WWE SmackDown Live Preview: June 16th 2018

#4. Asuka sends a message?

Carmella stood tall last week on SmackDown

Carmella stood tall last week when she was face to face with her challenger Asuka, and then took advantage of Mandy Rose's distraction to send a message to her number one contender. Will Asuka return the favor this week?

Asuka will be looking to send a message to Carmella this week on SmackDown just days before she steps into the ring with her for the first time on the main roster. Will it be The Empress of Tomorrow or The Princess of Staten Island who pick up the momentum heading into their Women's Championship match this weekend?

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#3. Andrade 'Cien' Almas humbles his former friend

Almas and Sin Cara were once close friends

Andrade 'Cien' Almas and his longtime friend Sin Cara have had a few altercations backstage in recent weeks, where Cara has stated that Zelina Vega is the reason why Almas' attitude has changed.

Last week Almas attacked Cara backstage to send a message before the duo go one-on-one this week on SmackDown Live. Any fans who don't tune into NXT have only seen Almas defeat jobbers over the past few weeks since his debut on the main roster and this is his first real chance to show the world why he was able to compete in one of the best matches in NXT history back in January and why he is considered the future of the brand.