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We are all set for WWE SmackDown’s last show before WrestleMania Backlash. The Blue brand could witness major developments, significant changes, or last-minute additions to the biggest storylines ahead of the pay-per-view. We might also see top superstars making their much-awaited return to television. Most importantly, a possible title change is also on the cards.
In this article, we will take a look at things that can transpire on WWE SmackDown this week.
#1 Roman Reigns deals with Cesaro and Jimmy Uso on WWE SmackDown
Roman Reigns would love to have the last laugh on WWE SmackDown’s final show before WrestleMania Backlash. He is scheduled to put his Universal Championship on the line in a match against Cesaro. The Swiss Cyborg looks determined to give his best in the match against Reigns, but the latter could have a shrewd plan in the back of his head.
It is important to note that Reigns initially didn’t want to face Cesaro as he believed that the latter had achieved nothing commendable in WWE. Thus, he feels that the former United States Champion shouldn’t be involved in the world title picture. Reigns’ dismissive attitude only urged Cesaro to do better in establishing his dominance on WWE SmackDown during his recent run as a face.
Both of these superstars are expected to cross paths on WWE SmackDown one final time before preparing for the Universal Championship match. As always, this meeting on the Blue brand could end with Cesaro being subjected to a brutal beatdown at the hands of Roman Reigns’ entourage, who can easily outnumber him. Reigns could also use his backstage influence to add a stipulation to their upcoming match that would ultimately help him retain his title.
Last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown also marked Jimmy Uso’s return after a prolonged injury. However, his instant dismissal of Reigns’ authority did not sit well with The Tribal Chief. He assured viewers that he would make Jimmy fall back in line, whereas the latter is adamant about not caving into the pressure like his brother, Jey Uso.
The creative can pull a huge twist on WWE SmackDown’s go-home episode before WrestleMania Backlash by having Jimmy Uso lay out an attack on Roman Reigns. The latter is bound to react, and it will leave Jey Uso in a position where he will have to make a difficult choice. WWE can also pursue this angle after Roman Reigns has successfully dealt with Cesaro at WrestleMania Backlash.
#2 Aleister Black returns on WWE SmackDown
Aleister Black moved to WWE SmackDown during the Draft last year, following which he went missing from the television. The fans were curious to learn more about his whereabouts and the creative’s plans for his comeback. Recently, WWE confirmed that Black would return to television via a couple of interesting vignettes featuring the promising superstar.
Black looked more intense in his recent video package and talked about how he has always been taught to punish evil. He has seemingly embraced a darker side of his character and has also shown significant transformation via social media accounts. Black is expected to return on WWE SmackDown soon, and it could happen as early as tonight.
As of now, there are no feuds lined up for Aleister Black on the Blue brand. Thus, he is expected to kickstart a rivalry with a top superstar following a surprise return on WWE SmackDown. It will be interesting to see how the creative will book him going forward. He is an extremely talented performer and just needs a couple of good storylines to assert his dominance over the roster.
#3 Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defend their women’s tag team championships on WWE SmackDown
Tonight on WWE SmackDown, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler will put their women’s tag team championships on the line against Natalya and Tamina. Both teams have been feuding on the Blue brand for the last month. This storyline also saw Tamina and Natalya unleash a more ruthless side to their respective in-ring characters.
The two teams previously faced each other for the women’s tag team championships at WrestleMania 37. Natalya and Tamina won the Tag Team Turmoil match at The Show of Shows to win their title opportunity, but they couldn’t capitalize on the same. Since then, both superstars have worked hard to emerge as dominant contenders in the women’s tag team division on WWE SmackDown.
Owing to the recent booking of Natalya and Tamina, there’s a slight chance that we could see the women’s tag team titles change hands on WWE SmackDown this week. Jax and Baszler’s run as the tag team champions has gotten mundane, and they could use a change. That being said, there will be considerable doubt over Tamina and Natalya’s ability to carry the titles. Thus, this would be a tricky booking for the creative.
#4 Seth Rollins attacks Jimmy Uso on WWE SmackDown
As discussed earlier, Jimmy Uso returned on WWE SmackDown last week and had an immediate impact on the biggest storyline of the Blue brand. His interference in the match between Seth Rollins and Cesaro eventually led to The Swiss Cyborg picking up the victory and winning a title shot against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash.
Jimmy Uso attacked Rollins when The Architect pushed Jey Uso at ringside during his match on WWE SmackDown. A frustrated Rollins then spoke with Roman Reigns backstage and warned The Tribal Chief about Jimmy's defiance. He urged his former Shield brother to ‘take care’ of his cousin, or he will take the matter into his own hands.
Seth Rollins can attack Jimmy Uso on WWE SmackDown tonight to prove a point. After all, he believes that he is the ideal locker room leader and doesn’t like when someone disrespects him. It would be interesting to see if this angle will eventually bring Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins together for a storyline on WWE SmackDown.
#5 Bianca Belair hits back at Bayley on WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair is set to put her title on the line against Bayley at WrestleMania Backlash. The build-up to this title bout has been brief but intense. Last week, we saw The Role Model deliver an incredible promo before she was involved in an alteration with Belair. Bayley stood tall at the end of the segment after she brutalized the champion in the middle of the ring.
Tonight on WWE SmackDown, Belair will look to even things out before their title match at the upcoming pay-per-view. She would want to send a strong message to her challenger and the rest of the WWE Universe by gaining the upper hand in their meeting tonight. We could see a war of words turn into a ruthless exchange of blows within a blink of an eye.
It is also important to note that Sasha Banks continues to pose a serious threat to the SmackDown Women’s Championship. She has feuded with both Bayley and Belair in the past and could lay a surprise attack on them tonight. That being said, Bianca Belair is still expected to have the lion's share of momentum on her side ahead of her title defense at WrestleMania Backlash.
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