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After Extreme Rules, we are now set for this week’s episode of SmackDown. The Superstars of the Blue brand were involved in controversial matches at the recently concluded PPV, and we are expected to see the aftermath of those confusing finishes on SmackDown tonight.
But before that, WWE have confirmed a huge match for tonight’s show. The Bar Fight between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus will be a talking point from this week’s episode of SmackDown as it could possibly mark the end of that rivalry. In addition, WWE have planned a few more interesting segments for the show.
In this article, we will take a look at things that can unfold on SmackDown later tonight. So, without further ado, let’s begin:
#1 The Bar Fight on SmackDown
The intense and personal rivalry between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy could see its final chapter unfold on this week’s episode of SmackDown. Both the Superstars are set to lock horns in a Bar Fight tonight.
This match was originally supposed to take place at Extreme Rules. However, WWE reportedly wanted big names on the weekly shows as well, given that the ratings have been poor lately.
The Bar Fight stipulation was added to this match after Sheamus poked fun at Jeff Hardy and his struggle with addiction in real life. This angle has received a mixed response from the WWE Universe and now seems to be the right time to end the rivalry.
The feud has been extremely personal between both the SmackDown Superstars. Between Jeff Hardy getting arrested for DUI charges, to being forced into celebrating with drinks, this rivalry has probably seen it all -- including the pi** throwing angle.
There were backstage rumours suggesting that Jeff Hardy’s contract with WWE is close to expiry and they couldn’t convince him to extend his contract.
Hence, it has been reported that the creative are looking to book him in a weaker light ahead on his way out. It is possible that Jeff Hardy won’t pick another significant win until he signs a new contract.
However, his match on SmackDown tonight could end in his favour. He is the babyface in the feud, but it is Sheamus who has had the upper hand in this storyline so far.
It will be interesting to see who will pick a win tonight in the Bar Fight and whether it would truly be the end of the feud between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy.
#2 Sasha Banks and Bayley address championship picture on SmackDown
WWE Superstar Sasha Banks had an incredible match against Asuka at Extreme Rules 2020. But the finish to their RAW Women’s Championship bout was not welcomed by all. The last moments of the match saw the referee being taken out and Bayley wearing the t-shirt to don the role of an official. It was she who counted the pinfall and helped her best friend in becoming the new RAW Women’s Champion. The two Superstars are set to address the Championship landscape on SmackDown tonight.
It is interesting to note that WWE have still listed Asuka as the RAW women’s Champion. It is highly possible that we are headed towards a rematch between Asuka and Banks, and it might get booked for SummerSlam.
WWE will now look to work intensely towards building up this feud which will once again see Banks and Asuka locking horns.
It appears that WWE has imminently delayed the impending feud between Asuka and Bayley. This storyline has been in the making for very long, and the creative would like to take their time with the build-up.
Given the fact that Banks and Bayley have been incredible as a tag team, they are likely to keep this SmackDown feud under the wraps for a few more weeks.
#3 Naomi confirmed as a guest for Miz TV on SmackDown
On this week’s episode of SmackDown, former champion Naomi is set to appear on the Miz TV as a special guest.
This decision was made after WWE fans took to Twitter to convey that Naomi deserves better in WWE. This was in response to one of the segments that saw top SmackDown Superstars booked in a segment that had karaoke.
Since WWE closely monitor social media now, they are more in sync with what fans want to see. Hence, it is possible this might be Naomi’s chance to do something incredible to get a huge push on SmackDown.
She is a talented Superstar but needs to be involved in compelling feuds more often. We could see her sharing her opinion on her current SmackDown run on the show tonight.
There’s also a chance that we will see her locking horns with SmackDown Superstar Lacey Evans.
Other than Sasha Banks and Bayley, the women’s division of the Blue brand has been relatively silent in the last few months.
But WWE would be keen on changing that ahead of SummerSlam. Hopefully, the likes of Naomi and Lacey Evans will be booked in a way that they fairly deserve.
#4 SmackDown feud between Matt Riddle and Baron Corbin to intensify
On SmackDown’s go-home show before Extreme Rules, we saw AJ Styles successfully defend his Intercontinental Championship against Matt Riddle. But that was not all.
The end of the match saw ‘King’ Baron Corbin attack Riddle and mark the beginning of their rivalry. WWE had teased a feud between both the Superstars previously.
It now appears that their feud will start intensifying from this week. There’s a high chance that Riddle and Corbin will continue their rivalry that would possibly end at SummerSlam.
Anyone who feuds with Corbin gets over with the crowd almost immediately. It’s not like Riddle doesn’t enjoy that sort of popularity. However, a strong rivalry with one most hated heels in WWE will surely boost his position on the SmackDown roster.
Matt Riddle’s move to the main roster has been quite smooth. Even Vince McMahon was reportedly happy with Riddle and his promos on SmackDown.
We could soon see him in the title picture on the Blue brand, but before that, he will new a few significant victories under his belt. It will be interesting to see how the creative will move forward with him.
#5 Newly crowned SmackDown Tag Team Champions address the WWE Universe
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules saw the team of Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro pick a brilliant win over the New Day in a brutal SmackDown Tag Team Title match. The newly crowned champions are now expected to address the rest of the division and the WWE Universe on SmackDown tonight.
After winning their match, Cesaro and Nakamura refrained from speaking in the interview. They probably want to talk to their future challengers directly, and tonight, we will get a taste of their potential as the champions. They are both incredible Superstars and deserve a good reign with the titles they won on Sunday night.
There’s also a chance that WWE will book a title rematch between the Champions and the New Day. While Kofi Kingston and Big E are two of the best performers in WWE today, they just had a lengthy reign and are not an immediate need of another title run.
Cesaro and Nakamura, on the other hand, have waited on the sidelines for a long time. It would be better if the heel duo have good feuds with other SmackDown tag team before they eventually drop their titles.
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