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The SmackDown after the Royal Rumble is always going to be a very momentous affair and hence, I fully expect it to be riddled with surprises galore. And therefore, let me list out 5 potential surprises that could happen on the blue brand.
Yes, some of them may seem outside the realm of possibility at this stage, but who would have ever thought that Edge would return at the Royal Rumble, right? Who would have believed that MVP could come to WWE for yet another appearance?
Even though the viewer of today thinks that they know what Vince McMahon's next step is, the reason why the man at the helm of WWE has been able to sustain himself for so long is that he's always one step ahead of fans.
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As always, feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you agree or disagree with any of my picks, guys!
By the way, you can also check out the latest edition of Dropkick DiSKussions where our experts Tom Colohue and Korey Gunz discuss the fallout of Royal Rumble!
#5 Charlotte Flair assaults Bayley
Back when Charlotte Flair had come to India, she had caught up with Sportskeeda's own Alan Jose John and spoken at length about a variety of topics. You can check out what she had to say in the video above. However, while she had a lot to say during her India visit, she did not have much to say with regard to whom she'll be facing at WrestleMania on this week's episode of WWE RAW.
And while rumors about her clashing with Rhea Ripley are doing the rounds, I wonder if it's all a ruse and we could have her show up to take Bayley out for the count. This does seem unlikely because both women are heels, but who would have thought that Charlotte Flair would win the Royal Rumble, to begin with?
#4 Braun Strowman becomes the brand new Intercontinental Champion
Shinsuke Nakamura definitely did not have a strong showing at the Royal Rumble as Lesnar dominated him and then eliminated him. Braun Strowman had a slightly better showing but even his appearance was a cameo for the story that was being told in the ring- the story of the unstoppable Beast Incarnate, who couldn't be stopped until a Scottish Psychopath would come along.
But now that the Royal Rumble is finally done and dusted, I can totally imagine a title change on this week's episode of SmackDown, especially because of how poorly the Intercontinental Championship has been treated. Braun Strowman winning the Championship may actually bring it back in the spotlight and may actually help Shinsuke Nakamura with regard to working a long feud with the 'Monster Among Men'.
While Braun Strowman has been doing a lot of comedy, it is time for him to shine and establish himself as a legitimate star. And this would be an actual title win, unlike the Tag Team Championship that he won with Nicholas.
#3 Jinder Mahal makes a massive return to action
Now that Drew McIntyre has won the Royal Rumble and earned himself a shot at the WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, it may just be time for his former stablemate to return as well. Jinder Mahal sustained a knee injury and while there was probably no spot for him in the roster before the Royal Rumble, he could certainly bolster the ranks following the pay-per-view event.
I can totally see him working with the likes of Mustafa Ali and Shorty G to elevate them. Jinder Mahal isn't in the same position that he was a few years ago, and so I don't think a few losses will exactly kill his momentum.
The New Day will need new heels to work with after The Miz and Morrison and I can totally imagine Jinder Mahal teaming up with someone like Sheamus for a run. I wouldn't even be surprised if he joins Sami Zayn's stable.
There are a lot of possibilities for the Maharaja upon his eventual return.
#2 Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose finally call it quits
When Mandy Rose fell from the turnbuckle into Otis' arms on SmackDown, I had imagined that a move of that nature would be repeated at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. And not only did a repeat happen, but I do believe that WWE surpassed themselves and then some with how they booked Mandy Rose during the course of the match. Just when it seemed that she would be eliminated, we saw Otis underneath the ring saving her.
And then, when he came to her aid again, Sonya Deville would accidentally knock both her and Otis to the ground. I think that this could be the straw that breaks the camel's back considering that a rift has begun to show between Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville in recent weeks anyway. This week on SmackDown, we could see the end of Fire n' Desire, which was a group that was formed from the ashes of Absolution anyway.
And then, we could commence into a feud between Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville thereafter.
#1 The Fiend targets The Big Dog
Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan put on one of the best matches at the Royal Rumble, but that story is done and dusted and it is time for the Universal Champion to move on to his next big challenger. One wonders who is next for Bray Wyatt considering that everyone who's stepped up to him has come up short.
I think that The Fiend could look towards The Big Dog next because of the history that the two men share and the memorable feuds they have had. It could be a program that starts on SmackDown this week, with The Fiend playing mind games with a storyline that stretches all the way to WrestleMania.
And then, maybe at WrestleMania, Roman Reigns comes up short against The Fiend and this is a shocking turn of events, establishing Bray Wyatt as the most dominant star in the company. It could lead to a program between Wyatt and Demon Balor or even Brock Lesnar down the line.
But maybe the seeds are sown this week.
An unexpected name just challenged Randy Orton RIGHT HERE.
