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Even though RAW this week wasn't the best episode yet, I have to say that SmackDown last week (which I didn't get to watch live, but caught later on) was an exceptionally good show. The think tank, led by Bruce Prichard, is really pushing the ante with regard to blurring the lines between reality and fiction and SmackDown has become the show to watch again.
There is no reason at all why SmackDown this week cannot be just as exciting as it was last week. After all, without an audience at hand cheering on the members of the SmackDown roster, it will take these dramatic twists and turns to truly keep the audience engaged and invested in the best manner possible.
So, with that said, here are 5 surprises that could potentially take place on this week's episode of SmackDown and as always, I would like to invite you to weigh in and share your thoughts and views in the comments section below.
#5 King Corbin attacks Matt Riddle when he first appears on SmackDown
Last week, we found out that Matt Riddle would be coming to SmackDown as an active part of the roster which is a great move. And I have a feeling that SmackDown Creative will want to treat him as a big star right out of the gate, which is why they may pit him against an established star. For King Corbin to take on Matt Riddle in his first few outings would do him a world of good.
King Corbin can suffer a few losses too and he's such a consummate performer that his position in SmackDown will not be affected as a result. Another serious contender for Matt Riddle is potentially Sheamus, who will also need a new opponent once he's done with Jeff Hardy.
#4 AJ Styles is revealed to be the architect of the Jeff Hardy SmackDown storyline
If you think about everything that went down on SmackDown last week, I would have to say that Sheamus is far too obvious a choice for the events involving Jeff Hardy. WWE has been known to pull off some very obvious storylines in the past, but honestly, even they cannot make the SmackDown superstar responsible for the attack on Jeff Hardy someone as obvious as Sheamus.
On the other hand, someone like AJ Styles really benefited from not having to face Elias and moved to the finals without a scratch last week. The truth of the matter is that AJ Styles is far too good a wrestler for the SmackDown audience to hate with all their heart and honestly, the one thing that he needs is an edge that could come if he is revealed to be the architect of the incident with Jeff Hardy.
Who doesn't want to see a Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles feud down the line?
#3 The Forgotten Sons take down the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions
As good as SmackDown was last week, I would have to say that the sight of The New Day sneaking up on Alexa Bliss who was genuinely freaked out by the SmackDown Tag Team Champions was probably the highlight of the night.
In any case, A Moment of Bliss segment would follow and when asked to pick their next opponents from the SmackDown roster, The New Day had no qualms in admitting that The Forgotten Sons should be the next in line for the tag team gold.
Jaxson Ryker has been in the news over the past week because of the Tweet that he put out in light of a very powerful social movement and he received much flak from RAW and SmackDown Superstars and even veterans such as Dave Bautista. He could channel the heat that he has as The Forgotten Sons take out The New Day (especially if he was using real-life events to generate heat), leading into what should be an interesting feud.
#2 Miz and Morrison take down Braun Strowman, Otis tries to cash in on SmackDown
Braun Strowman has to be the most dominant man on SmackDown and it is no wonder that he holds the WWE Universal Championship, the top prize in the SmackDown brand right now. While he can take down any 'one' man with the slightest of ease, I do wonder if he will be outmatched if he takes on both Miz and Morrison in a backstage brawl on SmackDown. And because he will be laid out on the floor, it could allow Otis to potentially cash in.
And it is at this point that Otis could step in and make use of the opportunity that has been presented to him on SmackDown. 2020 has been a great year for the man, having gotten together with the girl of his dreams and it could also allow him to take advantage of this chance.
But honestly, I can't see Otis cashing in his contract yet, although such a moment could create great dramatic suspense on SmackDown because Braun Strowman needs to remain the champ until the Backlash PPV.
#1 Chelsea Green arrives on SmackDown
Now, there are several rumors doing the rounds at the moment that Matt Riddle won't be the only WWE Superstar coming to RAW or SmackDown. It does seem like Chelsea Green could be the next NXT star to make her way down the SmackDown ramp to toss her hat into the ring, according to various internet rumors.
Having followed her career in Impact Wrestling where she was at the top of the roster as Laurel Van Ness and in Lucha Underground, where she had a short but impactful run as Reklusa, I would have to say that Chelsea Green is indeed ready for SmackDown. She has a great look and all the potential in the world to be a top-name that could challenge the top stars in the Blue brand when the time is right!
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