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WWE SmackDown has been producing quality content over the last few weeks. Tonight, we will see the WWE Draft 2020 kick-off as the blue brand is set to host the first day of the event. From old rivalries coming to an end to new feuds being teased, there’s a lot that will be hinted at during tonight’s show. Other than that, there’s a possibility of a historical title reign coming to an end tonight.
We will also see a popular contract being contested in an unpopular fashion. Who knew that WWE Superstars could also resort to taking legal actions instead of fighting their respective battles inside the ropes?
In this article, we will take a look at things that can transpire on SmackDown tonight. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#1 WWE Draft 2020 kicks off with SmackDown tonight
We are finally all set for the much-awaited WWE event, Draft 2020. As confirmed by the promotion, this year's Draft will go kick off with tonight's episode of SmackDown. It would be an understatement to say that the entire WWE Universe is curious to find out who will be the No. 1 Draft pick this year.
There are several reports suggesting that the first WWE Superstar to be drafted this year will be Roman Reigns. Given the fact that he is the reigning Universal Champion and the hottest entity in not just SmackDown -- but also the entire WWE -- it would be difficult to argue otherwise. Moreover, this is exactly the position in which WWE always hoped that Reigns would be and he is bound to be roped in by the blue brand.
Reigns returned to WWE at SummerSlam after spending months away from in-ring action as a precaution against Covid-19. As soon as he came back on SmackDown, Reigns had his eyes set on the Universal Championship. He also formed a shocking alliance with Paul Heyman, and it eventually ensured a good storyline for him moving forward.
After Reigns picked a victory over 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, he started feuding with Jey Uso. The two cousins battled it out to prove their worth inside the squared circle, turning them against each other and exposing Reigns’ brutal side in the process. Their rivalry was well received by the fans, and both Superstars are expected to lock horns once again in the future.
#2 Bayley set to defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Sasha Banks
After months of speculations, build-up, and anticipation surrounding this feud between the two best friends, WWE finally pulled the trigger when Sasha Banks and Bayley lost their Women’s Tag Team Titles. Their loss was followed by a huge betrayal from Bayley who went on to brutalize Sasha Banks on SmackDown.
Both Superstars were engaged in multiple altercations leading up to this week. Finally, it was confirmed that Bayley would defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Banks in a single’s match tonight. It is difficult to predict the winner of the match, but the odds certainly favour Banks.
But it’s not just the title that will be on the line. Irrespective of the result, the fans will be curious to see if the creative will continue with this feud beyond tonight’s match. Moreover, it will be interesting to see if the one who loses this match is moved to RAW by next week. Overall, this title match has immensely raised the stakes of this week’s SmackDown, and we are excited to see what will happen next.
#3 Otis’ Money in the Bank contract will be on the line on SmackDown this week
Earlier this year, Otis surprised everyone by winning the Men’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match. Some fans also seemed quite excited for him. Unfortunately, the noise surrounding Otis’ MITB contract died down quite early. WWE tried their best to make Otis seem like a threat on SmackDown, but they couldn’t help maintain the attention surrounding him on the blue brand.
A few weeks ago, Mandy Rose was moved to RAW, and this prompted Miz to say some inappropriate things to Otis. The latter was furious at those comments made by Miz. As a result, the Heavy Machinery entered into a feud with Miz and John Morrison. This rivalry mostly revolved around the MITB contract on SmackDown, and also saw one Superstar threatening to ‘sue’ the other.
Finally, it was confirmed by WWE that Otis will have to defend his Money In The Bank contract in the court’. After everything that Miz and Morrison have tried – from poorly organised heists, to blasphemous schemes – they have now decided to take ‘legal action’ against Otis. Tonight, on SmackDown, we will find out if Otis can defend his MITB contract outside the ring.
#4 Huge SmackDown rivalry could see its final chapter unfold tonight
The last few months on SmackDown have shown that the Superstars don’t really need a title feud to deliver some of the best ongoing storylines in the promotion. Tonight, we will see one such rivalry potentially exploring its last chapter on the show. Following their altercations in the last few weeks, Sheamus and Big E will now lock horns with a Falls Count Anywhere match.
Big E was attacked by Sheamus ahead of a Fatal 4-way qualifying match which caused the New Day member an opportunity to become the No. 1 contender for the Universal Championship. The attack laid down by Sheamus also forced Big E into going out of action for a while. Ultimately, it was confirmed that both Superstars would lock horns in a crucial encounter on SmackDown this week.
Ever since Kofi Kingston was ruled out of action, there have been reports about Big E getting a huge single’s push. Sooner than later, we could see him enter a title picture on SmackDown. Even if he doesn’t end up challenging Reigns for the Universal Championship, he could very well find himself competing for (and winning) the Intercontinental title.
#5 What other changes can happen in the SmackDown roster?
WWE have been quite tight-lipped about their plans for the Draft this year. However, they did confirm some of the rules for the much-anticipated event. Given that RAW is an hour longer than SmackDown, the red brand will pick two Superstars for each Superstar that the blue brand picks in the Draft.
As far as Tag Teams are confirmed, they will be considered as a single unit unless one of the network’s executives feel that they just want one person from a team. In that case, the tag teams would be forced to break up. Those Superstars who are not picked by either of the two brands will become a free agent, leaving them with the option of signing with RAW or SmackDown based on their choice.
While the biggest world titles on WWE seem sorted, for now, it is the tag team division, the women’s division, and the mid-card division across RAW and SmackDown that deserves special attention. WWE Draft 2020 is bound to stir things up, and it will be interesting to see what’s in store for both brands after the first day of the event.
