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Hours before SmackDown is about to be taped, we have heard that multiple people have tested positive for COVID-19 out of those present at the WWE Performance Center, and this is a truly upsetting development. WWE SmackDown brings joy and happiness to many across the world even in these troubling times.
So, while there is no guarantee with regard to whether or not there will be an episode of SmackDown this week because of circumstances beyond Vince McMahon's control, if it does happen, I am certain that WWE will do a commendable job. They can also make these segments happen in a unique way on different sets away from the WWE Performance Center because the one thing that SmackDown's creative team doesn't lack is creativity.
It does seem like it will be business as usual in WWE, however.
And hence, with a positive outlook, let me write down 5 surprises that could take place on this week's show and feel free to join in, in the comments section below.
#5 Bo Dallas is recruited by Bray Wyatt on WWE SmackDown
Now that swamp cult leader Bray Wyatt is back, chances are that he will try and start a brand new collective.
And there's no better recruit on SmackDown than Bray's own brother- Bo Dallas, a man who has been sitting on the sidelines and who, we all know is immensely talented.
Fans have been clamoring for a chance to see the two men together and now, since both men are on the SmackDown brand, an alliance may actually come to pass.
Not a lot of people believe that Bray Wyatt stands a chance against Braun Strowman, but what if he has Bo Dallas for support?
If nothing else, it'll be a big step up for Dallas, who once chose to Bo-lieve.
#4 Maryse returns to SmackDown to exact revenge on Mandy Rose
When Mandy Rose slapped The Miz on WWE SmackDown, we all heard the reverberation across the globe. But the fact of the matter is that the Attitude Era has passed and there is no way that even a heel can strike a female babyface on either RAW or SmackDown.
The best way to overcome this problem would be to have Maryse return to SmackDown in a big way to team up with her husband and take on the tag team of Mandy Rose and Otis. This keeps Otis busy while Braun Strowman is feuding with Bray Wyatt.
And it also lays the foundation for a potential heel turn from Tucky on SmackDown, where he turns on his partner for forgetting that Heavy Machinery used to be a thing.
Everyone benefits if Maryse returns to SmackDown and yes, she could certainly get involved in a big way because even The Miz seems to have lost some of his edge since she has left his side.
#3 Otis tries to cash in after Bray Wyatt takes Braun Strowman down on WWE SmackDown
The last time that Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman tussled over the WWE Universal Championship on SmackDown, the latter comprehensively defeated the leader of the Wyatt Family. So now, one has to assume that to make it seem like a believable fight and program, Bray Wyatt will need to get the upper hand on SmackDown leading into Extreme Rules.
So, whether it's through Sister Abigail or The Mandible Claw, or even a new and revamped Wyatt Family, expect Bray Wyatt to gain the upper hand against the reigning and defending Universal Champion, this week on SmackDown. And when he does, Otis will be in the background looking for a chance to cash in his briefcase and become the man who rules the roost on SmackDown.
While I don't expect him to cash in at all on SmackDown, I wouldn't be surprised if Otis came out to seize the opportunity but was thwarted by the Monster Among Men in his attempt.
#2 Nikki Cross stakes her claim for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, takes Bayley down
It is clear that no longer will Nikki Cross live in the shadow of Alexa Bliss on SmackDown and become her own twisted, deranged woman. And this is a positive development because even though she has been a part of successful collectives, such as SAnitY on NXT and the partnership with Alexa Bliss on SmackDown, essentially Nikki Cross is a distinct Superstar with a unique personality. And it is for this reason that I think that she could potentially be the ideal contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
And continuing with her push on SmackDown, she could show up on this week's show and take the fight to Bayley, in order to face her at Extreme Rules.
Yes, we know that the money feud for the SmackDown Women's Championship is Sasha Banks vs. Bayley but truth be told, who wouldn't like to see Nikki Cross bring back her twisted side for a program against Bayley Dos Straps at Extreme Rules?
#1 Drew Gulak shockingly becomes the new Intercontinental Champion on WWE SmackDown
What we know for sure is that when AJ Styles and Drew Gulak go to war on WWE SmackDown, the outcome is going to be truly extraordinary indeed. What we saw last week is that AJ Styles did the job for Matt Riddle, who made his real SmackDown debut on last week's episode (he'd made a cameo in the past) and no, AJ Styles is not technically opposed to putting talent over.
So, I wouldn't be surprised if Drew Gulak becomes the Intercontinental Champion after a hard-fought war against AJ Styles on SmackDown. Of course, the feud will not end at SmackDown and one can absolutely see the two men tussling down the line at Extreme Rules.
What you must remember is that Drew Gulak already has an upset victory against AJ Styles in the past. And yes, he can repeat the feat on SmackDown once again once the two men go to war.
I doubt anybody would mind Drew Gulak as the workhorse Champion.
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