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Welcome to another edition of top SmackDown backstage rumors that could have a major impact. The Blue brand is gearing up for the upcoming clash against RAW at Survivor Series. We will be seeing a lot more of SmackDown's Survivor Series teams on this week's episode.
On the men's side, Kevin Owens and Jey Uso have already qualified to be part of Team SmackDown and it will be interesting to see who else will represent the Blue brand.
On today's edition, we will talk about WWE's long term plans for Roman Reigns and who is likely to be his next opponent, among other interesting topics
#5 Daniel Bryan to be inserted into Roman Reigns/Jey Uso storyline on SmackDown?
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Last week on SmackDown, we saw Jey Uso viciously attack Daniel Bryan after beating him for a spot on the men's Survivor Series team. Uso turned on Bryan to prove to Roman Reigns that he is now on-board with The Tribal Chief and can be trusted.
Although Daniel Bryan could just be a scapegoat for Roman Reigns, Wade Keller of PWTorch has speculated that it is likely that the 4-time WWE Champion Daniel Bryan will be inserted into the storyline as a result.
''I suspect Bryan will be part of this storyline for a while now. It’s possible he was just there to get beat up, though, and he’ll move on to other things. Jey really delivered this week and can be proud of his role in this storyline. ''
As per rumors, it is believed that Jey Uso and his brother Jimmy Uso will join Roman Reigns to form a strong faction on SmackDown. Last week, we saw a major change in Jey Uso's demeanor and it looks like the first step to form the stable has already been taken by the former Tag Team Champion.
#4 SmackDown Superstar Liv Morgan hints at starting a new career
Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott were recently drafted to SmackDown. However, the duo has not been used much since their arrival on the Blue brand. Liv Morgan recently tweeted a photo of her pursuing education in real estate, hinting that she may soon switch careers.
Even though it was initially believed that Liv would be getting a major push in WWE, that has not yet happened. Her singles run after her return turned out to be a flop and she was soon re-paired with her former tag team partner Ruby Riott.
"We all have the power to do anything we want to do. I am excited and nervous (that’s okay!) to start this new journey"
Even though this may just be a plan B for SmackDown Superstar Liv Morgan if she ever wants to switch career paths, there are multiple other stars who continued their education while being a part of the company.
Sportskeeda caught up with Liv Morgan ahead of Clash of Champions in September. Morgan talked about WWE breaking up several women's tag teams, rumors of her being Sister Abigail last year, and several other interesting topics. Do check out the video above.
#3 Details on WWE's plans for SmackDown's Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg
Roman Reigns has proven that he is the true 'the head of the table' on SmackDown right now. The Universal Champion is having one of the best reigns as the World Champion. With Jey Uso now joining his side on SmackDown, the question arises who will he be facing next.
As per Dave Meltzer of WON, while WWE wants matches between Roman Reigns and Goldberg down the line, there are no immediate plans for that to happen. Similarly, John Cena is another opponent that is planned for The Big Dog but not anytime soon.
Dave Meltzer, however, reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the WWE currently has no immediate plans to hotshot the John Cena vs. Roman Reigns or Goldberg vs. Roman Reigns matches. It was added that both the veterans can always be used as Roman Reigns' opponents down the line, but there is no urgency to book either of the matches. (H/T: Sportskeeda)
There have been rumors that WWE wants a big WrestleMania match for SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns next year, where he will face The Rock. It will be interesting to see if WWE can have Reigns face big names like Goldberg, Cena, and The Rock in his current reign.
#2 Possible opponents for Roman Reigns on SmackDown
As mentioned in the previous slide, it does not look like WWE is ready to 'hotshot' big matches for Roman Reigns right now. That leaves us with the question as to who will be next to fall in front of The Tribal Chief on SmackDown.
Dave Meltzer stated on WON that some big names are being considered to start a feud with Roman Reigns soon. Some of these names include Big E, Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, and Daniel Bryan. There is also talk about the possibility of his match against The Rock.
"There is no word that is official but it would make sense if the cards fell into place, regarding Johnson’s schedule, fans being back at shows and Johnson wanting a memorable true final match."
Big E is being pushed heavily on SmackDown, so it would make sense for him to go on and face Roman Reigns. However, a loss at the hands of The Big Dog could be detrimental to his push. Kevin Owens would be perfect for a transitional program to get Reigns over.
#1 Reason why SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns wasn't turned heel last year
Fans had been clamoring for SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns to turn heel for years, and their wish was finally granted this year. Roman Reigns has surpassed all expectations fans had of him as a heel character and has proven that he is indeed The Big Dog in WWE.
Roman Reigns' 'special counsel' Paul Heyman recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about Reigns' current push. SmackDown's Paul Heyman revealed why Roman Reigns was not ready to get a heel turn and big push last year and how he has evolved as a performer.
"Roman Reigns could not pull off this portrayal of the top star in the industry, even a year ago. He wasn't weather or seasoned or experienced enough. He still worked too young. Now, you look at his face and see some seasoning and weathering. He was beating the crap out of his cousin inside Hell in a Cell and he says, 'I did this to you when we were kids and here we are 35 years old doing this.' He looks 35. He looks like a badass 35, but he looks 35. Before, he looked late 20s, early 30s and he was still too young. He wasn't grizzled and didn't have any scars. Now, you see the wars on his face. You see the pressure and obligation and responsibility and accountability and the sheer burden." (H/T Fightful)
Roman Reigns has embraced his new role on SmackDown and is firing on all cylinders.
