesting to see how WWE goes through with the match on SmackDown, but a Seth Rollins victory seems unlikely.
Unless there is a plan to put Rollins in the Universal Title match, it doesn't make sense. It isn't the right time either, since Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns should only cross paths once one of them has turned face again. Both men are having great heel runs, and a turn isn't needed anytime soon.
#4. Aleister Black finally makes his return to SmackDown
Aleister Black vignettes have been airing on SmackDown recently, confirming that he will be a heel. After getting drafted to SmackDown, Black has been absent, even missing out on WrestleMania 37.
Reports have suggested that Vince McMahon gave up on him after Paul Heyman was removed as RAW Executive Director. Since his return is confirmed, this would be the best place for it to happen. It's been seven months since we've seen Aleister Black in WWE, and a return is long overdue.
#3. Roman Reigns gets destroyed by Cesaro
After Cesaro is done with Seth Rollins on the Throwback episode of SmackDown, a confrontation with Roman Reigns seems inevitable. Reigns stands tall in almost every episode of the Blue brand, and while his Universal Title reign is unlikely to end anytime soon (nor should it), it's the best episode to make The Swiss Cyborg look like the biggest threat possible.
Cesaro destroying Reigns would be the perfect way to confirm the Title match for WrestleMania Backlash. This match should main event the pay-per-view as well.
#2. A Fatal-4-Way is set-up
Last week on SmackDown, Big E defeated Apollo Crews by DQ in their Intercontinental Championship match, meaning that the title didn't change hands. In the post-match beatdown, Kevin Owens came out for the save, and Sami Zayn went after his long-time rival.
It hinted at a Fatal-Four-Way match for the Intercontinental Championship, and this episode could set that up.
#1. The return of a SmackDown legend?
What would the Throwback episode of SmackDown be like without the appearance of a legend of the Blue brand. Some of the greatest names in the brand's history include Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, Batista, Edge, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, and more.
Edge or Kurt Angle seem to be the biggest chance of a legend returning, even if it's for one night only. The Rated-R Superstar would be the most ideal option for Throwback SmackDown, but given the way he was written off at WrestleMania 37, the chances might be slim.
