5 possible opponents for Andrade "Cien" Almas on his SmackDown Live debut

It has been confirmed that Andrade “Cien” Almas will make his long-awaited WWE SmackDown Live debut on next week’s episode.

The former NXT champion has only been involved in video packages, along with business manager Zelina Vega, since he was announced as a new member of the blue brand’s roster in April, and he will face an as-yet-unnamed opponent on Tuesday in London.

So, will WWE give him an easy start so the uninitiated fans get an idea of what to expect from “El Idolo”? Or will they propel him straight to the top of the card on his very first appearance?

In this article, let’s take a look at five possible opponents who he could face on his SmackDown debut.

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#5 Tye Dillinger

Tye Dillinger has been used sparingly on SmackDown Live

If WWE wants Andrade “Cien” Almas to get his main-roster career off to a comfortable winning start, then Tye Dillinger would be a suitable opponent for his SmackDown Live debut.

“The Perfect Ten” is almost certain to receive a good reception from what is sure to be a raucous London crowd next week, so why not capitalize on that by making it clear right from the start that “El Idolo” is a nasty heel who enjoys nothing more than defeating the fan favorites?

Dillinger has lost several singles matches to high-profile heels during his first year on the main roster, including against Jinder Mahal and Baron Corbin, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him placed in a similar role against Almas.

#4 Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy retained his United States title against Randy Orton at Backlash

Andrade “Cien” Almas was first rumored to be heading to the main roster in April 2017 (even before he was accompanied by Zelina Vega), so it’s safe to say that the WWE’s decision-makers will be even keener on his much-improved character now than they were a year ago.

Since then, he has cemented his status as one of the top heels in all of WWE, particularly during his NXT Championship feud with Johnny Gargano, and he wouldn’t look out of place holding a title on the main roster.

Jeff Hardy is without an obvious challenger for his United States Championship after defeating Randy Orton at Backlash, so perhaps Almas could get an immediate opportunity at the title on his debut.

#3 Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan was victorious against Big Cass at Backlash

If WWE wants to position Andrade “Cien” Almas at the top of the SmackDown Live card straight away, then there would be no better first match for the former NXT champion than against Daniel Bryan.

“The Leader of the Yes Movement” is currently without an opponent after he defeated Big Cass at Backlash and lost to Rusev in a Money In The Bank qualifier, so (assuming the Cass rivalry is over and the inevitable Miz match is on hold) he’s in need of a fresh Superstar to work with.

D-Bry will be massively popular when he competes in the UK for the first time in three years, so the villainous Almas would be solidified as one of the biggest heels on SmackDown if he faces – and potentially defeats – the former World Heavyweight champion on his debut.

#2 Swerve! He doesn’t debut

Zelina Vega does a lot of Andrade "Cien" Almas' talking for him

When a big star from NXT joins the main roster, it’s only natural that Raw and SmackDown Live audiences instantly want to cheer for them, even if they’re a heel.

We’ve seen it on multiple occasions in the past with the likes of Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe and Bobby Roode, but it would be a mistake for WWE to allow fans to cheer Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega – two incredible heels – for too long.

It’s interesting that this week’s announcement about Almas making his debut in London didn’t mention who his opponent will be.

If WWE really wants to turn those inevitable cheers into instant jeers, then perhaps they could have Vega cut a heel promo saying her client is refusing to compete in the UK and he will debut at a later date.

#1 Pete Dunne

Pete Dunne is the United Kingdom champion

With another United Kingdom Championship tournament taking place on the WWE Network in June, WWE will almost certainly make good use of their UK talent next week by having the likes of Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate (if he’s medically cleared) appear on either of the main-roster shows in London.

It has already been confirmed that there will be a battle between the UK stars and cruiserweight stars on the next episode of 205 Live, but there’s still a chance that, much like six months ago, they could also appear on Raw or SmackDown Live.

If that happens, there would be nobody more popular in the arena than UK champion Dunne, which would make SmackDown’s next top heel, Andrade “Cien” Almas, the perfect opponent.