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After a rather underwhelming episode of RAW (and that's an understatement), it's time to shift our focus on the blue brand once again. At least with SmackDown Live, there's a level of excitement going on after all that's been happening the last few weeks.
Weirdly enough, neither Shane McMahon nor Paige addressed the Survivor Series humiliation where SmackDown lost 6-0 (or 6-1, as Xavier Woods will rightfully tell you). Even on RAW, they bragged for one episode and just put it behind them. It looks like they don't really care to look back, which is fine as well.
Last week, the show ended with WWE legend Rey Mysterio facing humiliation at the hands of Randy Orton, who not only beat him clean but showed the ultimate sign of disrespect by removing his mask. Charlotte Flair seemed quite happy about what happened at Survivor Series and unapologetic, despite Paige fining her a $100,000 (the GM didn't seem too angry about the Ronda Rousey beatdown either).
The Queen quickly disposed of the IIconics, while a bizarre moment saw Miz and Shane McMahon actually team together! They faced two local competitors and despite Shane McMahon not even entering the match, his team lost!
Anyway, without dragging it on, let's get into what you should expect from the blue brand tonight.
Jeff Hardy celebrates 20 years in WWE
20 years ago, a young man named Jeff Hardy debuted in WWE and along with his brother Matt Hardy he revolutionised tag team wrestling. Even as a singles star, he achieved much success, becoming a multi-time World Champion.
It's going to be interesting to see what he has in mind for a celebration. The now retired Matt Hardy did tease a return to RAW recently, but what if he was just playing us and ends up making an appearance on SmackDown tonight?
The Man is back!
Becky Lynch was taken out of action after the fiasco before Survivor Series, where Nia Jax punched her in the face and concussed her, along with giving her a broken face. Becky Lynch last appeared on the final SmackDown before Survivor Series and chose Charlotte as her replacement.
It's quite obvious that Becky Lynch isn't returning to action. Not yet, anyway. WWE's concussion protocol prevents a superstars from being medically cleared for atleast 30 days so even her status for TLC isn't quite certain yet.
With that being said, it's very likely that Paige will ask Becky Lynch to relinquish the title. Obviously, this isn't going to please fans, who have been behind her for a while now.
Also, what is Becky Lynch going to have to say about Charlotte Flair's new (or renewed) attitude? She definitely won't disapprove of it so it's going to be interesting to see what the SmackDown Women's Champion has to say.
Will Rey Mysterio retaliate at Randy Orton?
Last week, Randy Orton defeated Rey Mysterio clean, but during the match, he attempted to unmask Mysterio multiple times. After the bout, he then assaulted the legend and removed his mask in what many consider the ultimate sign of disrespect.
WWE's medical staff were quick to cover Mysterio's face, but the master of the 619 isn't one to sit back and take adversity thrown at his face. He's a fighter and he's proven many times that it's not always the size that matters. Will the legend return to retaliate against The Viper?
The wrath of The Queen
Last week, Charlotte Flair humiliated the IIconics, first defeating Billie Kay before taking both Kay and Peyton Royce in a handicap match. She did get herself DQ'd but the IIconics were the unfortunate victims of The Queen's wrath.
Who's going to be her next victim this week?
The Phenomenal One returns
AJ Styles hasn't appeared on WWE television since his WWE Championship loss to Daniel Bryan. Styles' historic 371-day reign that saw him become the longest reigning champion in SmackDown history all came to a crashing halt with one low blow from Daniel Bryan.
Bryan then finished him with the running knee to win the title, following it up with a post-match assault. Styles has been silent since but tonight, he returns to the house that he built to address the controversy and Daniel Bryan.
We know that he has a WWE Championship match in a few weeks at TLC, but will a stipulation be added to it? One thing's for sure, things are likely going to get heated between Styles and Bryan as he calls the new WWE Champion out.
What do you expect to happen on SmackDown Live tonight?
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