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WWE has a big week coming up, with SmackDown returning to the USA Network. The blue brand already has a new logo, but how much more will change?
We could see some big changes coming soon, as WWE will look to stack the blue brand's premiere on its new home. From returns to betrayals, expect a lot of twists to keep fans hooked every Friday night.
Here are five big predictions for next week's episode of SmackDown.
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#5. R-KO spells the end for A-Town Down Under
It seems like the end is near for Austin Theory and Grayson Waller as a tag team. The duo have teased tension for weeks now, with things nearly coming to a head recently. SmackDown next week might be the final straw, with A-Town Down Under set to face Kevin Owens and a mystery partner.
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Expect KO to call upon his trusted ally, Randy Orton.
The two could steamroll Theory and Waller, possibly after some miscommunication between the pair. Grayson Waller can then attack Austin Theory after the match to confirm their split and kickstart their feud. It makes sense for WWE to pull the trigger on this slow-burning betrayal on the biggest SmackDown of the year.
#4. Carmelo Hayes completes the comeback
Andrade and Carmelo Hayes have quietly been the MVPs of SmackDown's final month on FOX.
The two faced each other multiple times, with each match better than the last. Hayes and Andrade have shown incredible competitive spirit throughout their series, with Melo coming back from 2-0 down to level it up. Their tiebreaker is scheduled for SmackDown next week.
It would be quite the feat if Carmelo Hayes defeated Andrade again, earning a shot at LA Knight's United States Championship in the process. WWE should put some faith in the former NXT Champion and push him up the card, with this being a safe way of getting there.
#3. Charlotte Flair makes her grand return on SmackDown
After nine months away from WWE, Charlotte Flair's return is seemingly imminent. The Queen looks ready to go and could make her presence known on SmackDown, while instantly hinting towards a match against Nia Jax.
It would be a nice surprise that confirms WWE's big plans for the blue brand's women's division. After all, Flair is a massive star and needs to be treated as such following her return. She could also have a confrontation against Tiffany Stratton, who has previously called Charlotte her dream opponent.
#2. Roman Reigns costs Solo Sikoa again, this time alongside Paul Heyman
Solo Sikoa is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Steel Cage Match on next week's SmackDown. Just like their SummerSlam bout, shenanigans are expected.
Roman Reigns will likely be waiting in the wings, ready to ruin Solo's plans again. The OTC can take out Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa while staring down Jacob Fatu, all with Paul Heyman by his side. Sikoa would be distracted enough for Cody Rhodes to take advantage and win the match.
Reigns' Wiseman has been backstage with him, while the two made a public appearance together recently. This might mean a reunion on WWE television isn't far away. It can directly lead to Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa, potentially at Bad Blood.
#1. Kevin Owens shocks the world and turns heel on Cody Rhodes
Speaking of Bad Blood, Cody Rhodes would need a new opponent at the premium live event. With Solo Sikoa's feud with Roman Reigns set to reach the next level, The American Nightmare might find out his next challenger after the Steel Cage Match itself.
This is where Kevin Owens can pounce, attacking Rhodes when he'd least expect it. The former Universal Champion came so close to glory at Bash in Berlin, which is bound to make him hungrier for gold.
KO's tag team match, potentially with Randy Orton, earlier on SmackDown would rightly make his heel turn a huge shock. But that's how the blue brand's USA Premiere should end. A huge shock, that makes storyline sense.
Something that nobody would expect, unlike Roman Reigns showing up.
