WWE SmackDown Live Preview- 23 Oct, 2018

It is easy to forget that we still have two hours of main roster wrestling to go this week, considering what transpired on RAW. SmackDown Live will attempt to build to Evolution and Crown Jewel, in less than twenty-four hours from now. In this article, I shall give you a preview of what could transpire on the show, this week. As always, chime in with your comments.

RAW was a loaded show and I'm sure SmackDown Live will want to keep the momentum going. Some segments have already been announced for the show, and they seem like a real treat for fans. I wonder what other surprises SmackDown Live may have for the WWE Universe, this week.

Here is your weekly preview, readers. Let's connect again following SmackDown Live for a 'Best and Worst' analysis.

Here is your official trailer, before the show commences!

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#5 Randy Orton's next victim revealed?

Could Rey Mysterio be next on Randy Orton's list?

So, we saw Randy Orton with Evolution last week, looking all dapper in formal attire. However, that is not the Randy Orton we've been seeing over the past few weeks. Orton has seemed almost unhinged and malicious going after the favourites of the WWE Universe. Be it, Jeff Hardy or Tye Dillinger, everyone's felt his wrath.

I think it makes all the sense in the world that he might decide to target Rey Mysterio next. Mysterio is supposed to make a special appearance for Miz TV after qualifying for the WWE World Cup on SmackDown 1000. The Miz is also one of the competitors in the tournament.

I think it makes all the sense in the world that Orton will try and take Rey Mysterio out, ahead of the tournament, to create some real heat. Who knows what devious tricks he will have up his sleeve?

#4 A return from WWE legends

Could we see many WWE legends return to take Mandy Rose out?

So, Mandy Rose and Naomi got into a heated war of words on social media leading to their match. Mandy Rose suggested that the legends returning for evolution do not deserve her respect. Naomi was quick to take exception and challenge Mandy Rose to a match. I just wonder if this match is the setup for something bigger.

Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Maria Kanellis and Ivory were some of the women that Mandy Rose seemed to instigate with her incendiary comments. I can very well imagine one or more of these women returning for the show, to build some heat before Evolution, by tossing Mandy Rose out of the ring.

As good as RAW was, I don't think it advanced any interest in a storyline for Evolution. It was yet another show about The Shield, this week.

#3 A match that's become very personal indeed

Much like The Shield, Rusev Day is no more either

I daresay that at the height of their popularity, Rusev Day was just as popular as The Shield. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and Aiden English turned on Rusev, to set up an angle. The feud is finally coming to pass on SmackDown Live. Rusev and Aiden English will battle it out in a singles match, with massive implications for the immediate future.

Whoever wins this feud can climb the ladder and reach the next step in the WWE hierarchy. Rusev will finally be working as a babyface with Lana by his side. English will play a complete heel, and not a comedy heel like he's previously been.

Could we see the ultimate heel turn from Lana? After all, it's been the week for heel turns.

Funnily, this match will take place on Rusev Day!

#2 Last woman standing

How will these women take their feud to the next level?

If Becky Lynch did not manage to convince the WWE brass last week, then nothing will. Put her in a segment with a beloved WWE Hall of Famer like Edge and the crowd will still cheer her on. This pretty much indicates that WWE needs to pull a double turn off ahead of their match at Evolution.

Many fans have said that this is the match they want to see close the show. Not a match with returning legends in a meaningless battle royal. Not even the match with Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella battling it out for the top prize in the RAW Women's Division.

I really wonder if WWE will pull the plug and actually execute the double turn. The feud would feel more organic if WWE Creative actually allowed Becky Lynch to be cheered.

#1 AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan come to blows?

Could we witness the heel turn none of us really want to see?

The fact of the matter is that WWE never really books heel vs. heel programs anymore, these days. Therefore, I wonder if there's even a remote possibility that AJ Styles could turn heel. And this makes sense because Styles and Bryan are teaming up again to take The Usos on. We're going to see a repeat of the events that transpired at SmackDown 1000.

I think that this is the perfect stage for Styles to show that the feud with Samoa Joe has changed him completely. He has tapped into his dark side and is a very different person now. And he could take his ire out on Daniel Bryan.

This could build interest ahead of the match at Crown Jewel, next week. Somehow, this is a program that has fallen by the wayside, because of other compelling feuds.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.