5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Possible spoiler on MITB ladder match, Major twist to happen in Strowman-Wyatt feud? (May 8th, 2020)

The go-home episode of SmackDown
The go-home episode of SmackDown

Welcome to this week's edition of things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown! It was the go-home show to Money in the Bank 2020 and unfortunately, it wasn't the strongest one. SmackDown has faced its share of problems since moving to FOX, but there seems to be a lack of overall star power that's affecting the show.

Granted, the ongoing pandemic means that there's only a limited staff and roster to work with, so WWE has to make do with what they have. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn is one name who reportedly stopped appearing in TV tapings post-WrestleMania because he didn't want to - and his request was granted.

Either way, WWE's build to Money in the Bank 2020 is officially over and it looks like it's going to be a fun PPV to watch. There have been stronger MITB cards over the years, but there has never been one as unique. Let's get right into it:


#5. The main event implications

Daniel Bryan and King Corbin
Daniel Bryan and King Corbin

The main event of SmackDown featured a six-man tag team match, where King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Cesaro teamed up to face Daniel Bryan, Drew Gulak, and their 'mystery' partner Otis.

As you noticed, half of the contestants made up 50% of the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match. As is tradition, there needs to be an attempt to ascend the ladder and grab the briefcase as a promotional shot for the PPV.

Corbin picked up the win for his team after pinning Drew Gulak, but the action didn't stop there. It led to an extensive brawl where Corbin constantly tried to ascend the ladder, only to get stopped by Daniel Bryan and Otis.

He managed to clear the ring and grab the briefcase to close the show, which virtually guarantees that he won't win on Sunday. Daniel Bryan seems like the only realistic option from SmackDown, but him winning it doesn't make too much sense at this juncture. WWE may have spoiled the possibility of a SmackDown star winning.

#4. The 'final' confrontation?

An offer too sweet to refuse
An offer too sweet to refuse

Bray Wyatt disagreed with Braun Strowman when he was told that he was owed nothing. Bray Wyatt's storyline with Braun Strowman has been an interesting one, especially given their past together as a part of The Wyatt Family for nearly a year.

It was high time that the feud happened, but the timing of it all may not be for the best, as both Superstars are in desperate need of the win. While they could have a dusty finish since there's no crowd, it's a match too important to have no winner.

They had a face-to-face and Bray Wyatt offered Braun Strowman another opportunity to join him. It was a tense segment, but Strowman appeared to be completely out of Wyatt's "spell" as he refused and walked away without a scratch.

This could lead to an interesting possibility where Bray Wyatt wins and Strowman ends up joining him again for a long-term storyline. However, this would require the return of Roman Reigns since he's the only other top babyface on SmackDown. If that's the direction they go in, it would be unexpected and great.

#3. Jeff Hardy vs Sheamus is going to be a personal feud

Jeff Hardy returned on SmackDown
Jeff Hardy returned on SmackDown

After weeks of Jeff Hardy's rise and fall video packages, the legend himself returned to the ring and was interviewed by Renee Young. On a side note, we hoped that "No more words" would be his theme song again, but it seems as though WWE changed their mind and will continue to use the Hardy Boyz theme song.

As expected, Hardy called for Sheamus and The Celtic Warrior obliged, coming out and talking trash about Hardy's failed tests, arrests, releases and he said that everyone was sick of all the "second chances" that he's got.

The mark of a true good heel is when they speak the truth yet are hated for doing so. While Hardy has done a lot to overcome his demons, it's no secret that his fans have been disappointed with him many times over the years.

While Hardy stood tall at the end, it looks like it's going to be a personal feud with multiple matches for the next month or two.

#2. The Mandy Rose-Sonya Deville story is set to continue

It's not over just yet
It's not over just yet

Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose had a match that wasn't exactly a 'payoff' to their rivalry. It was the opening contest on SmackDown and it was a short one, with Deville picking up the win.

It's clear that the feud is set to continue and it's interesting how it turned from Dolph Ziggler vs Otis to Deville vs Rose. It's a better story to focus on and one that will help with the character development for both Superstars.

Many would argue that both Rose and Deville are future Champions and their road to get there begins with a rivalry against each other. While we thought that Rose would beat Deville, it appears that WWE will want to continue this storyline. Dolph Ziggler's involvement is a bit interesting since he's portrayed as still being 'merciful' towards Mandy Rose, which is the opposite of Deville.

As for Otis, it looks like he's busy getting a singles push while Tucker sits on the sidelines. Will Otis' push negatively impact him?

#1. Is it Championship time for Tamina or another missed opportunity?

Tamina has been in top form
Tamina has been in top form

Tamina has been one of the most underutilized female Superstars on the WWE roster for a while now. While she's a veteran in the ring, she has never reached the Championship level even once.

Even at WrestleMania 36, she was the first Superstar pinned and eliminated after every contestant ganged up on her for being a big threat. She entered the title picture post-WrestleMania 36 and has been having one of the best few weeks of her career - constantly featured on WWE TV, challenging for the SmackDown Women's Championship, and getting a big win by pinning the Champion Bayley.

It appears as though Tamina could still be at a disadvantage. For the last two episodes, she's had Lacey Evans' help against Bayley and Sasha Banks, but Evans will be at the WWE HQ competing in the Money in the Bank ladder match, which means there'll be no involvement from her.

Tamina pinned Bayley, which seemingly spoiled the possibility of Bayley retaining the title at Money in the Bank 2020.

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