4 Potential Storylines for SmackDown Live next week (23 April, 2019)

Last week's Superstar Shake-up saw many top stars arrive on SmackDown. One of the biggest acquisitions in SmackDown history was none other than Roman Reigns himself. Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor, Elias, Ember Moon and Bayley were among other top stars who were drafted from Raw to SmackDown Live.

WWE's blue brand could be on the verge of a new beginning with the new arrivals. No segments or matches have been advertised for this week's show. but still WWE can provide big surprises just like the previous edition of SmackDown. With Money In The Bank fast approaching, the fans can expect some major storylines taking shape over the next few weeks.

So, here are four possible shockers WWE could be planning for the upcoming episode of SmackDown Live -

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#1 Buddy Murphy steps up to challenge the Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor

The Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor arrived on SmackDown during last week's Superstar Shake-up and defeated Ali in a fantastic match. Another superstar who arrived on SmackDown is Buddy Murphy - Murphy had a very successful run on 205 Live which was surely a large part of the reason behind his call-up.

Bálor currently has no challenger for his title, so WWE can make Murphy the first in line to face him for a title opportunity. The feud would be incredible since both have nearly the same weight and are exceptional in-ring competitors. There are other options, but this feud will do wonders for Murphy as he looks to make a mark on the main roster.

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#2 Randy Orton interrupts Elias performance

Last week on SmackDown, Vince McMahon introduced Elias as the biggest acquisition in SmackDown history before Roman Reigns arrived and attacked both of them. This has become a trend as of late - whenever Elias does his musical performance, he is typically interrupted by a major star, including the likes of John Cena, The Undertaker, and Roman Reigns.

This week on SmackDown, the trend can continue with Randy Orton interrupting Elias' performance. The Viper could hit Elias with an RKO while he is performing, before going on to announce his intention to be WWE Champion once again after winning the Money In The Bank briefcase at the eponymous pay-per-view.

#3 Vince McMahon orders Lars Sullivan to brutalize Roman Reigns

Last week, Roman Reigns was drafted to SmackDown, but soon after, The Big Dog made an enemy out of the Chairman when he executed his signature Superman Punch on McMahon. This isn't the first time Reigns has put his hands on an Authority figure, but McMahon could take immediate action by ordering the newly-acquired Lars Sullivan to brutalize Reigns.

Lars Sullivan has been attacking various superstars since his debut on the main roster - the list includes Kurt Angle, The Hardy Boyz, Rey Mysterio and R-Truth. Next week, we could witness The Freak destroying The Big Dog for putting his hands on The Boss.

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#4 Kevin Owens turns heel and attacks WWE Champion Kofi Kingston

There may be Trouble in Paradise for the WWE Champion next week (Image credit: WWE.com)

Last week, Kevin Owens hosted his talk show with his guests from the New Day, WWE Champion Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Big E is out with an injury, so Owens asked Kingston and Woods to be made an honorary member of The New Day. The duo accepted it and later on the three of them went on to defeat Cesaro, Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura in a six-man tag team action.

Owens's run as a babyface has not been a hit - he even missed WrestleMania 35. It's time to turn Owens heel again since it suits him more. So, next week on SmackDown, Owens could turn heel and attack Kingston. It might seem a bit rushed, but with Daniel Bryan out with an injury, Kofi needs a new challenger for Money In The Bank, and Owens is an established star who can have a great match with the WWE Champion at the pay-per-view.