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This week's episode of WWE SmackDown has countless exciting plans in store for fans. From big returns to new rivalries, we will see a lot of new storylines unfold on the Blue brand in the weeks leading up to SummerSlam 2021. And finally, everyone is looking forward to Big E's run with the Money in the Bank contract.
Here, we look at things that can happen on WWE SmackDown tonight. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1 John Cena set to return on WWE SmackDown this week
This week's episode of WWE SmackDown is set to witness John Cena's return on the Blue brand. The legendary superstar made a massive return at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view on Sunday. The following night, Cena appeared on RAW and announced his intentions to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam 2021.
John Cena and Roman Reigns previously engaged in a feud that turned out to be a nightmare for the Universal Champion, especially considering how his promo skills were cremated on live TV. Cena has also made brutal comments about The Usos in the past that would particularly sting in the context of recent events. It will be interesting to see what he has to say this time when he meets Reigns and The Usos on WWE SmackDown tonight.
WWE plans to make SummerSlam 2021 their biggest pay-per-view this year. Thus, they would invest heavily in building the feud between John Cena and Roman Reigns over the next few weeks. The latter is different from the last time he was standing across from Cena, and he might as well end up surprising us all.
#2 What’s next for Finn Balor on WWE SmackDown?
Finn Balor made a big return on WWE SmackDown last week to a thunderous pop. He interrupted Sami Zayn’s promo and laid out a brutal attack on the former Intercontinental Champion. Balor left the ring without saying a word, but fans were excited to finally see him back on the main roster after two years.
He was excellent as The Prince on NXT, and fans expect him to continue with that persona on the Blue brand. He can deliver an engaging rivalry with Sami Zayn and even Kevin Owens after a point.
Finn Balor is a talented superstar, and now that he has returned on WWE SmackDown, the creative team must avoid repeating the mistakes they made during his previous run on the main roster.
#3 What's next for Mr. Money in the Bank on WWE SmackDown?
WWE SmackDown Superstar Big E stole the show at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view when he fought against all odds to win the MITB contract for the first time. Fans have been rooting for his championship push ever since he started his singles run on the Blue brand. The New Day member finally has a guaranteed opportunity at the world championship, and he is looking to make the most of the same.
Big E is expected to address his monumental win on WWE SmackDown tonight. He has openly targeted Roman Reigns and his Universal Championship, often citing the potential he could unlock if he ends The Tribal Chief's title reign.
As Mr. Money in the Bank, Big E could also choose to cash in his guaranteed title opportunity on Bobby Lashley and his WWE Championship. A shocking heel turn could also be in the long-term plan. It will be interesting to see how he is booked on WWE SmackDown moving forward.
He is scheduled to face Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews on this week's edition of the Blue brand at the Rolling Loud Music Festival in Miami.
#4 Will Sasha Banks return on WWE SmackDown?
Sasha Banks last appeared on WWE SmackDown shortly after losing the Women's Championship to Bianca Belair after WrestleMania. She talked about her title rematch before disappearing from the television show for over three months. Tonight, we could see her make a surprise return and restart her feud with Bianca Belair.
The WWE SmackDown Women's Championship has seen only a few superstars compete for the coveted prize. However, the truth is that the women's division of the Blue brand took a big hit following both Banks and Bayley's departure. Thus, it would be the right time to bring back Banks as long as she is medically cleared to compete inside the squared circle. Her arrival will stir up competition on WWE SmackDown.
If she doesn’t return, Bianca Belair will look for new challenges on the Blue brand. She recently defended her title against Carmella. Belair is scheduled to defend her title against the latter in a rematch from last week at the Rolling Loud Music Festival in Miami. While we don't expect the title to change hands, we could see Toni Storm make her debut on WWE SmackDown immediately after the match.
It will be exciting to see how Storm is booked on the main roster if she goes immediately after the title. Belair can also feud with Liv Morgan but the latter still needs a couple of good matches before being pushed into the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship picture.
#5 Edge seeks revenge against Seth Rollins on WWE SmackDown
Edge returned on WWE SmackDown and challenged Roman Reigns to a Universal Championship at Money in the Bank. This never sat well with Seth Rollins, who felt robbed of a deserving title opportunity. As a result, he took it upon himself to eliminate The Rated-R Superstar from the Universal Championship picture.
Rollins interfered during the Money in the Bank main event and cost Edge his match. The latter then launched an attack on Rollins, and both superstars left the arena while brawling with each other. They will look to pick up from that altercation on WWE SmackDown tonight. Rollins has taken multiple shots at Edge in the past, and he doesn't like holding back.
We could see both Rollins and Edge engage in a big feud while the Universal Champion is busy dealing with John Cena. The creative team might be inclined towards building up an intense rivalry in the weeks leading up to SummerSlam 2021.
This would be a great way to push Seth Rollins back into the Universal Championship picture and set up his eventual feud with Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown.
#6 Rey and Dominik Mysterio demand another shot at WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships
The Usos won the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Money in the Bank 2021 after defeating Rey Mysterio and Dominik. Both teams have been involved in a feud for a while. Both teams crossed paths once again during the MITB main event when Rey Mysterio and Dominik helped Edge in the main event.
The Usos wanted to interfere in the match when Edge was in complete control. However, Rey Mysterio and Dominik stopped the newly crowned champions and laid out a vicious attack.
The Usos will look to respond on WWE SmackDown tonight. The former champions would also want a title rematch against them. Their recent history guarantees an entertaining storyline that would help elevate the competition surrounding the tag team titles.
We might see their title rivalry extend on the Blue brand until SummerSlam. This could also bring John Cena and Rey Mysterio on the same side when they face Roman Reigns and his entourage on WWE SmackDown. It will be exciting to see how the creative team builds up to a title rematch at the upcoming pay-per-view.
