Former WWE champion's return; star's first heel turn in company - 4 Potential surprises for SmackDown (July 19, 2024)

The countdown to The Biggest Party of the Summer, SummerSlam, has begun. WWE is gearing up for its final shows of RAW and SmackDown ahead of the major event in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 3.

The upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown will feature more build for the marquee matches at SummerSlam, especially Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa and Nia Jax vs. Bayley. Additionally, Andrade will be in action this week against Carmelo Hayes.

Here are four possible surprises WWE has planned for the upcoming episode of SmackDown (July 19, 2024).

---

#4. Logan Paul accepts LA Knight's challenge...on one condition

LA Knight is determined to take Logan Paul's United States Championship and has challenged him to a title match at SummerSlam. Last Friday, he even signed the match contract, and The Maverick is expected to respond during this week's episode.

Logan Paul could decide to accept Knight's challenge but might want to add a stipulation. In many of Logan's matches, there has been some outside interference to help him. Hence, The Maverick could demand that his match against LA Knight be a no disqualification match to increase his chances of retaining his title.

---

#3. Kevin Owens suffers a similar fate to Randy Orton

Kevin Owens revealed a few weeks ago that his mother was hospitalized, which is why he was absent from last week's episode of SmackDown. During his absence, his tag team partner Randy Orton was brutally attacked by The Bloodline.

Kevin Owens could return during this week's show to seek revenge. However, given the current situation, there is a high possibility that he might suffer a similar beatdown as The Viper, especially due to The Bloodline's numbers advantage.

---

#2. Shocking heel turn to set up major match at WWE SummerSlam

Since forming a tag team, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair have established a dominant partnership. However, they lost their WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at Clash at the Castle and have since been featured relatively less on SmackDown.

With SummerSlam just over two weeks away, WWE would likely want to ensure both these superstars are featured prominently on the major Premium Live Event. They could be planning a huge singles match between Belair and Cargill, which could be teased during this week's show when Jade turns heel on The EST and viciously attacks her.

Jade Cargill turning heel would be a shocking moment for the fans, especially as she has been so beloved since her debut earlier this year.

---

#1. Jimmy Uso returns to confront The Bloodline

Last year, Jimmy Uso had warned his twin, Jey Uso, about the cons of being the Tribal Chief. He had said that the power that comes with becoming the Head of the Table could make one corrupt. It turns out Jimmy might be right, especially given Solo Sikoa's recent actions since taking over Roman Reigns' role.

Jimmy Uso was kicked out of the group by The Bloodline a few months ago and has been out of action since. There is a high possibility that he will make his return to confront Solo Sikoa and could even side with Cody Rhodes ahead of the big match at SummerSlam.