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The mid-card storyline of WWE’s Blue brand has focused majorly on the Intercontinental Championship since the WWE Draft. Shinsuke Nakamura introduced a new title as WWE replaced the old Intercontinental Title with an innovative design. However, Nakamura could not keep a hold of that Championship for long.
He lost the title to Braun Strowman, and since then the Monster has been attacked by the allies of the Japanese Superstar. During his Intercontinental Title reign, Nakamura was backed up by Sami Zayn and Cesaro. However, The Revival has joined forces with the trio and the group of five Superstars have ganged up against Strowman.
WWE’s guitarist, Elias, has teamed up with the Monster to counter Sami Zayn and his cohorts, but the duo still needs one more Superstar to balance the odds. Here are the 5 Superstars who can help them out on SmackDown.
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#5 Apollo Crews
After failing to beat Sheamus in a lopsided feud, Apollo Crews once again finds himself directionless on SmackDown. He had returned to TV for the short rivalry with the Celtic Warrior, however, given how talented he is, WWE should use him more.
Crews has proven himself as a talented in-ring performer on many occasions. He is not the best on the mic, but this role will not require him to speak much. The NXT graduate only needs to join forces with Braun Strowman and Elias in their battle against heels. He can have stellar matches with the likes of Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura during this feud.
A fantastic singles bout with either of the Superstars could help him capture the attention of the creative team, and he may then be in line for a push.
#4 Shorty G
Another underutilized SmackDown Superstar who bowed to The Celtic Warrior recently, Shorty G won the hearts of the fans with his incredible performance in the King of the Ring tournament. Although he could not win the tournament, he made a name for himself with his in-ring talent.
He later became a part of the Blue brand where he found himself in an epic rivalry between Team Hogan and Team Flair. Shorty was a part of the victorious Team Hogan at WWE Super Showdown. It seemed like the career graph of the former SmackDown Tag Team Champion would go up from there, however, he could not continue the momentum he generated in Saudi Arabia.
Since he is a natural baby-face, it is unlikely that WWE will turn him heel soon, therefore the best way WWE can use him right now is in the Intercontinental Championship feud. He could be a valuable addition to Braun Strowman’s clan.
Just like Apollo Crews, Shorty G can prove his worth inside the ring, as a decent performance can garner him some much-needed attention.
#3 Ali
During WrestleMania season last year, Ali was in the WWE Championship picture and the rumors were rife that the Cruiserweight Superstar would challenge the then WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at the Show of Shows. Unfortunately, a last-minute injury forced the company to alter its plans as Kofi Kingston stepped up and captured the WWE Title.
This year, Ali is not in the title feud, however, he is in line to return soon. Also, the Superstar has likely been sending the message of his comeback to the fans with some unique messages on SmackDown.
With this sign hinting that Ali is coming back to the ring soon, the chances that he joins Braun Strowman and Elias are very high. The Superstars need one teammate to equal the odds in their feud. Looking at the current situation on SmackDown, Ali could make his return in the Elimination Chamber match, or WWE could reveal him as the third member of Strowman’s clan.
Besides, Ali has been taking part in dark matches, which shows that WWE had been gearing up for his return. Expect him to come out to a loud pop!
#2 Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan has done nothing relevant since his blockbuster feud with The Fiend culminated at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He has been fighting with Heath Slater on SmackDown, and he once even came out to help Roman Reigns in his clash against The Miz and John Morrison.
Daniel Bryan is not in the Universal Title picture at the moment, therefore WWE should use him in the mid-card. While a feud with Sheamus could have been a good option, The Celtic Warrior has shifted his attention to the Elimination Chamber match.
Thus, there are very few alternatives available, but one option is to insert Bryan in the feud between Braun Strowman and Sami Zayn's crew. The former SmackDown General Manager is a well-established star who could bring a lot of star power to this feud.
Also, this move could lead to a dream match between Daniel Bryan and Shinsuke Nakamura, as WWE has a habit of booking singles matches featuring members of rival stables. Thus, adding Bryan to the Intercontinental Title mix would be a great idea.
#1 Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy is rumored to return to the squared circle soon. The Charismatic Enigma was spotted on SmackDown backstage, which hints that his return is imminent. While WWE could book Hardy in various storylines on SmackDown upon his return, it would be good if creative allows him to shrug off some rust by involving him in the multi-man feud.
This rivalry is not expected to last long, given that Braun Strowman is rumored to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Sheamus at WrestleMania 36. So, it is possible that WWE would soon culminate this feud with a blowoff match.
The creative team has several options in hand if they book Hardy to return as the third member of Strowman’s clan. They can either announce a six-man tag team match where Braun Strowman and Elias would be joined by a mystery partner, or they can have Hardy return to the ring, making the save for Strowman and Elias.
Either way, it would be great for the fans and Jeff Hardy if he makes a comeback as a part of this rivalry. The fans can witness some dream faceoffs like Jeff Hardy vs Shinsuke Nakamura or Hardy vs Sami Zayn.
