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Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown rumors that could have a major impact on the blue brand. With WrestleMania inching closer, SmackDown delivered a stellar episode this week, setting up some major matches for the big event.
A match between Cesaro and Seth Rollins has been made official. Another big match confirmed was Apollo Crews taking on the Intercontinental Champion Big E. However, the biggest takeaway from SmackDown was Daniel Bryan being officially added to Roman Reigns vs. Edge to make it a triple threat showdown at WrestleMania 37.
In this article, we will take a look at why WWE changed their mind and made the WrestleMania 37 main event a triple threat match. So without further ado, let's dive in and take a look at some of the big stories related to SmackDown:
#5 Vince McMahon unhappy with SmackDown Superstar Edge?
Edge won the 2021 Royal Rumble match and chose SmackDown's Universal Champion Roman Reigns as his WrestleMania opponent. However, the leader of the Yes Movement, Daniel Bryan, has managed to wedge his way into the match.
Bryan had a tremendous match with Reigns at Fastlane. However, Bryan lost when Edge interfered and cost him the match. Bryan has now been added to the main event of WrestleMania 37.
As per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, while Edge looking older every week has not been a big concern, his actual age has been a problem. However, that wasn't the sole reason Vince McMahon altered his WrestleMania match.
"One person close to the situation said that the age issue, not as much the number as the look of age ("he was looking older each week") with Edge, was a concerning point. But really, it was said it was just McMahon wanting to shake up the plans."
In another major advancement, the Rated-R Superstar turned heel this week on SmackDown. The former WWE Champion snapped and brutally assaulted Daniel Bryan along with some WWE officials who tried to intervene.
#4 Aleister Black spotted backstage at SmackDown
Former NXT Champion Aleister Black has been out of action on SmackDown since late 2020. After his wife, Thea Trinidad, was released from WWE, there had been speculation about Black's future with the company as well. It had been reported that WWE was not keen on him and he might not be used going forward.
Despite that, Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Black had been seen at the tapings for the past few weeks despite not being featured on television. This could mean that he might return to SmackDown soon.
"Yes, he's been seen at the WWE Performance Center the last several weeks, but as of this writing, has not returned to TV."
Black was one of the biggest NXT stars to have jumped to the main roster. Unfortunately, his run on RAW and SmackDown has been less than flattering.
#3 Charlotte Flair set to return on SmackDown?
Charlotte Flair has been missing from RAW for the past few weeks as she has been battling with COVID-19 at her home. However, there were some rumors that The Queen may return to WWE and appear on SmackDown. PWInsider (via CSS) has squashed those rumors, saying that Flair wasn't even present backstage at SmackDown.
"For whatever it’s worth, PW Insider notes that despite rumors of a possible return at SmackDown this week, Charlotte Flair wasn’t even backstage at the show."
Ric Flair has stated that his daughter could miss WrestleMania this year.
#2 SmackDown's Daniel Bryan busts big myth about Brock Lesnar
WWE Smackdown Superstar Daniel Bryan spoke to talkSPORT's Alex McCarthy and discussed Brock Lesnar's love for WWE. Lesnar has always been on a part-time schedule ever since he returned to WWE a few years ago. This has led people to believe that Lesnar doesn't love the work and is in the business only for the money.
Former SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan busted that myth and revealed that Lesnar, in fact, loves the business a lot. He also loves farming and staying at home, but that doesn't mean his love for wrestling is any less.
"I also think, and from a character perspective, I've said this on a Talking Smack or whatever, but it's actually not true, is I think Brock Lesnar loves this."
#1 Robert Roode praises SmackDown Superstar Dominik Mysterio
One half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Robert Roode, spoke to Sportskeeda Wrestling's Rick Ucchino. Roode had major praise for Rey Mysterio's son Dominik. Roode commended Dominik on being able to pick up on things so quickly despite never having performed in front of a live crowd since his debut.
''He’s coming along great, as far as I can see. Obviously the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. His dad is an amazing competitor and Dominik has got a lot of his traits. I think one of those traits is work ethic. ''
Roode and Ziggler have been feuding with The Street Profits, Alpha Academy, and The Mysterios over the past few weeks.
It will be interesting to see which one of these teams will get a shot at The Dirty Dawgs' SmackDown Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.
