8 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown before Extreme Rules 2021: 2 stars to finally turn face for title challenge, Popular name to make in-ring return after 13 months

#4 The bizarre decision to have Liv Morgan lose on SmackDown before Extreme Rules

We're not sure what the purpose of having Liv Morgan lose on SmackDown was. She's currently scheduled for a match against Carmella at Extreme Rules 2021, the only non-title bout on the card.

She faced Zelina Vega on SmackDown this week, assuming that it was a match to make Liv Morgan look good ahead of her second singles pay-per-view bout at Extreme Rules 2021.

Instead, a distraction from Carmella led to Zelina Vega defeating Liv Morgan, a decision that makes no sense. If WWE was trying to pull a surprise off by having Morgan eventually winning on Sunday, it still makes no sense the way things played out on SmackDown. It sums up WWE's struggle with creating babyface stars.

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#3 King Nakamura is done with Apollo Crews

King Nakamura vs Apollo Crews seems to be done on SmackDown. The Intercontinental Championship hasn't been defended on pay-per-view since WrestleMania 37, where Crews won the title from Big E.

Since then, it's been a SmackDown exclusive title. Two nights before Extreme Rules 2021, a rematch was booked between Nakamura and Crews. It was a short-lived match, with Rick Boogs once again helping by taking out Commander Azeez.

The feud between King Nakamura and Apollo Crews appears to be done. Who will be next for the Intercontinental Champion?