WWE SmackDown before Extreme Rules Preview: Unexpected attack on Roman Reigns, major change in upcoming title match (24th September 2021)

We are all set for the final episode of WWE SmackDown before Extreme Rules 2021. There’s an action-packed show lined up for fans that could feature a significant title change. Additionally, the Blue brand will also witness the beginning of a new talk show. Between Naomi’s altercations with Sonya Deville and Paul Heyman receiving phone calls from Brock Lesnar, a lot can happen on the show.

Here, we look at some of the biggest things that could unfold on WWE SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

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#6 Top superstars visit Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown

Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set to put his title on the line against ‘The Demon’ Finn Balor at Extreme Rules. Last week, Balor teamed up with Big E to defeat The Usos. Reigns then went to RAW and defeated the WWE Champion twice in two different matches.

Considering that the company wants to keep a certain mysticism around The Demon’s character, could we see The New Day travel to WWE SmackDown and attack The Tribal Chief?

The creative team can pull off another jaw-dropping surprise if they get Seth Rollins involved in Roman Reigns’ segment. It would be ideal to have Reigns come face to face with Balor, possibly for another contract signing. It would officially confirm that the “Extreme Rules” stipulation would govern their upcoming title match.

Hopefully, we will see Finn Balor stay true to his “Prince” gimmick if he is booked to appear on WWE SmackDown this week.

Balor will have to look out for The Usos, but he might find backup in The Street Profits. Last week, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford challenged and nearly defeated The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The title would have changed hands if not for Reigns’ timely interference. Thus, they won’t waste an opportunity to settle the score with The Bloodline.

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#5 New stipulation added to WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship match

As surprising as it may sound, just one Extreme Rules match is scheduled for the upcoming pay-per-view. The creative team might plan to add the stipulation as mentioned earlier to another title match on the card. Thus, we might see a last-minute addition to the SmackDown Women's Championship match scheduled for the event.

Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair faced each other in a match during the recently concluded UK Tour, and they stole the show. It is evident that both superstars can deliver a memorable in-ring bout. Lynch has gained a lot of heat, and a brutal booking will keep the crowd invested in their title match.

The SmackDown Women’s Championship feud has lacked intensity, and it will be interesting to see how the creative team goes about any changes after the contract has already been signed.

#4 Shinsuke Nakamura defends his Intercontinental Championship on WWE SmackDown

As confirmed on WWE SmackDown last week, King Shinsuke Nakamura is set to put his Intercontinental Championship on the line tonight. He will face Apollo Crews in a title match, and the latter had a brutal way of seeking another shot at the gold. In the previous episode, Rick Boogs defeated Robert Roode following an impressive in-ring battle.

Following that, Nakamura, Boogs, and Pat McAfee celebrated at the top of the commentary desk before Commander Azeez attacked them. He took Rick Boogs out of the equation with a vicious knee to his face, and Crews kept his focus on Shinsuke Nakamura.

The King could not defend himself against Apollo Crews, and the latter mercilessly attacked him at ringside before demanding a title match.

Can we see the championship changing hands on the final show before Extreme Rules? As unfortunate as it sounds, Nakamura’s current title reign on WWE SmackDown barely has any credible highlights to its name. It is possible that the creative team has no plans for him and are potentially looking for a new champion. In that case, would Crews be the best option?

#3 New talk show premiers on WWE SmackDown

Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown is set to feature the first-ever edition of “Happy Talk” – a talk show hosted by Happy Corbin. While they haven’t revealed many details regarding what to expect from this segment, the official website says that this is where Corbin will “share his special brand of chaotic joy.” As of this writing, it’s not confirmed if he is inviting a guest as well.

However, fans can expect Kevin Owens to make an appearance during this segment. Both superstars have been feuding for the last couple of weeks. Owens and Corbin were scheduled to face each other in a singles match last week, but it was canceled after the former King of the Ring attacked KO right before he could get inside the ring.

Owens is bound to seek revenge on WWE SmackDown this week in order to settle the feud with Corbin once and for all. This rivalry could also lead to a possible match at Extreme Rules that exciting stipulations would govern.

Although the creative team hasn’t done the best job in booking KO over the last few months, he has still delivered entertaining performances and should be involved in more matches.

#2 Liv Morgan vs. Zelina Vega scheduled for WWE SmackDown

The last few weeks have witnessed a budding feud between WWE SmackDown Superstars Zelina Vega and Liv Morgan. The latter is being built as a babyface, and she has received a lot of support from the audience lately. Morgan is scheduled to face Carmella at Extreme Rules on Sunday, but she has to face Vega before that.

Both Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega have not received considerable TV time on WWE SmackDown in almost two months. They have a huge opportunity to rekindle the public’s interest in their respective careers by delivering a good match tonight. Owing to Vega’s newfound alliance with Carmella, we can also expect a surprise appearance from The Queen of Staten Island.

Last week, she escaped the ring during their tag team match against Morgan and Tomi Storm while claiming her nose was broken. She could return with a vengeance and launch a vicious attack on Liv Morgan after she is done fighting with Zelina Vega. This could possibly lead to an exciting stipulation being added to their match at Extreme Rules.

It is no secret that WWE SmackDown’s women have taken a serious hit in terms of their booking, but good story-telling will help the creative team restore some of the division’s lost credibility.

#1 Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. make their presence known on WWE SmackDown

This week’s WWE SmackDown could see the newly crowned Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. make a surprise appearance. Ripley and Nikki formed an alliance after they both exited the RAW Women’s Championship picture. They eventually challenged Natalya and Tamina for the tag team championships in a successful attempt on Monday night.

All four superstars delivered a good match, and both teams did well in keeping the crowd engaged throughout their battle. Their bout ended with the title changing hands, and the crowd loved the decision Ripley and Nikki picked up a convincing victory. They could now look to make a statement on WWE SmackDown later tonight. But the question remains, who will stand up to them?

Shotzi and Nox made an impressive debut on the Blue brand when they defeated former women’s tag team champions Natalya and Tamina in a non-title match. They could make for interesting challengers against the reigning champions. Can we see both the tag teams involved in a confrontation this week?