5 predictions for SmackDown Live - July 3, 2018

The July 3rd episode of SmackDown Live takes place at Century Link Center in Omaha, NE. With Extreme Rules less than two weeks away, WWE is making a concerted effort to make the event a grand success.

The road to the PPV goes through the blue brand, and with a stacked up roster, the dynamics of SmackDown Live are driving as ever. Last week saw Kane making his return with Team Hell No getting back together.

This Tuesday, AJ Styles returns to action against Aiden English, and Jeff Hardy throws yet another open challenge celebrating America one day early.

Here are five predictions that will shake things up on SmackDown Live.

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#5 Becky's winning run continues

Becky "Balboa"

After a long time, Becky Lynch seems to have found her mojo back after a series of wins against Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Though she came up just short in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, The Irish Lass Kicker bounced back with a win over Billie Kay two weeks ago.

Lynch faces yet another challenge in the name of Peyton Royce. The IIconics were arguably the most "over" women wrestlers when they made their main roster debut three months ago. The WWE Universe seems to have forgotten about their push and so have the Creative.

With the kind of momentum Becky Lynch is currently on, there is no surprise that she would cruise past Royce. A championship opportunity doesn't seem too far away.

#4 Hardy's title reign in trouble

Young answered Hardy's open challenge.

Jeff Hardy threw an open challenge last week which was heartily accepted by Eric Young. The two put on a valiant effort, but the match got abruptly ended when Usos and SAnitY interfered.

Tonight, on the eve of America’s birthday, "The Charismatic Enigma" issues an Independence Day United States Championship Open Challenge. A plethora of wrestlers like Samoa Joe, The Miz, Andrade "Cien" Almas, or even Killian Dain can come out to face the champion.

Constantly battling injuries, Hardy might not be the suitable man to carry the belt for a long time. Thus, a surprise championship change might not be the most shocking decision WWE can make.

#3 Another loss for Asuka

Will Ellsworth defeat Asuka?

James Ellsworth is back. At Money in the Bank PPV, the "chinless" superstar helped Carmella retain her SmackDown Women's Championship against Asuka. Last week, Paige made the match for him to take on Asuka scheduled for this week.

Since Charlotte broke her undefeated streak, Asuka has been on a losing streak (well kind of), and Carmella will do anything to make sure Ellsworth comes out of the match as the victor.

Is Ellsworth ready for Asuka? We'll see.

#2 New challengers for Tag team titles

Team Hell No is back!

Kane made his triumphant comeback in aid of Daniel Bryan in what was considered the moment of the evening. Team Hell No seems to be back together and are straight headed for the SmackDown Tag team championship.

SmackDown General Manager Paige has scheduled Team Hell No to face The Bludgeon Brothers for the tag titles at Extreme Rules.

Come this Tuesday, Kane-Bryan will kick off SmackDown Live, and the WWE Universe is expecting a huge showdown between the two teams. There is a high possibility that an impromptu match between Kane and Erick Rowan is also scheduled for the night.

#1 Styles beats down Rusev

The Champion and Challenger coming face to face.

Two weeks ago, Rusev won the 5 man gauntlet match to become the Number 1 contender for AJ Styles' WWE Championship. After the match, AJ came out to confront the challenger. He then smacked Aiden English across the face when the latter pulled his hand away from a handshake.

Tonight Styles goes one on one against English in what might likely be a one-sided contest. The more important issue is how do the two respond when they come face to face for the second time.

Turning Styles heel at this point may be the next step going forward, and him giving Rusev a lethal beat-down would be the perfect way to build a budding rivalry.