5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown before Hell in a Cell: Big betrayal to take place before Money in the Bank, Major HIAC match result spoiled?

#1 Who will challenge for the Intercontinental title next on SmackDown?

Commander Azeez made a huge impact

In recent times on SmackDown, the three men that have challenged Apollo Crews' Intercontinental title were Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E. The latter seemed to exit the title picture, but he was involved in tag team matches with Kevin Owens.

After Sami Zayn took the fall last week, Apollo Crews booked a tag team match, replacing The Great Liberator with Commander Azeez. This decision ultimately paid off as the debuting Azeez got the pinfall over Kevin Owens.

.@WWEApollo & @CommanderAzeez pick up the win, but they're not done yet! 😱#SmackDown @FightOwensFight @WWEBigE @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/iHqAIbcLAZ

— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2021

This was, however, due to a distraction from Sami Zayn. Backstage on SmackDown, a furious Kevin Owens demanded to the authority figures to make a match with Zayn official for Hell in a Cell 2021.

.@FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn THIS SUNDAY at WWE #HIAC?!#SmackDown @ScrapDaddyAP @SonyaDevilleWWE pic.twitter.com/BINZxr1otn

— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2021

It's going to be interesting to see how the match plays out and how it will eventually tie into SmackDown again. All three men still seem to be in the running for the Intercontinental title. As of now, Apollo Crews has no match at Hell in a Cell. At most, he might get a spot on the Kickoff show.

But is Big E still in the running on SmackDown? It's yet to be seen.