Cody Rhodes to suffer horrific attack, huge title change? - 4 biggest feuds that can start on SmackDown ahead of Money in the Bank

The upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will be the first after Clash at the Castle. This Friday night, the blue brand will see the fallout from the recently concluded premium live event and all attention will be on Money in the Bank, which is scheduled for next month.

The creative team will look to push top superstars who will qualify for the Men's and Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Matches. The biggest prize holders on SmackDown will also meet their next challengers, who could turn out to be old rivals in a few cases.

Here, we look at the four biggest feuds that can start on WWE SmackDown this week as we head towards Money in the Bank. So, without further ado, let's begin.

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#1 Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline attack Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown

Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles at Clash at the Castle after forcing The Phenomenal One to say, "I Quit." However, the American Nightmare's victory celebrations were promptly cut short by Solo Sikoa, who made a surprise appearance to confront the champion.

In the post-match segment, Cody Rhodes prepared to square off against Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, who arrived on the show with Paul Heyman. Their brief meeting potentially revealed WWE's plans to book the Bloodline member as Cody Rhodes' next challenger, and we may see Sikoa launch a ruthless attack on the champion to make a statement ahead of their feud on SmackDown.

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#2 Randy Orton and Gunther to lock horns in King of the Ring tournament final rematch?

Randy Orton and Gunther met in the King of the Ring tournament final, with the latter winning the crown. However, it is worth noting that The Viper's shoulders were up during the pinfall, giving him a legitimate reason to claim a rematch against The Imperium leader.

WWE could pull off a shocking move by booking an exciting feud between Gunther and Randy Orton to set up a rematch at Money in the Bank. The King of the Ring winner has a guaranteed title shot at SummerSlam, and those stakes could tempt Orton to demand a fair rematch. On the other hand, Gunther would also not miss the chance to finally win the King of the Ring crown without any shadow hanging over him.

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#3 Chelsea Green challenges Bayley for the WWE Women's Championship

Bayley put her WWE Women's Championship on the line against Piper Niven at Clash at the Castle. The latter pushed the champion to her limits but eventually, Bayley retained her gold. This match saw Chelsea Green make a huge interference, almost costing Bayley her title.

She returned to help her tag team partner, Niven, after being ejected from ringside by the referee earlier in the match. We may see her and Niven attack Bayley, with Green challenging the champion this time.

Nia Jax won the Queen of the Ring tournament and earned her title shot at SummerSlam, where she plans to challenge Bayley, She could also send a brutal reminder of the awaiting threat by attacking the champion on SmackDown.

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#4 Austin Theory and Grayson Waller to split up after title loss?

Reigning WWE Tag Team Champions Austin Theory and Grayson Waller are currently involved in a feud with DIY. Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are likely the next challengers for the tag team gold on WWE SmackDown, and their title match could be booked as early as this week.

If Theory and Waller lose their titles, we could see the latter turn on his tag team partner. WWE has teased tension between the A-Town Down Under duo on SmackDown over the last few weeks. Waller is often seen pushing Theory into harm's way or demeaning his contribution.

Fans are anticipating a promising face turn for the former United States Champion, especially after Waller's potential betrayal. We could see them engage in an epic feud on the blue brand in the weeks leading up to Money in the Bank.