6 Surprises for SmackDown: Popular star to turn heel for the first time, Unexpected return of 8-time Champion?

#1. Roman Reigns vs Finn Balor has an unexpected outcome on SmackDown

Shoot First #SmackDown ❌ pic.twitter.com/wm1AxMmIY7

— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) August 28, 2021

Finn Balor has always seemed to struggle with getting a Universal title match, and the same thing happened on SmackDown. A few years ago, Finn Balor seemed unable to work his way back to a Universal title shot despite being the inaugural champion and technically never losing his title.

It felt like Roman Reigns was the first man to offer Finn Balor a legitimate shot at the title in 2018 after winning it from Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Roman Reigns won on that occasion.

On SmackDown leading up to SummerSlam, Roman Reigns declined John Cena's challenge, but went on to accept Finn Balor's. The 2-time NXT Champion was about to sign a contract for a SummerSlam Universal title match against Roman Reigns, but things went awry when Baron Corbin interfered and John Cena ended up signing the contract.

.@FinnBalor wants a shot at the #UniversalTitle NEXT WEEK on #SmackDown! @WWERomanReigns @WWEUsos @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/rzI0EbEK4g

— WWE (@WWE) August 28, 2021

Finn Balor finally gets his Universal title shot this week on SmackDown. Roman Reigns is expected to defeat Balor clean, and it would be a big surprise if the Irishman wins at all, even if it isn't by pinfall.

In all likelihood, we'll have a finish that leads to a rematch at Extreme Rules 2021. However, Finn Balor winning would still be the biggest surprise on SmackDown.