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WWE SmackDown after Elimination Chamber is expected to be a thrilling affair. We are counting down the days to WrestleMania, and unlike the last time, WWE is prepared.
The world was caught unaware when COVID-19 happened and as a result, last year's WrestleMania was probably the weakest one in history. This time around, WWE has had the time to adapt, refocus, restrategize, and is in a much better place.
This episode of WWE SmackDown could be an important step on the road to WrestleMania. If any one of the developments listed in this article happens, you know that the fans will indeed be thrilled.
So let's look at 5 surprises that could happen on this WWE SmackDown episode.
#5 Aleister Black returns to WWE SmackDown in a new avatar
In an interview with SK Wrestling, Aleister Black had indicated that what we saw of his heel persona was merely 20%:
What you saw was 20 percent of what it was supposed to be in terms of what we were planning on doing. So, you know, give it, give it some time.
As WrestleMania season approaches, Aleister Black could return to WWE SmackDown to feud with any of the babyfaces in the roster, all of whom are yearning for an opponent. Dominik immediately comes to mind, and Daniel Bryan could be another worthy contender. Hey, we don't know whom Shinsuke Nakamura will face at WrestleMania either.
The WWE SmackDown brand is clearly in need of some new blood to just freshen the product up, and Black is just what the Blue Brand needs.
Maybe Aleister Black can unveil the remaining 80% of his new heel persona on WWE SmackDown this week?
What do you think?
#4 A heel version of The Shield is formed on WWE SmackDown (with a special new member)
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns are both members of the WWE SmackDown roster, are two of the top heels in the business. We know that The Shield was the most dominant stable of the modern era. A reunion is, however, impossible, unless Tony Khan allows a talent exchange. This may be a fantasy booking article, but let's not stretch the boundaries of what is possible.
Could a new, heel version of The Shield be formed? This time with Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and of all people, Jey Uso?
It would make for very interesting content on WWE SmackDown, and could even lead to the return of Jimmy Uso. Uso is torn between wanting to ally himself with the bad guys, or assisting Edge and Christian in the battle against Roman Reigns.
Because of Seth Rollins' involvement in the feud, Cesaro, whom Rollins is currently feuding with, may get thrown into the mix as well. A SmackDown puree.
#3 Apollo Crews attacks Big E in the doctor's office on WWE SmackDown this week
Last week on WWE SmackDown, we saw Apollo Crews unleash the heel in him and mercilessly assault Big E. The way to prove a point is to drive it home, which is what the writers may choose to do on this week's WWE SmackDown episode.
Big E may return to the doctor's office to get himself evaluated, where Apollo Crews could launch another attack. Hey, it's not the first time such a surprise would happen in wrestling, nor will it be the last. What it definitely will achieve is to add a new dimension, a vicious one to Apollo Crews.
Apollo Crews has been on fire since this feud with Big E commenced on WWE SmackDown. The Intercontinental Champion is working with him, elevating him in the process. Maybe, through the process of storytelling, we get a marquee Big E vs. Apollo Crews to match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 37.
#2 On WWE SmackDown, Cesaro steps up to Roman Reigns
Many fans felt cheated that WWE SmackDown star Cesaro did not win the Elimination Chamber match and go on to face Roman Reigns later, the same night. It would have made sense for him to win the contest if you consider the push Cesaro has been getting. The man has just consistently been racking up the wins on WWE SmackDown, one by one.
Could Cesaro step up to Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown?
Maybe the two of them are then confirmed for a match at Fastlane, where Cesaro can go down swinging (no pun intended). But even then, it will be the breakout performance that he needs, to push him to the main event level. He's definitely among the cream of the crop when it comes to professional wrestling, but has never been recognized or rewarded according to his talent.
Imagine the roar of the fake crowd noise in the ThunderDome, when Cesaro and Roman Reigns square off. Jokes aside, it'll definitely be a worthwhile surprise.
#1 WWE SmackDown has a new faction with heel Otis, Gable, and Sami Zayn
WWE SmackDown star Sami Zayn is a good man, as you can see in the video above. It's a wonder then that he's able to play a conniving, dastardly, weaselly, and sniveling heel with so much conviction, every week on WWE SmackDown.
Sami Zayn is a natural orator, and his promos are legendary. He was absolutely on point as the leader of the 'Artist Collective', a group that came to an untimely end.
Could we maybe see him take on a similar role on WWE SmackDown this week? Maybe as the mouthpiece for Otis and Chad Gable, two men who turned heel last week, and who may not necessarily as 'natural' on the microphone as he is.
As the crazed leader of such a faction, Sami Zayn can lead both of our heels to gold and glory. Would you be fond of such an alliance, dear reader?
