Top SmackDown Rumors: Big betrayal teased for Royal Rumble; Dangerous move allowed for Roman Reigns; Former Champion to join The Tribal Chief? (22nd January)

Mysterio Family/The Bloodline
Mysterio Family/The Bloodline

Welcome to this week's edition of the top WWE SmackDown rumors that could have a major impact. With Royal Rumble just days away, the WWE Universe is abuzz with what could happen at the event.

As of now, SmackDown's top Champion Roman Reigns is set to face Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship at the PPV. Last week on SmackDown, Roman Reigns' scheduled opponent for Royal Rumble, Adam Pearce, cited an injury and announced Kevin Owens as his replacement. This week on SmackDown fans will see the fallout of the events.

So without further ado, let us dive in and check out the biggest stories and rumors related to WWE SmackDown:


#5 SmackDown Superstar Rey Mysterio hints at betraying his son at Royal Rumble

Former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio recently spoke on WWE's The Bump and talked about the chances of coming face to face with his son and SmackDown Superstar Dominik Mysterio at Royal Rumble.

Rey Mysterio said that if that were to happen then he would throw his son out of the match instead of helping him win it. The master of 619 said if the two started of Royal Rumble then he would not hesitate in eliminating his own son in order to secure a chance for himself to headline WrestleMania.

“I would have to throw him out right away. Yes! I mean, we have to do it. There is just no other option. Either he goes or I go, but I’m sure that I get first dibs on that, so he’s going over the top.”

Royal Rumble is the type of match that puts not only friendships but even family ties to the test, and it looks like Rey Mysterio is willing to teach his son a hard lesson of not trusting anyone in the 30-man Royal Rumble if such a scenario emerges.

#4 Backstage details on Guillotine choke being allowed for SmackDown's Roman Reigns

SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns had been using the Spear as his finisher ever since he debuted in WWE. However, The Tribal Chief revealed to Bleacher Report that he originally wanted the Guillotine Choke to be his finisher.

It was only after Roman Reigns turned heel that he was allowed to change his finisher from the Spear to Guillotine Choke. Reigns stated that he had been wanting to use this dangerous move for years and has not finally gotten the chance.

''It's like, 'What if I just pulled out a submission?' I've been saying that for years. Everybody knows the Spear. The producers that I work with all the way up to the head man said, 'I think the finish would be better with a Spear.' That's great because for years we built that spear up and up.''

#3 Update on Roman Reigns' new theme music on SmackDown

Speaking to Bleacher Report, Roman Reigns also hinted that new theme music has been in the works for him. SmackDown's Universal Champion has stuck to the original theme music of The Shield since his debut but it is high time that he breaks away from any remnants of his time in The Shield.

"Yeah, we're working on it. It's not easy. I'm not gonna just... with this character, it's gotta be the right vibe. I can't, you know, be... you can't just hire a rapper... it can't just be some rap music."

With Reigns already having a change in his attire and attitude, a new theme song would certainly add to the aura of The Big Dog.

#2 SmackDown Superstar Apollo Crews to join Roman Reigns?

There seems to be a budding alliance between former US Champion Apollo Crews and Roman Reigns on SmackDown of late. It all began when Paul Heyman advised Crews on Talking Smack following which Crews was seen sitting with Reigns backstage on SmackDown.

Roman Reigns has hinted that Apollo Crews may become the newest member to join his side by reposting artwork of Crews kissing Reigns' hand. There has been a lot of talk regarding adding more members to the Universal Champion's entourage and it looks like Apollo might finally get the direction that he has needed during his time in WWE.

Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns

#1 Legend reveals why Adam Pearce should have faced SmackDown's Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble

Legendary Superstar Konnan recently spoke on SK Wrestling's UnSKripted with Dr. Chris Featherstone and talked about the Royal Rumble match between SmackDown Superstars Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens.

Konnan stated that he believes it would have been a better idea for Adam Pearce to be Reigns' opponent instead of having Kevin Owens return and replace him. He stated that the fans would be able to see how talented Pearce is in the ring and it would have also been something fresh.

''I was actually looking forward to him [Roman Reigns] being in there with Adam Pearce because I thought it would be a really good match, people would really be into Adam Pearce as the guy underneath who hasn't wrestled in six years. Then maybe something happens with Roman and they start beating him up and maybe open him up or something and then Kevin Owens comes out and helps him and now we have a tag team match or something.''

He also said that he is certain that Kevin Owens will not be beating Roman Reigns for the title which takes him out of the match a bit.