We are just two weeks away from WrestleMania 35, and the exhilaration is sky-high. The WWE Universe is eagerly waiting for the biggest wrestling event of the year. Considering only two episodes are left for RAW and SmackDown before Mania, WWE will be aiming to give a final touch before the Show of Shows.
SmackDown has been offering remarkable episodes in the last few weeks, and it is likely to continue this week. Kofi Kingston gave a jaw-dropping performance in the Gauntlet match last week as he defeated five superstars of the blue brand. However, Vince McMahon tricked Kingston, as Daniel Bryan dashed his WrestleMania dream.
Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch appeared on SmackDown Live as they skipped RAW last week. The two former best friends had a massive brawl after they appeared on Kevin Owens' Show.
The Miz also cut one of the best promos in recent memory when he answered the challenge of Shane McMahon. The A-Lister is equally impressive as a face.
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Some unforeseen surprises might take place on SmackDown Live. Here we discuss four shockers WWE could be planning on SmackDown Live this week (26 March 2019).
#4 AJ Styles and Randy Orton might have a brawl
There is no denying that the feud between AJ Styles and Randy Orton has garnered plenty of attention from the WWE Universe. The two veterans of the squared circle are set to lock horns at the Grandest Stage of Them All. Orton and Styles will fight to prove their supremacy in the blue brand.
It is definitely one of the most exciting non-title matches of WrestleMania 35. Orton participated in the Gauntlet match last week where Kofi Kingston pinned the former WWE Champion. However, Styles did not have any in-ring action last week, but he took a dig at Randy Orton in a backstage segment.
Following the loss in the Gauntlet match, Styles might taunt Orton on SmackDown Live this week. Styles may brag about pinning Kingston in the Gauntlet match which took place on SmackDown Live last month.
Considering the two men have been exchanging words in the last few weeks, they might put their hands on each other this week. We might see a gigantic brawl between the two former WWE Champions, which could fuel the rivalry.
#3 Andrade might demand an opportunity
The US Title match is confirmed for the Showcase of Immortals as the former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio will take on Samoa Joe. The bout was confirmed by Rey Mysterio last week, but he did not earn the right to be the number one challenger. Hence, we might see a twist in this storyline.
Samoa Joe won the US Title on the SmackDown Live before Fastlane as he defeated Andrade, Rey Mysterio, and R-Truth in a fatal-4 way match. Moreover, he put the title on the line against the same opponents at Fastlane, and he defended the belt successfully.
Considering the storyline has revolved around the four men in the last few weeks, Rey Mysterio did not earn the license to challenge Samoa Joe, but he announced it on SmackDown Live.
Andrade might confront Rey Mysterio this week, and they could tussle on SmackDown Live. The US Championship match might remain one-on-one if Rey Mysterio beats Andrade, but it could become a triple threat match in New Jersey if Andrade pins Rey Mysterio.
#2 Nikki Cross could win the fatal 4-way match after replacing Naomi or Carmella
WWE announced a women's fatal-4 way match to determine the number one contender for Asuka's championship at the Showcase of Immortals. Carmella, Naomi, Mandy Rose, and Sonya Deville are set to tussle each other on SmackDown Live, and every woman will fight for herself to earn an opportunity to headline WM 35.
With two weeks left for the Show of Shows, the SmackDown Women's Champion, Asuka, still does not have an opponent in New Jersey, but she will get a new rival this week.
Since Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch got involved in the Raw Women's Championship match, it left a void in the SmackDown women's division. It is no secret that Asuka does not have a credible opponent of her caliber for the Show of Shows. The Empress of Tomorrow has fought Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville in the last few weeks.
Vince McMahon's billion dollar company might shock the WWE Universe by trading Nikki Cross to SmackDown Live. Cross has been part of the red brand, but WWE failed to utilize her talent as the RAW Women's Championship match has been the primary focus of the flagship Show. Cross might enter the fatal 4-way match after assaulting Carmella or Naomi backstage.
Nikki Cross and Asuka have a long history from NXT, and she could be an ideal opponent for the SmackDown Women's Champion at the Showcase of Immortals. Moreover, WWE posted a video of Nikki Cross last week where she was gazing at the WrestleMania sign. Cross also stated that she is free. It suggests that Nikki Cross might be heading to WrestleMania in April.
#1 Kofi Kingston might get another chance to challenge Daniel Bryan after New Day threatens to quit WWE
It is no secret that Vince McMahon's billion dollar company is building Kofi Kingston to be the ultimate challenger of WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at the Showcase of Immortals. Nevertheless, Kingston's journey for the road to WrestleMania has been spectacular and the New Day member has garnered the sympathy of the WWE Universe. Considering Kingston has been able to cross many obstacles, he might need to cross another hurdle this week.
Kingston was scheduled to face five superstars in a Gauntlet match last week. Surprisingly, Kingston defeated five men in the Gauntlet match, and it was undoubtedly one of the best performances in the history of SmackDown Live. However, Kingston was punished again as Daniel Bryan pinned Kingston to crash his Mania dream.
The three New Day members had a backstage segment after SmackDown Live went off the air last week. Big E and Xavier Woods were talking about leaving Vince McMahon's billion dollar company after the chairman threw another barrier in Kingston's path. Though Kington did not agree with the other two New Day members, we might see the storyline on SmackDown Live next week.