Everybody’s favourite weekly episodic WWE show SmackDown Live!, is zeroing in on its first brand specific pay-per-view after WrestleMania in just over 2 weeks. And it’s a pay-per-view that has been, in the words of Dolph Ziggler, built on the back of one Shinsuke Nakamura.
How will the Japanese phenomenon’s budding feud with Dolph Ziggler develop this week? After being constantly shown up by the charismatic Superstar, the Showoff may just be a cornered animal waiting to lash out.
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And what of the WWE Champion Randy Orton, who braved the House of Horrors only to stare at the lights after being ambushed by Jinder and his cronies? Everyone that knows the Viper is aware that he isn’t in the habit of just letting things slide.
Becky Lynch made a very important decision last week when she chose to side with Charlotte and Naomi against the ‘Welcoming Party’ and one suspects Natalya, Tamina and Carmella will be anything but welcoming this week.
Will Charlotte’s tilt at Naomi’s SmackDown Women’s title also have to take a backseat in the face of more hostilities from the trio?
For the answers to all these questions and more, here is your SmackDown preview for this week’s episode from London!
The Fashion Police on patrol
Not too long ago, Tyler Breeze was dressed up as a Bella Twin and known as Breezy Bella. Today, his Tag Team partner Fandango and him have completely reshuffled the deck and have been rewarded with the number one contendership for the SmackDown Live Tag Titles.
And they’ve taken to the spotlight like fish to water by debuting their own show, Fashion Files.
Last week, the gavel of fashion fell rather heavily on the Usos who were found guilty of various counts of fashion crimes in the first edition of the show. As much a laugh as that was, there was no way the Champions would have taken kindly to it.
If I were the Usos, I would be raring to show Fandango that the Tag Team Championship is about anything but fun and games.
The un-Welcoming Committee
Becky Lynch chose nobly in siding with her old friend Charlotte and WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi against the Welcoming Committee, but did she choose wisely?
Despite many overt attempts by Natalya and co. in persuading her to join their ranks, Becky sided with the babyfaces and even went as far as assaulting the heels on last week’s episode of SD Live!
This week, there will be hell to pay. Not just because the Irish Lass Kicker faces Natalya in singles competition, but because we can all be sure that the cavalry will be lurking just around the corner.
The million dollar question, however, is whether Naomi and Charlotte will return Becky’s favour last week when push comes to shove.
America needs a ‘Face’lift
After decommissioning Chris Jericho last week by sending him crashing onto the ring post with a chair worn around his neck, Kevin Owens has reclaimed his United States Title and the honour of being the ‘Face of America’. Ugh.
While he will no doubt be unrepentant about his actions and likely throwing himself a party, the number one contender for the US title may just have something to say about it.
AJ Styles is the undisputed Face that runs the Place on SmackDown Live! and whoever else Kevin Owens may disrespect, he will have to answer to him. There is only space for one Face in the house. And the battle to determine just who that is intensifies as we hone in on Backlash!
Will Jinder be Hindered by the returning Randy Orton?
Randy Orton emerged unscathed through the House of Horrors against Bray Wyatt but was thwarted on the cusp of victory thanks to Jinder Mahal and the Bollywood Boyz. There have been many Superstars who rise above hate *cough* John Cena *cough*, but believe me when I say Randy Orton isn't one of them.
The Viper has been known to hold a grudge for an unhealthy period of time, to bide the opportune moment and strike viciously when his opponents least expect it. It’s just how it goes with Orton.
And Jinder Mahal has blindsided him one too many times with the help of his sidekicks already. The law of averages dictates that it's time for the shoe to be worn on the other foot.
Backlash may be the next WWE pay per view to beckon, but as far as Randy Orton and Jinder Mahal are concerned, Payback could be nigh!
Will Dolph Ziggler’s Show be put Off again?
Dolph Ziggler has been a mainstay in the mid card for a very long time now. And quite frankly, he’s pretty darn good too.
But has he bitten off more than he can chew with Shinsuke Nakamura?
At every turn since Nakamura’s main roster debut, Ziggler’s attempts to upstage the King of Strong Style has only ended up with him on his backside and cake on his face. And right about now, the flamboyant veteran is at his wits end about what to do with the Japanese phenomenon.
Will Ziggler gather back a modicum of momentum when he confronts Nakamura on SmackDown? Or will the King, like always, reign supreme?
Tune in to SmackDown Live and find out!
