WWE SmackDown Preview: Goldberg finds WrestleMania 36 opponent, 16-time World Champion to return and face The Fiend? (February 28, 2020)

We are set for the first episode of SmackDown after WWE Super ShowDown that caused a lot of controversy in its main event. At the recently concluded pay-per-view, three titles from the Blue brand were on the line and only one of them was successfully defended.

The Fiend lost his Universal Championship to Goldberg and the New Day lost their Tag Team Championships to The Miz and John Morrison. On the other hand, Bayley managed to retain her title against Naomi in a historic match. We should see all the champions appear on the show tonight and it will be interesting to see what’s lined up for them.

Additionally, we might see new rivalries unfold as we head closer to WrestleMania. To top it all, one of the biggest Superstars in the history of sports entertainment is set to return to WWE, John Cena.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at things that can unfold on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.

---

#5 Goldberg as the Universal Champion

What's next for Goldberg?

Goldberg shocked the world when he defeated The Fiend to become the Universal Champion for the second time at Super ShowDown. The result was controversial as some fans saw the WWE Hall of Famer standing tall next to the company’s best creationin recent times as a squash, after having picked a clean victory.

The Fiend, who had an impressive winning streak until one day ago, came up short in his match against Goldberg in the main event of the PPV. It’s uncertain whether he will get an opportunity for a rematch. Meanwhile, the recent reports have led to the speculation that it is Roman Reigns who will challenge Goldberg for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36.

If that is true, one can make an attempt to understand why the creatives decided to take such a huge risk and with The Fiend. Maybe they knew that the crowd won’t get behind the ‘Big Dog’ if the latter feuded with Wyatt. Hence, they tried to set him up against a part-timer that’s even more disliked by the hardcore fans. It will lead to a spear vs spear match at the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’ and right now, it will be interesting to see how this feud initiates on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.

#4 John Cena returns to SmackDown

A WrestleMania feud on the cards?

On the Road to WrestleMania, it’s common for us to see the biggest names of the industry making their much-anticipated return to the WWE television. One such name is John Cena who will be appearing on this week’s SmackDown. The Champ’s last WWE appearance came all the way back in July, last year.

Cena had appeared on the RAW Reunion episode when he participated in a Rap battle with The Usos. Earlier, there were rumors which suggested that he will be facing The Fiend at WrestleMania 36 but the latter lost his title to Goldberg in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Although that would have given Cena a chance to become a 17-time Champion, it doesn’t look like he will be involved in a title feud this year.

There’s still a high chance that he will face The Fiend at the Grandest Stage of Them All. The Fiend has a reputation of changing something in his opponents after they suffer a defeat against him. In this case, his victory over Cena will push the latter to his dark side which will be convenient considering the fact that he is playing the role of a bad guy in the next Fast and Furious movie. As for The Fiend, a win over Cena at WrestleMania might make up slightly for his unfortunate loss against Goldberg.

#3 The and John Morrison return as the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions

Make way for the new champions!

At Super ShowDown, the team of Miz and John Morrison defeated Kofi Kingston and Big E to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions. They did not pick a clean victory as Morrison hit Kingston with a chair when the official wasn’t looking. Following that, Miz quickly took advantage of the situation and pinned the New Day member to win the tag team titles for the first time in eleven years.

Tonight, they will make their first appearance on the blue brand as the champions. It will be fair to assume that the New Day will demand a title rematch owing to the devious method used to win in the previous one. Hence, we might see these two teams engage in a feud and meet once again at the Elimination Chamber.

Miz and Morrison will be welcomed by the WWE Universe as a much-required change in the tag team division of the Blue brand. There can be several good storylines involving the champions and the likes of the New Day, the Revival, the Heavy Machinery, and The Usos. Hopefully, the creatives will use this opportunity to create engaging feuds in the tag team division.

#2 What’s next for Bayley?

This feud has success written all over it

The SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley made history at Super ShowDown 2020 when she became the first female wrestler to defend her title in Saudi Arabia. Following that achievement, the top star of the Blue brand will now turn her attention towards her WrestleMania opponent. Although nothing has been fixed, for now, it is quite possible for Bayley to face Sasha Banks at the Grandest Stage of Them All.

The two best friends have proven that they can tear the house down but Banks’ absence due to an injury reportedly delayed the feud. One way in which it could be done is by having Bayley defend her title again at Elimination Chamber. After she successfully retains her title there, Banks can turn on her or the other way around and the two can set the tone for their match at WrestleMania.

Bayley is now the longest-reigning (combined) SmackDown Women’s Champion. However, her title reign has been underwhelming with no memorable feuds. WWE must book her against Banks as soon as possible in order to script a rivalry that will eventually elevate the Women’s division of the Blue brand.

#1 Braun Strowman finds a new challenger?

Who would be the next to 'Get These Hands'?

Braun Strowman got his hands on his first-ever Single’s title in WWE history after he won the Intercontinental Championship. We have seen him being engaged in a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura ever since. That storyline has also kept the likes of Sami Zayn and Cesaro involved in good segments but is it going to lead to a title match?

Strowman also needs a WrestleMania opponent and it is high time for the creatives to start building up a feud involving the ‘Monster Among Men’. Against Nakamura, Strowman is often outnumbered but he recently found an ally in Elias. We can hope to see all these talented Superstars engage in interesting segments in the coming weeks. It is important that the creative fish out a new challenger for the 'Monster Among Men' because he deserves to be involved in good, compelling feuds.

This will be the first WWE show after Super ShowDown which generated a lot of negative responses from the fans. It will be interesting to see how WWE will manage to justify the events of the PPV on this week’s SmackDown. Stay tuned for more details.

---