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We're all set for another episode of WWE SmackDown that promises several exciting twists in the ongoing storylines. While the Blue brand is still familiarizing itself with the repercussions of WrestleMania, the top superstars are already gearing up for the next pay-per-view, WrestleMania Backlash. Between several exciting matches and highly-anticipated reunions, a lot can transpire on the show this week.
Here, we will take a look at the strongest possibilities that can unfold on WWE SmackDown.
#1 Seth Rollins interferes in potential Universal Championship feud between Roman Reigns and Cesaro on WWE SmackDown
On last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Cesaro confirmed that he would go after Roman Reigns and his Universal Championship. After The Tribal Chief insulted him, Cesaro demanded a match against Reigns. Instead, he had to settle for a match with Jey Uso that eventually accounted for the show's main event.
Both Cesaro and Uso were excellent in that match. The Swiss Cyborg delivered a dominant performance and came close to winning his battle against Jey Uso on WWE SmackDown. However, Seth Rollins interfered in the match and brutally assaulted Cesaro. This also allowed Uso to escape from the ring.
It appears that The Architect wants payback for the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Cesaro. This would inevitably lead to Rollins jeopardizing a potential Universal Championship feud between Cesaro and Roman Reigns. The latter would appreciate a delay in his title feud as he only likes to make the required appearance on WWE SmackDown before collecting his paycheque.
Due to Cesaro, we could also see Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins finally cross paths. Both former Shield members are heels on the Blue brand, and this might be one of the few ways the creative can have them work together on WWE SmackDown. It would be interesting to see the dynamic between the two superstars now that Reigns is also a bad guy.
As we advance, Reigns and Rollins can work as allies on WWE SmackDown for two big reasons. First, the creative can tease an exciting storyline between two superstars who share a long and decorated history. Secondly, the creative are usually skeptical about a heel vs. heel feud. However, their mutual hatred for Cesaro would make for an excellent reason to bring Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins together for a storyline.
#2 Sasha Banks gets a shot at the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship
Last week on WWE SmackDown, Sasha Banks made it clear that she is still not over her loss against Bianca Belair in their title match at WrestleMania 37. The latter won the SmackDown Women's Championship and stated that she will start a new era on the Blue brand. However, she needs to keep an eye out for Banks, who is actively seeking another opportunity to get her hands on Belair and her title.
Apart from Banks, Bayley also revealed that she wants to go after the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship. She was involved in a feud with Belair earlier this year and the two superstars are expected to engage in a title match soon. That being said, Banks continues to remain the biggest threat to Belair's maiden title run in WWE.
We will most likely see Banks challenge Belair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania Backlash. Their previous title encounter was the main event. While their match was good, their storyline didn’t have enough build-up to keep their in-ring meeting interesting. The creative will have a chance to rectify that mistake before their next pay-per-view.
#3 Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn continue their feud on WWE SmackDown
It appears that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are far from done on WWE SmackDown. The two superstars faced each other in a match last week as well. However, the match ended abruptly after Zayn refused to enter the ring. Although Owens got his win via count-out, it was not enough for him. KO then chased Zayn up the ramp and delivered a devastating Stunner.
The creative have done well in adding subtle hints to this storyline that often tease the possibility that Zayn may be right about his conspiracy theories. On the other hand, Owens has been booked as a rational friend who is willing to beat Zayn until he gives up his 'crazy ideas'. Not to forget, the real-life friendship between these two superstars helps them in portraying this feud as convincingly as it can get on WWE SmackDown.
Hopefully, the creative will add more to this storyline in order to make it intense. The product hasn't been that great following WrestleMania, but this is the kind of feud that could keep WWE SmackDown interesting for a long time. It has also given Zayn a chance to exploit his full potential on the Blue brand.
#4 Natalya and Tamina continue their quest for the Women’s Tag Team Championships on WWE SmackDown
Last week on WWE Smackdown, Natalya and Tamina got the better of the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. First, Natalya picked up a dominant victory over Baszler. Following that, Jax tried to assert her dominance but Tamina took her out with ease. The tag team champions were left in shock inside the ring.
Both Tamina and Natalya have improved a lot in their matches and have been booked well on WWE SmackDown over the last few weeks. They even won the opportunity to challenge Jax and Baszler for the tag team titles at WrestleMania but the champions prevailed. It appears that Tamina and Natalya could soon get another chance to fight for the titles.
There are several feuds revolving around the Women’s Tag Team Championships but none of them are gripping enough to keep fans interested for a long time. Given that Jax and Baszler make regular appearances on WWE SmackDown, the creative should ensure that each week is slightly different in terms of their overall booking.
#5 New challengers for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode successfully defended their WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits last week. The two teams delivered a good match but the creative should now look to involve the titles in fresh rivalries. The Alpha Academy and The Mysterios have recently emerged as interesting challengers for the titles.
Over the last few weeks, Otis and Chad Gable have targeted Rey and Dominik Mysterio. In fact, Otis has left no chance to brutalize Rey Mysterio on WWE SmackDown. It is expected that both these teams will be involved in an extended rivalry, and the creative can use a title opportunity as an important catalyst in this storyline.
Both The Alpha Academy and The Mysterios have declared their intention to climb the ladder in the WWE SmackDown Tag Team division. They should get an opportunity to challenge Ziggler and Roode for the titles sooner rather than later. Based on their current run, both teams have a good chance of beating the champions. It would undoubtedly allow the creative to explore their options with new storylines.
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