WWE SmackDown Live Preview: September 26, 2017

How will the KO-Shane O'Mac rivalry unravel further?
How will the KO-Shane O'Mac rivalry unravel further?

Kevin Owens twisted the whole situation surrounding his vicious attack on Vince McMahon with his promo last week, laying the blame for it at the feet of Shane McMahon.

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How will the incensed former Commissioner of SmackDown Live react to the Prizefighter's classless statements?

And speaking of incensed, Shinsuke Nakamura has every right to feel that way about Jinder Mahal after the WWE Champion's personal attacks on him have gone from bad to worse over the last couple of weeks.

Will the King of Strong Style let them slide again or will he finally respond in the hard-hitting manner we've become accustomed to?

And two weeks before Hell in a Cell, how will the US Title picture pan out with Baron Corbin, Tye Dillinger and Champion AJ Styles all involved in a tryst that is as engaging as it is complex?

Find out as we sift through all of these points and more in our preview for this week's episode of SmackDown Live!


It's time to hinder Jinder

It's time for Shinsuke Nakamura to confront Jinder Mahal and co.
It's time for Shinsuke Nakamura to confront Jinder Mahal and co.

Jinder Mahal's comments about Shinsuke Nakamura this past couple of weeks have been perceived in poor taste by the WWE Universe...and with a good reason.

Coming from a diversified background himself, Mahal should ideally be empathetic towards various cultures but instead, allowed his dislike towards his opponent to cloud his judgement.

Luckily for the WWE Universe, however, the situation isn't anything that can't be set right by a brutal Kinshasa knee strike from Nakamura.

And should Jinder Mahal continue his classless tirade this week as well, he can probably expect to be on the end of one as well.

Much Hype about nothing?

Will the Hype Brothers buck the odds against the Usos?
Will the Hype Brothers buck the odds against the Usos?

The Hype Brothers' failed attempt to resurrect their Tag Team careers on the Blue Brand last week only left them even more determined to right their wrongs and will see them face the Usos in an attempt to do so again this Tuesday.

However, the reason why the SmackDown Live Tag Titles are being so bitterly contested by only two teams is that no other tandem seems to be quite on their level right now.

While the Hype Brothers certainly receive brownie points for their effort, there is a very realistic possibility that they will be cut down to size two weeks in the running when they fight the former Champions.

Or can they, against all odds, throw a spanner in the works for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship match scheduled for Hell in a Cell, and make it a Triple Threat with a shock victory?

A new contender arises

Who will emerge as the challenger to AJ Styles' US Title
Who will emerge as the challenger to AJ Styles' US Title

The AJ Styles US Title Open Challenge has derailed almost completely and turned into a uber-competitive, cut-throat triangle between him, Baron Corbin and Tye Dillinger.

With neither man willing to cede his claim for a Title shot, both Baron Corbin and Tye Dillinger are deadlocked after preventing the other from cashing in on AJ Styles' Open Challenge.

So who will finally emerge as the undisputed challenger for the US Championship when the Lone Wolf goes up against the Perfect Ten on SmackDown Live?

And given AJ Styles' personal rivalry with both men, will the Champion be able to resist inducting himself into the mix?

Rusev Machka!

Rusev got back his own against Randy Orton last week
Rusev got back his own against Randy Orton last week

All it took was a momentary distraction by Aiden English and just one jaw-rearranging Superkick from Rusev to Randy Orton for him to readdress his squash loss at SummerSlam.

Following that, the burly Superstar has arranged for a Pride of Bulgaria celebration this week on SmackDown Live so that he can be honoured for his victory over the 13-time World Champion.

However, is he mistaken in thinking the scores between him and Randy Orton are settled? Is Rusev, in his excitement to be felicitated, overlooking the Viper's ability to hold a grudge?

For if he is, it could indeed be a very long night for him.

A personal blood feud

Will Shane McMahon manage to get his hands on Kevin Owens this week?
Will Shane McMahon manage to get his hands on Kevin Owens this week?

Shane McMahon's rivalry with Kevin Owens has been brewing for weeks, even before the Prizefighter put his hands on Vince McMahon.

However, the sickening attack has only served to amp up the stakes for their impending clash at Hell in the Cell.

After they exchanged promos about heaven and hell last week, how will the next leg of the personal feud between Kevin Owens and the McMahons play out this week on SmackDown Live?

Will the Prizefighter and the former Commissioner of SmackDown Live come to blows before their protracted clash?

Or will common sense prevail - for the time being at least - as the countdown to Hell in a Cell begins in earnest?

Join us here at Sportskeeda as we bring you all of the play-by-play, results and highlights from SmackDown Live!

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