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The first episode of SmackDown of the year 2021 wasn't the explosive affair everyone had expected it to be. However, all the stories on the brand are progressing interestingly, and there's not a lot to complain about. The two hours of television was an easy watch, with entertaining matches and logical developments peppered all across the episode.
While the Kevin Owens-Roman Reigns-Jey Uso saga continues to dominate the brand, a possible rematch for the SmackDown Women's Championship also seems to be on the cards. A major return to the women's division is sure to please the fans, while the first challenger for Big E's Intercontinental Championship also emerged.
So without any delays, let's dive in and discuss some talking points from the show that have already gotten the WWE universe buzzing. Do share your opinions and thoughts in the comments section.
#5 Sonya Deville returns to SmackDown for the first time since SummerSlam 2020
One of the most underrated performers in WWE, Sonya Deville, made her return to SmackDown after being away for nearly five months. Her last appearance was during SummerSlam 2020, where she competed against Mandy Rose in a match with 'Loser leaves WWE' stipulation. Commentators Corey Graves and Michael Cole announced she has been officially reinstated to the brand.
Deville took the off-time due to a disturbing stalking incident back in August. Now that she's back, WWE would be wise enough to utilize her talents as the Pridefighter's work in the summer was highly-appreciated by fans. Deville delivered some of the best promos during that time and her in-ring skills have been held in high regard by the WWE Universe.
A mini-feud with someone like Billie Kay or Natalya could be the right way to re-establish her as a prominent player on SmackDown. After that, some major storylines with the likes of Bayley and Sasha Banks could be the right way to position her as a legit main event act.
#4 Reigns and Uso brutally assault Owens to end SmackDown
After failing to win the Universal Championship from Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens set his eyes on The Tribal Chief's cousin and crony, Jey Uso, on SmackDown. It's understandable why KO would seek vengeance against the former tag team champion. After all, he cost him the championship on more than one occasion.
While the current on-screen authority figure, Adam Pearce, initially refused to grant Owens a match with Uso, he eventually relented. Roman Reigns was visibly furious after the match announcement and asked Paul Heyman to find out who did it. This is an indicator that Pearce could play a vital role in this feud moving forward.
As for the match, it was short and was thoroughly dominated by The Prizefighter. However, the post-match developments were incredible. Owens climbed up the stage set and was about to deliver a frog splash when Reigns made his way from behind and attacked him.
Soon, Uso joined in the attack, and they assaulted KO for several minutes together. SmackDown ended with Owens being thrown off from the top of the stage. All of this indicates yet another match between Reigns and Owens for the Universal Championship at the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV.
#3 Carmella secures a pinfall over SmackDown Women's Champion Sasha Banks in a tag team match
Though today's tag team match pitting Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair against Bayley and Carmella on SmackDown wasn't as good as last week's Women's Tag Team title bout, it developed two stories nicely.
While Carmella's clean loss to Sasha Banks at TLC 2020 suggested she could be out of the title picture, the pinfall secured by the Untouchable One over the reigning champ on SmackDown has ensured that she will get another chance. Yes, Mella's crony, Reginald, did interfere, but a clash between the two now seems imminent, possibly at Royal Rumble 2021.
Carmella put up the best performance of her career at TLC, and WWE is deservingly granting her yet another opportunity to showcase her tremendous all-around skills.
As for Bayley and Bianca Belair, they would also eventually go head to head to culminate their rivalry. The EST Of WWE must go over dominantly if SmackDown wants to present her as a major player on the brand.
#2 Big E to defend his Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown next week against Apollo Crews
The scheduled match between King Corbin and Intercontinental champion Big E on SmackDown was quickly interrupted by Sami Zayn, who unleashed a beatdown on the New Day member. Apollo Crews made his way to ring to even the odds.
Quite predictably, a tag team match was booked between the New Day stablemate and Crews against Zayn and Corbin. What happened during this match was the intriguing part. While the champion and Crews were on the same page, the heel duo came to blows on more than one occasion.
It led to The Lone Wolf leaving the match midway, thus leaving The Great Liberator alone in the ring. Crews then secured the win for his team. The former Us Champion would be getting a title shot next week after he accepted the open challenge from Big E.
Though it's hard to imagine Crews walking away with the title on SmackDown, it would be a huge opportunity for him to show his worth on this stacked roster. Corbin and Zayn could be lurking around and might make their presence felt during the match.
#1 The Alpha Academy helps Daniel Bryan prepare for Royal Rumble; Secures big win on SmackDown
Otis teamed up with Daniel Bryan, who seems to the latest addition to The Alpha Academy, to take on Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura on this week's SmackDown. Firstly, working with Bryan can be immensely fruitful for Otis and Gable. The level of expertise and experience the Leader Of The Yes Movement has can help the young duo gain valuable insight.
Moving on, this was a good match, with Bryan and Cesaro's interactions being the best part of the bout. These two can tear the house down on any given day. It would be interesting to see in what manner will Bryan be involved with The Alpha Academy on SmackDown in the future.
Will he be more of a mentor or will he actively tag along with the duo in the coming weeks as well? These questions aside, they seem like an entertaining trio, going by the backstage segment involving the three men.
