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WWE SmackDown may follow in the footsteps of RAW, where it's a significantly better show than the weeks preceding. Last week's episode of the Blue brand was just about alright because we've seen far better episodes recently.
However, we're on the road to SummerSlam and chances are that we'll see a surprise (or five) during this show. After all, even as the pay-per-view draws near, it doesn't feel like there's the same buzz around WWE SmackDown and RAW, as there is around AEW with CM Punk's imminent appearance.
So, with that said, here are five surprises that could potentially happen at WWE SmackDown this week. Feel free to share your thoughts, views, and opinions in the space right below.
#5 John Cena comes to WWE SmackDown star Finn Balor's aid
Last week we saw just how outmatched Finn Balor was when Roman Reigns and The Usos decimated him. Could we see a handicap match this week that pits Reigns and The Usos vs. John Cena and Balor? Even if the babyfaces are a member short, it is still a worthy WWE SmackDown main event match for sure!
We saw how Cena gave Riddle the rub on RAW by being part of a segment with him. Could he do something similar on the Blue brand by elevating Finn Balor to the next level. He could allow Balor to pick up the victory in the tag team match and then celebrate with the young man.
It's high time that someone from the active WWE SmackDown roster becomes a breakthrough star in much the same vein as John Cena! That person could very well be someone like Finn Balor. Only time will tell if WWE has the same high hopes for him that fans do.
#4 Sonya Deville is crowned the temporary tag team champion
Could WWE SmackDown authority figure Sonya Deville insert herself into the mix once more? Now that Natalya can no longer compete as an active tag team competitor until she is cleared, Deville could tell Tamina that the only way for her to retain the title is if Deville herself becomes one-half of the Champions!
So when Natalya does return to WWE SmackDown, she becomes an instant babyface! Moreover, there's a readymade feud with Sonya Deville awaiting her!
#3 A repeat on WWE SmackDown of the Belair and Banks segment
Remember the WWE SmackDown segment between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair? They pretended to be the best of friends at first, and then, out of nowhere, Banks turned on Belair.
We could see a repeat of that, especially if Cena and Balor are forced to team up, because the latter has let it be known that he's no John Cena fan. Especially after the events on the Blue brand from two weeks ago between Balor, Cena, Reigns, and Corbin.
#2 Liv Morgan returns to WWE SmackDown and challenges Sasha Banks for her SummerSlam spot
Is it fair that the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship match will be contested between Bianca Belair, the Champion, and Sasha Banks, the challenger, who's been away for a long time?
If you remember, the automatic rematch clause was removed not very long ago, meaning Banks doesn't even have a claim to the title.
Liv Morgan could use this argument to challenge The Boss to a shot at the SmackDown Women's Championship on this week's show.
It could be a way to make things very interesting.
#1 A mini Shield reunion to happen?
What's the best way to build anticipation for SummerSlam without actually having the stars compete in singles matches? Maybe a massive WWE SmackDown match to close out the night would be just what the doctor ordered.
Could Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns form a loose alliance to make things very interesting indeed? The two of them could take on Edge and John Cena in the tag team main event match.
