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The latest episode of WWE SmackDown was a fantastic two-hours of wrestling television, with things slowly yet intriguingly progressing towards WrestleMania 37. The show featured Bianca Belair and Edge talking about their prospective opponents for the pay-per-view.
On the other hand, Big E defended his IC title against Sami Zayn and Apollo Crews in a triple threat match. Apart from that, Cesaro and Daniel Bryan went one-on-one once again this week.
That said, let's look at all the developments from this week's WWE SmackDown. Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.
#5 Edge shows up on WWE SmackDown, possibly heading towards a clash for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37
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In the opening segment of this week's WWE SmackDown, Universal Champion Roman Reigns, accompanied by Jey Uso and Paul Heyman, was quick to call out Royal Rumble 2021 winner, Edge. Saying The Rated-R Superstar should fall on his feet begging for the match, The Tribal Chief came across as smug, entitled, and someone you would want to punch on the face.
Heyman ordered for Edge's pyro and music to be hit but was told he hadn't shown up on WWE SmackDown. Reigns was seething with anger and warned Edge to answer him by the end of the night.
Edge showed up in the main event of WWE SmackDown and spoke about how he dreamt of winning back the title he never lost. He further said that he's confused about whom to challenge, and everyone has been giving him different advice. Soon enough, Reign's music hit, and he came out, yet again accompanied by Heyman and Uso.
The Rated-R Superstar mocked the Universal Champion by pointing out that he needed to get back up to come and confront him. An enraged Tribal Chief asked Heyman and Uso to leave and then told Edge to acknowledge him as his real opponent at WrestleMania 37. Just when things were getting escalated between the two, Kevin Owens came from behind and delivered a stunner to Reigns.
The show ended with Owens walking off after the attack, while Edge had a grin on his face. By the looks of it, it seems like we are heading towards a tag match between Owens and Edge teaming up to take on Reigns and Uso, possibly at Elimination Chamber 2021.
Edge vs. Roman Reigns is a money-match, as it's sure to bring back lapsed fans in droves. Also, a face vs. heel dynamic is infinitely times more interesting than two faces competing, which would have happened if Edge had challenged Drew McIntyre.
#4 Big E retains his IC title after defeating Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match on WWE SmackDown
In what was easily the best match of this week's WWE SmackDown, Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a triple threat match to retain his title. The bout was also arguably the best Big E has had since becoming the champion.
With Crews eating the pinfall, it seems he's out of the title picture for good. Also, his partnership with Universal Champion Roman Reigns seemingly went nowhere, and he's back to square one. As for Zayn, the WWE creative can still book another singles bout for him against Big E, though it's clear that the former New Day member is going to be the champion at least until WrestleMania 37.
There are several Superstars on WWE SmackDown who can contend for the IC title. Among them, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro seem like the best options as they have enough momentum behind them to warrant a title match.
While Kevin Owens would be busy tangling with Reigns for some more time now, by the time WrestleMania 37 approaches, he could thrust into the IC title picture as well. A ladder match at Mania for the title seems like the best chance to include several Superstars from WWE SmackDown while also presenting the best opportunity to take the title off Big E without damaging his character.
#3 WWE SmackDown Superstar Bianca Belair leaves the fans guessing about her WrestleMania 37 opponent
Bianca Belair made her way out to the ring on this week's WWE SmackDown and spoke about her possible opponents at WrestleMania 37, RAW Women's Champion, Asuka, and SmackDown Women's Champion, Sasha Banks. However, before Belair made her decision, she was interrupted by Carmella's sommelier, Reginald. He said though she could defeat Asuka, she can't defeat Carmella, let alone Banks.
At this point, Carmella came out and tried to verbally take down The EST of WWE but was interrupted by Banks, who showed up to confront Belair. The champion said even if the Royal Rumble winner has everything, she doesn't have the gold. Yet again, just when Belair was about to make her decision, Reginald interrupted. Frustrated, Belair took down him with her hair to end this segment on WWE SmackDown.
Though it still hasn't been official, Bianca Belair facing Sasha Banks is practically guaranteed. Until then, Belair will probably engage in a feud with Carmella on WWE SmackDown, and it's a wise move by the company. It's a great way to build momentum for the challenger and keep the champion away from her at least until the next pay-per-view.
#2 Daniel Bryan's losing streak on WWE SmackDown continues, while Cesaro accumulated another huge win
Daniel Bryan lost yet again to Cesaro on this week's WWE SmackDown. Though Bryan had lost most of his singles bouts heading into the Royal Rumble 2021 match, fans expected him to win the Rumble match and head to the main event of WrestleMania 37 against Roman Reigns. Let alone winning, Bryan couldn't even make it to the final four.
Now with yet another loss handed to him on this week's WWE SmackDown, Bryan's Road to WrestleMania is utterly unpredictable. It's even hard to imagine him making it to the card of The Grandest Stages of Them All with his current string of losses. However, if the story is heading towards a heel turn, with Bryan reverting to his persona from 2018-19, the fans are in for a treat.
As for Cesaro, this is yet another high-profile victory for him, and he seems set to have a major showing at this year's Mania. His former tag partner Shinsuke Nakamura was watching the match from backstage, but it isn't clear what's his intention. If WWE is considering Nakamura vs. Bryan, then it's bound to be spectacular, though there isn't a lot of story behind it at this point.
#1 Dominik Mysterio finally defeats King Corbin on WWE SmackDown
Yet another episode of WWE SmackDown, yet another King Corbin vs. Dominik Mysterio match. The Lone Wolf attacked both Rey and Dominik Mysterio before the bout begun, unlike last week when Corbin was attacked by Dominik during his entrance.
Though he has been losing to Corbin for two weeks now on WWE SmackDown, Dominik Mysterio was able to eliminate from the Royal Rumble 2021 match, shifting momentum on his side.
Capitalizing on the same, Dominik Mysterio defeated Corbin, but with Rey Mysterio using underhanded techniques to help him. During the final stages of the bout, Rey Mysterio went under the ring. Coming out from the other end, he held Corbin's leg, which allowed his son to deliver a 619, followed by a splash to register the victory.
While this is a welcome win for Dominik Mysterio, it's head-scratching as to why WWE often books its faces to cheat. It beats the purpose of the fans sympathizing with the character, and the win doesn't create the same emotional impact it would have, had the win came after a hard-fought struggle.
Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE
