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We are all set for this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown. The blue brand has multiple big matches planned for the episode, including a title bout.
We might also see a few confrontations and altercations to help build up the biggest storylines on the road to WrestleMania. But before that, the top WWE Superstars will look to gain momentum ahead of their big matches scheduled to take place at Elimination Chamber 2022.
Here, we look at things that might transpire on WWE SmackDown moving forward. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#5 Roman Reigns reacts to Goldberg’s title challenge on WWE SmackDown
Last week on WWE SmackDown, we saw Roman Reigns reunite with Paul Heyman. The latter has returned to his role as special counsel after betraying Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble and is now determined to serve his Tribal Chief with utmost loyalty. Their mini celebration on the show was interrupted by a returning legend.
Goldberg made a surprise appearance and declared himself as Reigns’ next title challenger. He acknowledged the Universal Champion as his next victim. The two superstars will face each other for the title at Elimination Chamber. The creative team will look to book Goldberg and Roman Reigns in an intense build-up starting tonight.
We might see both superstars engage in a brawl on WWE SmackDown this week. This match has been in the making for two years. The last time they were scheduled to compete was at WrestleMania 36.
However, Reigns had to take time off as a precaution against COVID-19, and he returned a few months later to kickstart his historic run as a top heel in the company.
Now, Roman Reigns will look to settle their feud once and for all. Multiple reports have suggested that this could be the Hall of Famer's last match, and if that is the case, the writers will look to make the most of his limited appearances before Elimination Chamber.
Even a brief altercation with a couple of Spears will also set the tone for their upcoming match.
We don’t expect Reigns vs. Goldberg to face each other in a lengthy match at the event in Saudi Arabia. Thus, it is essential that the creative team work on creating an entertaining series of events.
It would be disappointing if the two megastars are involved in underwhelming storytelling on SmackDown on the road to WrestleMania.
#4 Naomi gets her shot at the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship
Former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi has a shot at regaining the title tonight. She is set to challenge Charlotte Flair for the championship this week.
A title change would change the course of one of the biggest feuds ahead of WrestleMania 38. However, it seems highly unlikely for Naomi to dethrone The Queen, especially when Sonya Deville has done everything in her power to keep her nemesis from progressing on the blue brand.
In fact, Naomi got this match only because Deville didn’t want to face her this week. The two-time champion might not win the title tonight, and authority figure Sonya Deville is likely to be responsible. This would add more intensity to their next match, ultimately putting an end to their long-term feud.
As for Flair, a successful title defense might still not give her enough time to celebrate as she has a looming threat from Royal Rumble winner Ronda Rousey. The latter won’t miss an opportunity to make a strong statement ahead of challenging her for the title at WrestleMania.
#3 The Viking Raiders extend their title feud with The Usos
The Viking Raiders are set to challenge The Usos for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Elimination Chamber. The championship contenders have a huge task at hand, considering the dominant run of the Bloodline members. Last week, we saw Jimmy Uso beat Erik in a singles match.
Tonight, we might see their respective tag team partners step inside the squared circle intending to pick up a big victory and gain momentum ahead of their title clash.
The Viking Raiders defeated top teams on the blue brand to win their championship opportunity. Even if they are not the ones who dethrone The Usos, they deserve to be booked well to help add credibility to the brand’s tag team division.
#2 Drew McIntyre continues his hunt on WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown Superstar Drew McIntyre is currently involved in a feud with Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. The Scottish Warrior has made it clear that he is not done with the duo and is determined to destroy them one by one.
McIntyre is scheduled to take on Moss at Elimination Chamber next week and will look to continue his dominance in the storyline moving forward.
It has been reported that he is working through injuries. Thus, we might not see him compete in a match on the show this week. The reports further claim McIntyre will continue his feud with Corbin to set up their match at WrestleMania 38 before finally turning his attention towards Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
#1 Natalya seeks revenge for recent humiliation on WWE SmackDown
Natalya hasn’t enjoyed the best run on WWE SmackDown recently. She was “humiliated” when Aliyah defeated her in 3:17 seconds to record the fastest win in WWE history. Aliyah has two more victories over the Canadian star, including a DQ win and a count-out win.
An adamant Natalya demanded that she be given a match against the budding superstar in a “Dungeon Style” match that would see a winner only via pinfall or submission.
It is worth noting that Xia Li also has her eyes on The Queen of Harts. If Natalya’s feud with Aliyah ends tonight, then it would be Li who will go after the veteran once again.
Meanwhile, Aliyah has a huge opportunity to establish herself as a credible threat in the women’s division with tonight’s bout, and she will look to make the most of the spotlight.
