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As we count down the days to SummerSlam, it must be said both RAW and SmackDown Live have shown signs of improvement in recent times. Maybe it is because Heyman and Bischoff are currently involved in the creative process or maybe it is because the arrival of another company has forced WWE to step up its game and deliver!
Whatever the case may be, there's no reason why this week's show cannot be just as good as last week's edition was. Booking a handful of surprises at the show will go a long way towards ensuring this.
Here are 5 surprises that could potentially happen during the show, that could make things very interesting indeed. Let me know your thoughts and views in the comments section below.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the upcoming SmackDown Live episode!
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#5 Cesaro steps up to face Bray Wyatt instead of Balor
One of the things that was made clear at WWE Smackville is that Finn Balor wasn't cleared to compete this past weekend. While there are several rumors flying about with regard to his status, there's always the possibility that he will not be cleared until SummerSlam 2019. If such is the case, then I wonder who would be the ideal person to take Balor's place!
In my opinion, Cesaro fits the bill quite well. He is a significant enough Superstar for Wyatt's eventual win over him to seem meaningful and to give him the momentum that carries him to the next level. He is also not part of a feud right now and could be the ideal person to give Wyatt a great match.
Sure Balor is at a whole different level when it comes to popularity. But Cesaro is no slouch either!
#4 Aleister Black steps up to challenge Shinsuke Nakamura
So, if you watched WWE Smackville, you saw Shinsuke Nakamura take on Ali in what was a pretty cool match. The two men went back and forth and even though Ali had the upper hand at one point, Nakamura would win the match. This means that he has beaten Ali clean and I wonder if fans would want to see a repeat at WWE SummerSlam.
It may be time for someone new and exciting to step up to the plate. Someone like Aleister Black who had a great showing against Cesaro not long ago. The two men could tear it up given the chance.
Aleister Black could potentially become the Intercontinental Champion at SummerSlam, and go on to have a lengthy feud against Nakamura. Both men can prove what made them special in NXT, something that has been lost on the main roster.
#3 Rusev returns for yet another run
How long can you keep someone as talented as Rusev on the shelf? He could potentially return as an aide or an ally of Shane McMahon on this week's episode.
There are way too many people in the roster who are not getting the opportunities they deserve on television. So many, in fact, that WWE has made a storyline out of Shane McMahon keeping them down and of Kevin Owens working hard to make sure that they do get TV time.
As we saw from the Rusev Day segments, the man also has a great sense when it comes to comedy, and could be a valuable asset in the 24/7 Championship skits too. Some may consider it a demotion, but then again, it's better than not being on TV.
Fans have wanted to see him return to action and this week could be the week that he does!
#2 Kevin Owens and Trish Stratus team up
We're definitely going to get Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam 2019. It will be a passing of the torch from a legend to someone who's rising to legendary ranks. But because Trish Stratus is scheduled to appear on this week's show, I have a feeling that she may have something special planned for us at SmackDown Live.
To see a glimpse of the fact that she can still go, I can totally imagine a match between Kevin Owens and Trish Stratus against Elias and Charlotte Flair (or something on these lines). Kevin Owens gives her the hot tag at the end and she comes in and pins Flair. This could be the feud that ignites their rivalry and adds a lot of heat to their SummerSlam 2019 clash.
It doesn't even have to be Flair on the other team. They could just pick anyone from the roster to fill this spot!
#1 Liv Morgan returns in a brand new avatar to SmackDown Live
Liv Morgan recently promised to come back in her real avatar following a loss. I wonder if this means a brand new character or indeed if it means that she will go back to the 'New Jersey Chick' persona that we knew and loved back when she was a part of NXT.
Whatever the case may be, we could see a brand new Liv Morgan on this week's show. Maybe she gets rid of the pink in her hair and her blue tongue as well, once she does return.
I wonder if Morgan will indeed get the push that fans believe that she will get if she is repackaged.
She certainly has the look that WWE is known to like and it is surprising that she hasn't been pushed to the moon already because of the very same reason.
