WWE SmackDown Live Preview: August 29, 2017

After John Cena transferred over to Raw, the Blue Brand could do with an injection of fresh faces and refreshing storylines.

Also follow: WWE SmackDown Results, August 29th 2017, Live Updates and Commentary

And that's exactly what was promised on last week's episode of SmackDown Live when the likes of Shelton Benjamin, Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler all arrived on board.

However, the heated feud involving AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon has been stealing all the headlines and after last week's US Title match, what will be the latest development in this intriguing storyline?

Meanwhile, Shinsuke Nakamura obtained a measure of retribution for being screwed out of the WWE Title at SummerSlam when he punished the Singh brothers, but will he be able to work himself into a position for another Championship opportunity?

And how will newcomer Bobby Roode fare in the face of stiff competition on the main roster the likes of which even NXT cannot match up to?

Breaking down all of these points and more, here is our preview of this week's episode of SmackDown Live!

#1 A new Dolph Ziggler?

What career-altering change does Dolph Ziggler have in mind?

Dolph Ziggler cut a cryptic promo backstage on SmackDown Live last week, announcing his return but, tellingly, forewarning a change of approach from here on in.

It's been well documented that the Showoff has fallen just short of expectations throughout his career. While he's always been there or thereabouts, he's never really gotten the big one done.

Will the new approach he's promising serve to help him change all that? Is he going to reveal a side of Dolph Ziggler that we've never seen before?

We won't have to wait long to find out as he promised that he would set the ball rolling on this week's episode of SmackDown Live.

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura's retribution

Shinsuke Nakamura methodically taking out the numbers game employed against him by Jinder and co.

After the Singh Brothers cost him a WWE Championship match at SummerSlam that seemed under complete control, Shinsuke Nakamura finished the first leg of his retribution tour when he took out the duo before laying out their liege, Jinder Mahal, with a nasty Kinshasa knee strike.

Now, all that's remaining is for him to get Jinder's attention sufficiently to lock on another title opportunity to finish the job that he started.

Will Nakamura finally be the man to overcome Jinder's nefarious numbers game and beat the "Modern Day Maharaja" or will he keep falling agonizingly short like Randy Orton did against the WWE Champion?

#3 Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable

A promising start to a fruitful association?

Despite Jason Jordan moving to Raw, Chad Gable didn't have to trade in and settle for a less-capable tag team partner as Shelton Benjamin made his re-debut on WWE programming after a number of years.

As anyone who's seen the immensely talented Superstar can attest, Benjamin is as legitimate as they come and has the invaluable experience of working closely with Olympic hero, Kurt Angle.

His ring smarts and sheer athleticism, coupled with Gable's technique and speed should prove to be a stiff test for any team coming up against them... even if that is the SmackDown Live Tag Champions, The Usos.

#4 What next for the United States Title picture?

AJ Styles rises above the challenge of Kevin Owens

After struggling so much to find someone who would be willing to don the black and white stripes, it must be a kick in the gut for Kevin Owens that he still didn't manage to win the US Championship against AJ Styles last week on SmackDown Live.

Not only that, there was a sense of inevitability that Commissioner Shane McMahon would get involved in proceedings; something that would further irk the Prizefighter.

Now, having spent all of his Championship opportunities and with no one in his corner, how will Kevin Owens bounce back from the lowest ebb of his WWE career so far?

Conversely, having successfully and repeatedly seen off Owens' challenge, what next for the US Champion, AJ Styles?

#5 A Glorious debut

Bobby Roode raised the roof with his debut on SmackDown Live last week, also taking out Aiden English in the process.

But how will he move forward?

Surely, after elevating NXT with a stellar title run, his sights will obviously set on more Championship gold.

Will he make a beeline for WWE Champion Jinder Mahal? Or in a more likely scenario, attempt to challenge AJ Styles for the US Championship?

While Jinder has his hands full with the Japanese sensation, Shinsuke Nakamura, it does seem like AJ Styles is the more logical option.

Is this a beginning of a Glorious run in the main roster for Bobby Roode?

Find out on this week's episode of SmackDown Live.