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We're all set for another entertaining episode of WWE SmackDown. The Blue brand has convincingly established itself as the “A-show,” and fans are hyped to see what can happen in the weeks leading up to SummerSlam 2021. A lot can surprise us on the show this week, between significant returns and unexpected twists.
Here, we look at the things that can transpire on WWE SmackDown tonight. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#6 Finn Balor surprises Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown
Last week, WWE SmackDown’s closing moments saw an excellent swerve to overtake the Universal Championship picture. Roman Reigns declared John Cena unworthy of challenging The Tribal Chief for gold. He stated that the 16-time champion is still delivering the promos he did back in the day and compared his in-ring work to “missionary position every single night.”
Thus, Reigns refused to face Cena in the Universal Championship match at SummerSlam 2021. However, he would soon find out that another surprise was waiting for him on WWE SmackDown. While Reigns was still glorifying his achievements, Finn Balor walked out and challenged The Tribal Chief for the Universal Championship.
Reigns’ initial hesitation led to the entire arena chanting “Roman’s scared” in unison. Soon after that, he accepted Balor’s challenge. The two superstars are now expected to engage in a well-balanced feud on WWE SmackDown in the weeks leading up to SummerSlam 2021.
Finn Balor has a rather unfortunate history attached to the Universal Championship. This would be his chance to fight for a title that he never lost in the first place.
Balor’s return on WWE SmackDown undoubtedly spiced things up for the Blue brand. He adopted a heel gimmick and dominated the NXT roster as a heel. Viewers want to see him continue with the same momentum. They desperately hope that the creative team will avoid repeating the mistakes they made during Balor’s previous run on the main roster.
This week, Finn Balor might stun Roman Reigns with an attack to assert his credibility as a title challenger on WWE SmackDown. It will be exciting to see how WWE books their biggest heel against a superstar organically over with the crowd. That said, Balor wouldn’t be Roman Reigns’ only concern on the show.
#5 Will John Cena’s presence on WWE SmackDown lead to a triple threat title match at SummerSlam 2021?
Last week on WWE SmackDown, John Cena called out Roman Reigns and his mirage of backstage supremacy. The 16-time world champion demanded a title match against The Tribal Chief at SummerSlam in 2021 that was brutally turned down. Instead, his demands were met with Paul Heyman’s rib-tickling mockery and Reigns’ typical arrogance.
Although it appears that Reigns will engage in a title feud with Finn Balor on WWE SmackDown, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate John Cena from the Universal Championship picture.
He might insert himself into the rivalry that would eventually set up a triple threat title match at SummerSlam 2021 featuring Reigns, Balor, and Cena. It would allow the creative team to take a chaotic finish and protect one or more superstars at the pay-per-view.
Ever since John Cena returned and set his sights on Roman Reigns, fans eagerly await both superstars to engage in a war of words on WWE SmackDown. They share a long history, and very few things in the pro wrestling business can outshine a John Cena-Paul Heyman promo war.
The creative team would not want to miss an opportunity to book such a star-studded match at SummerSlam 2021, especially when planning to make it the biggest show of the year.
#4 Could Sasha Banks return on WWE SmackDown this week?
Sasha Banks went missing from television shortly after losing her WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship to Bianca Belair. She made a brief appearance demanding a title rematch but completely disappeared soon after that promo. However, a weakened women’s division of the Blue brand urgently requires Banks’ return.
Earlier this month, Bayley suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out of action for nine months. Belair is now left with no credible challengers on WWE SmackDown. She successfully defended her title against Carmella twice and might look for newer challenges on the Blue brand. The creative team will only have three weeks to set up a good title match for Belair at SummerSlam 2021.
Last week, we also saw Toni Storm make an impressive debut on WWE SmackDown. She faced Zelina Vega in a singles match and picked up a big win on her first night on the main roster.
Storm could make for an exciting title challenger for the women’s championship if Sasha Banks doesn’t return until SummerSlam. They could also look at Liv Morgan as a potential challenger for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship.
#3 The Usos continue their WWE SmackDown Tag Team Title feud with Rey and Dominik Mysterio
The Usos won the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships after defeating Rey and Dominik Mysterio at Money in the Bank. Last week, Jimmy Uso faced Dominik in a singles match, and both superstars delivered a brilliant match except for a slight mishap towards the end. Jimmy received a little help from his brother that helped him steal a victory.
This week, we could Jey Uso and Rey Mysterio in a match on WWE SmackDown. Both teams are expected to continue their title feud on the Blue brand and set up a rematch at SummerSlam 2021 next month. They have delivered entertaining matches over the last few weeks and have crafted an intense rivalry owing to their respective roles in the title feud between Roman Reigns and Edge.
The Usos’ title win means that The Bloodline has most of the gold on WWE SmackDown. Roman Reigns and his entourage have been looking for such a run on the Blue brand, and this is their chance to extend their dominating run. The Usos are yet to pick up a clean victory over Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Will the former champions change their strategy going forward?
#2 Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin form an alliance on WWE SmackDown
Baron Corbin’s riches to rags storyline is absolutely brilliant on WWE SmackDown. The former king, despite his past actions, managed to make fans genuinely feel sorry for him. The angle was unexpected by it is being brilliantly done on the Blue brand. It appears that Corbin may have also found a new friend in Kevin Owens.
Last week on WWE SmackDown, Owens and Corbin crossed paths in the backstage area. The latter apologized for mistakenly insulting Owens’ style and tried to clear up the misunderstanding. A helpful KO then gave Corbin some cash to help him out. Soon after that, Baron Corbin got hit in the groin region while The Dirty Dawgs also arrived on the scene.
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode took Corbin’s money and bullied him when KO returned to the scene. He used a steel chair to chase away The Dirty Dawgs and helped Corbin.
This could very well be the beginning of a new alliance on WWE SmackDown. Owens can poke fun at Corbin while simultaneously helping his redemption arc on WWE SmackDown. Will KO hit back at The Dirty Dawgs on behalf of Baron Corbin this week?
#1 Big E makes a strong statement on WWE SmackDown
Earlier this month, WWE SmackDown Superstar Big E won the Money in the Bank contract for the first time in his career. He picked up a massive win and now has a guaranteed shot at any world title of his choosing. However, the New Day member has already hinted that he is inclined towards cashing-in on Roman Reigns for his Universal Championship.
Last week, Big E stepped inside the squared circle to celebrate his victory but was cut short by a commotion caused by multiple stars entering the ring. There wasn't much for him to do on WWE Smackdown last week, but things could change tonight. He will actively look for new feuds that will help him gain momentum before he eventually cashes-in on his MITB contract.
There were also reports stating that Big E could dethrone WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. However, not many are in favor of that decision. Fans have been rooting for a title feud between Roman Reigns and Big E since the latter started his singles run on WWE SmackDown. It will be exciting to see what is in store for Mr. Money in the Bank on the Blue brand.
