As a wrestling journalist who's struggling to keep up with all that is happening in the world of wrestling, I have to raise my glass to the men and women of WWE considering just how grueling their schedules are, honestly. Not only did they just put on quite a show for their Saudi Arabian fans, but they will now fly halfway around the world for WWE SmackDown.
And this is not going to be any ordinary SmackDown on FOX show. This is a vital episode of the Blue brand on the road to WrestleMania.
So, with that said I present 5 surprises that could potentially happen on the show that could change the landscape of not only the brand but WWE programming overall, to be quite honest. As always, feel free to chime in, in the section below and share your thoughts and views with me.
So, with that said, here are 5 surprises that could happen on WWE SmackDown.
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#5 The Fiend attacks John Cena
All the outrage in the world that exists after Goldberg defeated The Fiend could soon be forgotten when John Cena is attacked by Bray Wyatt during his next SmackDown appearance. There are credible rumors that suggest that this will be the route that the company will take. It is certainly a much more intriguing match than a future clash with the immortal Hulk Hogan.
This is Cena's opportunity to wrong all the rights and give The Fiend a chance to shine at WrestleMania. The feud could start with a skit in the Firefly Fun House but it could move on to something a lot more intriguing and personal as the weeks pass.
Cena can still go and will be a much better opponent for The Fiend than Goldberg was.
#4 Goldberg is confronted by Roman Reigns
A lot of people believe that Goldberg became the WWE Universal Champion in the manner that he did because his next opponent will be someone he's wanted to face quite publicly. Roman Reigns and Goldberg are both known for their devastating spears and a clash between the two men will be one for the ages.
I will not be surprised if Goldberg is celebrating his big win in the middle of the ring when he is suddenly confronted by Reigns out of the blue to set up a challenge. Reigns defeated King Corbin in what was a very power-packed steel cage match and he actually has a reason to demand a title shot from the Universal Champion.
While both men may be babyfaces once they square off, the audience is more than likely to turn Goldberg heel during the course of the match. The only reason why he may have defeated The Fiend is so that Roman Reigns gets cheered when he pins Goldberg at WrestleMania this year.
#3 Sheamus enters the Intercontinental Championship picture
Sheamus was recently in conversation with Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda and you can check out what he had to say to him, in the video that's been linked here. Sheamus has been portrayed as a bulletproof star ever since he's been brought back to SmackDown, and he's defeated superstars like Shorty G and Apollo Crews easily.
One wonders if he will get into a Championship feud with WWE Intercontinental Champion Braun Strowman anytime soon because Sheamus has been very public about wanting to win the title. The two men are believable opponents for one another and could have quite the clash at WrestleMania too.
Even though Cesaro probably gets a lot more screen time than Sheamus does these days, it is clear as day who the bigger star is among the two men on SmackDown right now. Sheamus has been protected and made to look like a force of nature.
One wonders if the reason why he's been protected is to take Strowman on in a believable manner. Imagine the two men facing off this week.
#2 Sasha Banks returns to turn face
Bayley is still the SmackDown Women's Champion after taking on Naomi in a historic match in Saudi Arabia and it is clear as day that the rivalry is now done. After all, Bayley has won the match fair and square and unless a multi-woman match is in the works, the feud is done and dusted for now. So, who does Bayley face at WrestleMania?
Ever since the two women made magic in NXT and put the women's division on the map, fans have wanted a Sasha Banks vs. Bayley match to take place at WrestleMania. Imagine Bayley celebrating her victory in the ring, but then she is interrupted by the arrival of her best friend- Banks returning after a hiatus. The two women embrace in the middle of the ring, but Banks says that she wants a title shot.
This could escalate on a weekly basis as we approach WrestleMania, leading to a point where Bayley turns on Banks to set up the big match for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
#1 Sonya Deville is revealed as the person who sent the text
So, let's review the facts here, folks. Someone sent Otis a text saying that Mandy Rose was running late, as a result of which Otis arrived late and Dolph Ziggler could move in and go on his Valentine's Day date with God's Greatest Creation.
Now, Sonya Deville went on to say that Ziggler was more Mandy's type anyway as compared to Otis and one wonders if it was her that sent the text to Rose. This could be a great way to have the two women enter into a feud.
Sonya has become an afterthought anyway since this storyline began, and I do honestly believe that for her to turn heel would benefit her right now. Fire and Desire is no longer a thing because the Tag Team titles are on RAW, and Asuka is doing her own thing in the Elimination Chamber anyway.
So, all of this could be leading to a Sonya Deville heel turn. And I'm very much on board for it.