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To say that last week was a happening week on the blue brand would be an understatement. Randy Orton showed a new side to himself that we had never seen before, Andrade 'Cien' Almas picked up momentum on SmackDown Live, Becky Lynch continued her hot streak, earning a SummerSlam title match, AJ Styles met an all-too-familiar new challenger after many years, and The Miz made quite the statement against Daniel Bryan. To top it all off, The Bar made their return to WWE television after a hiatus.
SmackDown Live definitely has the momentum heading into SummerSlam over RAW. Paige has undoubtedly been an incredible General Manager, making great decision after great decision. Anything's getting heated between two superstars? The talking is done in the ring.
While Carmella has been left in a pickle following the firing of James Ellsworth, Paige has made an impact on more than just her. With a huge tag team title qualifier between The Usos and The Bar set to happen, here's what's going down on SmackDown Live this week:
#1 Zelina Vega makes her in-ring debut
Zelina Vega is set to make her in-ring debut on SmackDown Live tonight. The WWE Universe has no idea what to expect from Vega. Is she good or bad? Does she have the experience? Does she have the instinct?
It's been very clear in NXT and WWE that Vega has no issues in getting physical in order to help Andrade 'Cien' Almas win. In NXT, fans did get a glimpse of her when she took on Candice LeRae on her debut but was unsuccessful in her attempt.
Last week, things turned chaotic when Andrade 'Cien' Almas took on Rusev. With the Mexican star victorious, the miscommunication between Lana and Aiden English cost Rusev the match. While things are shaky on the Rusev Day end, Lana challenged Vega to a match with a bone to pick.
Paige was quick to make the match, announcing it on social media.
Is it going to be a victory for Vega or will it be a Ravishing night for Team Rusev Day?
#2 Jeff Hardy returns to confront Randy Orton
Randy Orton attacked Jeff Hardy upon his return after losing the United States title to Shinsuke Nakamura. He added insult to injury when he brutally assaulted him during his rematch two nights later.
The following week, Orton would explain his action and blamed the fans, completely turning on them and showing a fire in him that we've not seen in years. With Orton reinvigorated, Jeff Hardy is set to confront him. Will The Charismatic Enigma finally get one over the former Legend Killer? Are they headed for a collision course at SummerSlam?
Also, with Shinsuke Nakamura whiling away in the background, what's his role in all of this?
#3 Becky Lynch continues to build momentum
2018 has been great for Becky Lynch. She has the biggest win streak on the entire blue brand roster, male or female. With Charlotte Flair sidelined following a surgery, Becky Lynch has picked up steam, with win after win after win. She defeated Carmella last week to earn a title shot at SummerSlam for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
With Lynch giving Carmella a big swelling to the lip following the match, the champion will look to get one back over The Irish Lasskicker. Will the former champion Lynch continue to build momentum or will Carmella finally get one over just weeks before SummerSlam?
#4 Will Daniel Bryan make the same Miztake?
With Daniel Bryan and The Miz set to have a long-awaited collision course at SummerSlam, The Miz stood tall against his long-time foe last week, when he pulled a ploy of ploys.
He pretended to carry his daughter Monroe Sky Mizanin with him and had a returning Maryse by his side. He threw the "baby" at Bryan, which just turned out to be a baby doll to distract Bryan, resulting in The Miz sabotaging Bryan's plan.
Will the leader of the Yes! Movement get one back from his arch nemesis?
#5 AJ Styles meets a new challenger in an old foe
The Samoan Submission machine was the rumoured challenger for AJ Styles at SummerSlam, and it was all but confirmed when he blindsided AJ Styles after Paige was distracted to choke out the WWE Champion.
Paige confirmed backstage that Joe was, in fact, the challenger, but she wasn't pleased with Joe for a sneak attack when he was set to be announced as his SummerSlam opponent anyway.
With them being old rivals in TNA, they're set to face off for the biggest prize in the industry at the biggest party of the summer. Who will stand tall tonight?
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