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The upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will feature two high-profile semifinal matches of the Intercontinental Championship tournament. Jeff Hardy will take on Daniel Bryan in the first semifinal match, and AJ Styles will go head-to-head with Elias in the second bout.
AJ Styles and Elias collide for the first time
While Jeff Hardy has crossed paths with Daniel Bryan multiple times in his career, AJ Styles and Elias have never battled each other. The two Superstars shared the ring in the Men's Royal Rumble match earlier this year. However, they have not clashed in a one-on-one encounter.
Since both the Superstars have a ton of momentum by their side and possess incredible wrestling skills, the WWE Universe expects them to deliver a blockbuster encounter this Friday night. Both of them have never won the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Hence, they will bring their 'A' game to the table to inch a step closer to the prestigious title.
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We had a look at the five possible ways Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy could end. Here's how the second semifinal could culminate.
#5 Elias shocks the world with a win over AJ Styles
The least likely finish for this semifinal encounter between AJ Styles and Elias is a clean victory for The Guitarist of WWE. Styles has achieved almost everything in the pro wrestling business. Most of the WWE fans feel that The Phenomenal One can have a solid match even with a broom. Thus, it would be a very bold decision to allow Elias to pin him clean.
However, Elias' character has not received a consistent push over the last few years. The moment fans feel that he would pick up his first major title in the company, he has either suffered an injury or WWE has halted his push. Perhaps, this time, they could allow him to win the Intercontinental Championship and establish himself as a leading Superstar on SmackDown.
A clean victory over AJ Styles would be the best way to hint that Elias is in for a massive push. Moreover, a defeat will not hurt the former WWE Champion's character so much. The rumor mill reported a few days back that the company planned to use AJ Styles to put the upcoming face Superstars on RAW before he switched to the Blue brand.
Thus, Vince McMahon could likely book 'The Greatest Acquisition in SmackDown History' to get the better of his rival and progress to the finale.
#4 King Corbin interferes; AJ Styles defeats Elias
Elias is currently involved in a rivalry with King Corbin on SmackDown. The Drifter had defeated his nemesis at WrestleMania 36, and he even emerged victorious when the two clashed in the first round of the WWE Intercontinental Championship tournament. Besides, Elias also cost Corbin a win in the Money in the Bank ladder match earlier this month.
These developments suggest that this feud is far from over, and the fans would get another one-on-one bout between the two Superstars at Backlash. The best way WWE can set up that match is by booking the former United States Champion to intervene in the proceedings on SmackDown. He could come out to attack Elias during his fight against AJ Styles, or to avenge his loss, he could distract the referee when The Guitarist would get his opponent down.
Either way, to ensure that Elias does not stay alive in the competition, Corbin would assist AJ Styles to win this match. Given that all the Superstars remaining in the tourney are fantastic wrestlers, it would be great if WWE books a finale with no outside interference, and the fans get a clear winner.
In case Elias makes it to the finale, things could become a bit predictable because of his bad blood with King Corbin.
#3 King Corbin attacks Elias backstage; Matt Riddle fights AJ Styles
King Corbin is a man who does not like to lose, and if his rival betters him, The Lone Wolf destroys his future. WWE could book him to take Elias out backstage, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament. The former US Champion would have the goal of taking Elias' place in the semifinal against AJ Styles.
However, Triple H could meet him in the backstage area and inform him that he could not enter the tournament again. The father of NXT would then announce Matt Riddle as AJ Styles' opponent. The Intercontinental Championship tournament has been pretty straightforward till now. There have been no twists or surprises.
With the rumor mill reporting that The King of Bros is on his way to the Blue brand, he could make his debut in the semifinal of this tournament. AJ Styles can put him over in a great singles bout, and Riddle could beat him to seal a place in the finale.
The NXT graduate could then battle with the winner of the semifinal between Daniel Bryan and Jeff Hardy in another dream match at WWE Backlash.
#2 AJ Styles pins Elias clean
AJ Styles is the overwhelming favorite to win his semifinal encounter against Elias. If Vince McMahon does not wish to spice things up on SmackDown, this is the likeliest finish for this match. After losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36, the former WWE Champion has been unstoppable.
He secured himself a place in the Money in the Bank ladder match by winning a massive gauntlet match on RAW. Then, he almost captured the career-changing contract. AJ Styles returned to his favorite brand and defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a classic bout. These signs hint that WWE wishes to have him in the finale of this tournament.
A dream clash against either Jeff Hardy or Daniel Bryan will be on the cards for The Phenomenal One if he progresses to the finale. Given that WWE is marketing Backlash as the pay-per-view where fans will witness top-quality wrestling, AJ Styles deserves to feature in a marquee encounter.
Thus, by putting away a challenge from Elias, Styles could reach one step nearer to the only singles championship that has eluded him.
#1 Matt Riddle costs AJ Styles his match against Elias
The probability that WWE inserts Matt Riddle in the Intercontinental Championship tournament on his first night is very low. Generally, Vince McMahon books the NXT call-ups to fight against the established veterans in a non-title feud before chasing the gold.
Apollo Crews had his first feud with Sheamus, while Baron Corbin, Tyler Breeze, and Shinsuke Nakamura registered victories over Dolph Ziggler before entering the title picture. With the Creative team reportedly wanting to use AJ Styles as a Superstars who would put the upcoming talent over, he could do that for Matt Riddle.
The two Superstars can have a long rivalry where they would battle at multiple pay-per-view events. Riddle would win that rivalry ultimately. However, to begin the feud, he needs to cost AJ Styles a win in the Intercontinental Championship semifinal against Elias.
As mentioned ahead, Elias deserves a strong push, and his character will benefit a lot if he makes it to the finale of the tournament. Besides, Matt Riddle vs. AJ Styles could take the ratings to the next level because both the individuals are very talented.
