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  • 5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown this week- Former Champion gets a renewed push, Next big feud revealed

5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown this week- Former Champion gets a renewed push, Next big feud revealed

By Riju Dasgupta
Modified Dec 21, 2019 09:30 IST
This week's episode of SmackDown was full of hidden secrets
This week's episode of SmackDown was full of hidden secrets

SmackDown came to us this week from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It was an okay show with a lot of fun moments, and those who read between the lines already picked out a lot of the things I'm going to point out in this article.

But in case you did not, be sure to read on because I have you covered with 5 things WWE subtly told us! In case you're wondering, I'm filling in for Rohit Nath, who's on vacation this week and I'm glad that I am because this is certainly a fun article to write.

Be sure to rate every match in this section, reader. Also, leave a comment in the section below if you can and let's get a conversation going about this week's show.

Did you think it was a dud or were you a fan?

#5 Carmella to get a big push

I have no doubt that when Bayley and Lacey Evans eventually clash, Bayley will retain the Championship. And this is because Bayley's reign as a heel Champion has just begun and Evans isn't ready to be the face of the division just yet, in my opinion. This is why a host of babyface challengers have to be lined up for her.

Carmella is perfect in this regard because she's already incredibly popular after her stint with R-Truth and because she too can take a loss if Bayley is to remain the Champion until WrestleMania. Someone like Alexa Bliss or even Sasha Banks as a babyface could eventually dethrone Bayley from her perch at the 'Show of Shows'.

This is precisely why Carmella was chosen to pick up a clean victory over Sonya Deville this week in what was a very short match indeed.

#4 Braun Strowman has been chosen to elevate the Intercontinental Championship

Shinsuke Nakamura may be an existing Champion at this point in time, but the unfortunate reality of the situation is that the Intercontinental Championship isn't nearly in the limelight as much as it should be. The only interesting thing to happen with regard to the title is the recent revamp that happened with regard to the title's sleek new look.

By adding Braun Strowman to the title picture, the title picture is certainly being elevated. Braun Strowman may not have won any major singles titles in WWE yet, but at the same time, he's one of the company's top stars, even bigger than Nakamura in a sense even though he does not possess any gold.

Personally, I also do believe that it's an exciting feud for Shinsuke Nakamura. He's only faced the 'workers' before, and to face a monster like Nakamura will be a whole new challenge for him.

#3 It will be a while until Sheamus returns

Those of us who were expecting Sheamus to stride into WWE this week were seriously disappointed when they only saw a vignette and little more. I'm guessing they are building his return in a big way.

I wouldn't be surprised if Sheamus were to return as late as the Royal Rumble because there doesn't seem to be a place for him right now. A lot of feuds are already set in stone and the only person I can potentially imagine Sheamus feuding with if he were to return is Roman Reigns.

One thing that's for sure is that Sheamus will not be teaming up with Cesaro anytime soon. Cesaro seems to be doing his own thing with Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn at the moment and I doubt The Bar will be reformed anytime soon.

Do you want WWE to hold off Sheamus' return until the Royal Rumble?

#2 Mandy Rose may not exactly be smitten by Otis yet

So, when Mandy Rose planted a kiss on Otis' cheek, the internet went into a whirlwind thinking that they will be treated as a couple. It was the ultimate feel-good story with a blue-collar WWE Superstar getting together with a gorgeous blonde. And yet, I don't think that this is the route that WWE will go down if you look at the hints.

I am sure that all of you saw the hug that followed Otis' big match. I'm sure you all also noticed the sweat stains that Otis left on Mandy Rose's dress. I have a feeling that the romance that everyone wants will not be a thing for some time, at least.

That said, I'm sure that this angle will be explored in a big way in the coming weeks. Otis is incredibly over and I'm guessing that this is WWE's way of pushing him to the top.

#1 Sonya Deville and Dana Brooke will be used merely as enhancement talent

Listen, for someone to win a match, someone else must lose it as well. But at the same time, it is a little unfortunate to see Sonya Deville slotted into this position as she has a world of potential!

Dana Brooke too was used merely to put Bayley over in a big way this week, but in her case, I'm just happy that she's getting screen time for now. It is amply clear that Mandy Rose will do her own thing with Otis while Sonya Deville puts other stars over.

It was ironic in a way to see Sonya Deville tap out because of her legitimate MMA background. Vince McMahon does not obviously see the same kind of potential in her that the WWE Universe does, in my opinion.

I guess Sonya Deville's 'MMA' gimmick got overshadowed when Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler came into the fray.

What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.