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Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown rumors that could have a major impact on the Blue brand. Just days away from Fastlane, SmackDown put forth an interesting episode that helped further many storylines for this Sunday's pay-per-view and WrestleMania 37
Edge won his first match on SmackDown in 10 years as he defeated Jey Uso to become the special ringside enforcer for Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns at Fastlane. We also saw the age-old feud between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn being rekindled on the show, along with Apollo Crews and Big E renewing hostilities.
So without further ado, let us dive in and take a look at some of the biggest rumors that will affect SmackDown:
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A female WWE star said her life is in danger. Details HERE
#5 Paul Heyman says Christian Cage left WWE because of SmackDown's Roman Reigns
Speaking on Talking Smack, Paul Heyman gave an interesting twist to Christian Cage's AEW move. Heyman suggested that it was the fear of The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns that led to Christian running away from WWE.
“Edge, your best friend in this world knew he was going to become Roman Reigns’ target just to get into your head, and what did he do? He ran away before Roman Reigns could target him. How many of your ‘Christians’ need to convert before you realize it’s not smart to pi** off Roman Reigns? You, Edge, have pi**ed off Roman Reigns.”
Edge will be taking on Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37. Heyman is a master at blending kayfabe with reality. He used this talent very well to get inside Edge's mind by bringing up his best friend, Christian, into the mix.
Christian had returned to WWE after 7 years of in-ring absence at Royal Rumble 2021. However, Christian's WWE return was short-lived as he has now joined AEW.
#4 WrestleMania 37 could be the last one for SmackDown Superstar Daniel Bryan
SmackDown veteran Daniel Bryan stated that the reason he is fighting so hard to be part of the Universal Championship match at WrestleMania is that this could be his last WrestleMania ever.
Dave Meltzer of WON noted that the only way it could be Daniel Bryan's last WrestleMania is if he leaves the company this year or lets his contract run out. Because even as a part-timer, Bryan would continue to be an attraction at WrestleMania.
"Bryan said that this very well could be his last WrestleMania. Unless he’s letting his contract run out at the end of this year and leaving, I don’t see any way that’s possible, because even a part-time Bryan would be part of as Mania show for years to come."
#3 Jimmy Uso return update
There have been rumors that Jey Uso's twin brother and Roman Reigns' cousin, Jimmy Uso, is ready for his comeback. Paul Heyman insinuated on Talking Smack that Jimmy Uso is cleared to return and could be back soon.
As per Cagesideseats, the speculation is correct and Jimmy Uso could be back "any day now". It can be expected that Jimmy Uso will join the stable of Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman once he makes his return on SmackDown.
#2 Big SmackDown Superstar responsible for a major ban in WWE
There has been a lot of conversation lately regarding WWE's new ban on 'leg slaps'. As per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, a big SmackDown wrestler is responsible for this ban. According to the report, the undisclosed wrestler performed a sloppy thigh/leg slap which led Vince McMahon to become irate.
"The WWE boss immediately called for leg slapping to be banned, and the company also put up signs at a recent show that read, "Do not slap leg when kicking."
"Leg slapping" is natural for many superstars whose move-sets consist of superkicks. It was noted that Jey Uso did perform a leg slap during his steel cage match against Daniel Bryan, and he might be the superstar in question.
#1 Roman Reigns to face Edge at WrestleMania 37
Roman Reigns will be taking on SmackDown Superstar Daniel Bryan for the Universal Championship at Fastlane. The winner of this match will go on to face the Royal Rumble winner Edge at WrestleMania.
Though Bryan has done a tremendous job of building himself up as a serious challenger to Reigns' throne on SmackDown, he will most likely not be victorious at Fastlane. As per Dave Meltzer of WON, Reigns is penciled in to face Edge for WrestleMania 37 and not Bryan.
"Roman Reigns or Daniel Bryan (i.e. Roman Reigns) vs. Edge for the Universal title."
Edge will be serving as the special ringside enforcer for the match between Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, so it will be interesting to see if The Ultimate Opportunist costs Bryan the match at Fastlane.
