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The final SmackDown Live before Money in the Bank was expected to be good, and the blue brand delivered an entertaining episode. The show had some great segments with impressive matches.
Roman Reigns skipped SmackDown Live last week, but he was present this week. The Big Dog participated in a 4-on-3 Handicap Match with The Usos. The team of Shane McMahon, Daniel Bryan, Erick Rowan, and Elias won the Handicap Match.
The Men's Money in the Bank ladder match participants from the blue brand competed in a fatal 4-way match which was won by Andrade. Asuka and Kairi Sane continued their winning streak after beating Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Following a double contract signing on RAW, Becky Lynch skipped SmackDown Live, but Lacey Evans delivered a fierce backstage promo.
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It was a strong edition of the blue brand. Here we discuss three things WWE secretly told us this week.
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
#3 The Kabuki Warriors could face The IIconics at Money in the Bank
A new match got confirmed this week as The Usos are set to lock horns with the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Erick Rowan and Daniel Bryan at Money in the Bank. A large number of fans expected the Women's Tag Team match to get finalized this week, but the company did not make a final announcement. Considering the storyline of the Women's Tag Team Championship in the last few weeks, the team of Asuka and Kairi Sane could face The IIconics at Money in the Bank and WWE might confirm it on social media.
The Japanese duo is now called the Kabuki Warriors. Kairi Sane made her main roster debut on the RAW after WrestleMania. As a matter of fact, Sane pinned Peyton Royce in her debut bout, and the rivalry has developed in the last couple of weeks.
The IIconics won the twin belts at the Showcase of Immortals, but it has not been a fruitful reign for the champions. Judging by the momentum of Asuka and Sane, they can win the tag team belts if the match takes place at XL Center.
#2 Sami Zayn might help Kevin Owens
The WWE Championship storyline has garnered the attention of the WWE Universe. After overcoming the insurmountable task of winning the WWE Championship at the Show of Shows, Kofi Kingston has been a great champion. The New Day member is scheduled to face Kevin Owens on Sunday. Kevin Owens joined the New Day, but the former Universal Champion turned on Kingston within one week.
There is no denying that Owens is an impressive heel and he has made the rivalry exciting. Kingston has Xavier Woods as his backup. Owens also brought Sami Zayn on SmackDown Live, in accordance with the Wild Card Rule. Zayn showed up on SmackDown Live last week as well when the former NXT Champion fought in a triple threat match, also involving Kingston and AJ Styles.
Zayn will take part in the Men's Money in the Bank match, and it will be interesting to see if he walks out with the briefcase. Considering Zayn and Owens joined hands to assault Kingston this week, we might see them form an alliance during the match. Owens could win the most coveted prize of the blue brand with the help of his ally.
#1 Roman Reigns will appear on RAW and SmackDown Live regularly
Roman Reigns appeared on RAW, but he was absent from the blue brand last week. Since SmackDown Live is his show after the Superstar Shake-Up, it was an unusual sight for the fans. However, the scenario was different this week as the Big Dog showed up on both RAW and SmackDown Live.
The former Universal Champion was billed as the biggest acquisition in the history of the blue brand; his departure was a big blow for the flagship show, RAW, and the red brand has certainly missed his presence, evident in substandard ratings in recent weeks.
The introduction of the Wild Card Rule has opened a new path for the Big Dog. Considering the episodes of the last two weeks, Reigns will benefit greatly from the Wild Card Rule, and WWE will use that to spike ratings. Since Reigns is currently the biggest full-time Superstar of Vince McMahon's billion dollar company, we will see the Big Dog on RAW and SmackDown Live virtually every week.
