WWE SmackDown Preview: Roman Reigns destroys legend, 6-time champion returns, Seth Rollins pulls off a big surprise (July 2nd, 2021)

#4 Kevin Owens set to face Sami Zayn in a Last Man Standing match on WWE SmackDown

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have been involved in a brutal rivalry lately

Last week, WWE SmackDown confirmed a huge Money in the Bank qualifying match between best friends turned bitter enemies - Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Both superstars previously faced each other at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view that ended in Zayn’s victory. Following that, Owens announced that he would be taking a break from wrestling.

I fought like hell.Now, I need a little break.I’ll be back soon.Thank you, guys.
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) June 21, 2021

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Thus, it was quite shocking to see him booked for a match on WWE SmackDown tonight. In another twist, this is also the only Money in the Bank qualifier match so far that has the Last Man Standing stipulation involved. Therefore, WWE can also use this match to write off one superstar and remove him from the television for a while.

If you’ve paid any attention to my career, you know that I can’t stay away for very long, especially when I get a chance like this.You also know what I do in this kind of match. You already know this is going to be must-see...And against him on top of it?Don’t miss it. https://t.co/pmmg54tijV
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) June 26, 2021

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Backstage reports suggested that Kevin Owens had only asked for two weeks off and was scheduled for a return on WWE SmackDown tonight. However, there is a higher chance for him to lose the match and disappear temporarily after tonight. Meanwhile, Zayn’s addition to the MITB ladder match will help balance the equation a bit as four babyface superstars have already qualified for the bout.

About the author

Shruti Sadbhav is a WWE writer at Sportskeeda Wrestling. With a triple major in Journalism, English Literature, and Psychology, she has always been drawn to writing. As an avid sports lover, writing about sports was the finest way to combine her passion with her prowess.

Whenever she writes, Shruti puts herself into the shoes of fans to see how she would appreciate an honest account of anything related to something she follows wholeheartedly with engaging and relevant information to cater to the readers' needs.

Shruti has seven years of experience. She previously worked as a content manager at Fox Sports Asia and as an assistant manager and digital marketer at Kickstart FC. Shruti previously worked in multiple roles in Sportskeeda, where she was a WWE features writer, editor, and content manager. She has over 40 million+ reads across all her writer profiles, giving her an immensely diverse audience across WWE and football.

When it comes to pro wrestling, Shruti does not particularly remember the first match she watched. However, she recalls accompanying her brother and getting hooked when she saw The Undertaker – a fascinating wrestler that she, like thousands of others, believed in.
Her views on pro wrestling evolved as she grew older and understood the intricacies of the business. This allows her to appreciate those who dedicate themselves to the craft and, once in a while, it does become what it has always been touted to be – magical. Her favorite wrestler is Finn Balor due to his persistence.

When she is not working as a writer, Shruti loves to read, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and let Manchester City dictate her weekend plans.

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Edited by Kaushik Das