WWE SmackDown - 5 Possible surprises - Roman Reigns surprised by new challenger, Paul Heyman brings out a new client

WWE SmackDown airs on the heels of a loaded and stacked episode of Crown Jewel 2021 that kept us on the edge of our seats. The finish may have left a lot to be desired but one must remember that WWE SmackDown is an endless soap opera.

But how does Bruce Prichard carry the excitement over from the pay-per-view into a new era if you will? On this week's episode of WWE SmackDown, these five surprises could potentially happen. If you have a take on any of the surprises listed here, please feel free to comment in the section below!

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#5 Xavier Woods steps up to Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown to claim the Universal Championship

The issue with the King of the Ring tournament in recent times has been that it doesn't always lead to something substantial. Look at the former King of the Ring, Happy Corbin, and his current spot on the roster. One may go as far as to say that his character was a lot better before he won the tournament.

So let's assume that WWE decides to go all the way with Xavier Woods, the latest winner of the King of the Ring tournament. On the episode of WWE SmackDown that follows Crown Jewel, he could step up to the plate and challenge the Tribal Chief for the title that he so proudly holds. This could be a pretty intriguing feud with the involvement of The Usos and Kofi Kingston.

No, it's very unlikely that Xavier Woods will go all the way and become the next WWE Universal Champion. But he has the momentum and the support of the fans on his side. WWE SmackDown could be a great stage for him to step up to the next level.

#4 Charlotte Flair refuses to surrender her WWE RAW Women's Championship

WWE SmackDown will be graced by the arrival of the RAW Women's Champion this week. One has to believe that some kind of trade-off will happen with the WWE SmackDown Women's Champion where the titles are changed.

As suggested by veteran journalist Sean Ross Sapp, the company should go the extra mile and try and rename the titles. The first step towards achieving this feat could be the outright refusal of Charlotte Flair to exchange Championships with Becky Lynch.

#3 Paul Heyman brings out WWE SmackDown star Naomi as his new client

Naomi was part of the ultimate WWE SmackDown screwjob last week when Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler teamed up to destroy her. She may need to form a certain alliance to even the odds in her favor.

Paul Heyman indicated to Sportskeeda recently that Naomi may already be at the table with The Bloodline! Could Paul Heyman make this earth-shattering announcement on WWE SmackDown this week to shake up the entire industry?

#2 Shotzi finds a brand new tag team partner in Toni Storm

While Shotzi is a part of the WWE SmackDown roster, Nox has been moved to RAW. This could change in the brand new era of the show as this week's episode is being hailed. Toni Storm, who's a part of the WWE SmackDown women's roster as well, could team up with Shotzi to form a brand new tag team. Super Brutality needs some challengers after all.

#1 This week on WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns fires Paul Heyman

Did you notice how Paul Heyman threw the WWE Universal Championship between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel? The Tribal Chief may just decide that enough is enough and he cannot trust his wise man anymore!

And this is why, on WWE SmackDown, he could start a brand new era of the show by firing the man who brought about his change in attitude. This allows Paul Heyman some time off and the possibility of returning with a brand new client, like maybe Harland!