Best and Worst of SmackDown before Royal Rumble: Popular Superstar keeps losing, Big mistakes made in the main event (January 29th, 2021)

Best/Worst: Braun Strowman's return to SmackDown

Braun Strowman is back

Braun Strowman is back from his injury/suspension and went on a path of destruction on SmackDown right away. We're in two minds about The Monster Among Men's return. For one, it somewhat saved a lackluster main event and ended the show on a good note.

CLEAR THE TRACKS! THE STROWMAN EXPRESS HAS ARRIVED ON #SmackDown!! 🤯😱🚂@BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/8uIS8aGgbN

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2021

Another major positive is that Strowman looks to be in the best shape of his career. We're not sure whether this is indicative of a permanent move to SmackDown, but it could just be a part of the quarterly invitational - especially since the former Universal Champion was a RAW star before his injury/storyline suspension by Adam Pearce.

And Badder than ever!!! #NoOnesSafe https://t.co/BAPwe5v17W

— Braun Strowman (@BraunStrowman) January 30, 2021

Either way, his path of destruction was a preview of what is to come at the 2021 Men's Royal Rumble. We don't believe that he's going to win, but Strowman is undoubtedly one of the favorites and adds a whole new dynamic to the match.

However, the reason we're torn about it is the fact that Braun Strowman could easily have been a surprise entrant at the Rumble rather than appearing on SmackDown. WWE already announced Edge, while either Tamina or Natalya will be taking the #30 spot in the Women's Royal Rumble.

The first and second entrants in the men's match is expected to be announced on WWE Backstage as well. So why is WWE choosing to deliberately avoid any surprise returns?

Riju Dasgupta will be back this Sunday for Best & Worst of Royal Rumble 2021.