WWE SmackDown Live Preview: November 6th, 2018

Heading into SmackDown Live, the biggest question is obviously how Shane McMahon is going to react to his controversial World Cup title win and subsequent "Best in the World" title.

The fallout from Crown Jewel saw AJ Styles once again retain his WWE Championship against Samoa Joe, this time with less difficulty. It seems as though Joe's injury rumours may be true as The Samoan Submission Machine, despite putting on a fight, gave far from his best performance.

Now with just a few episodes of SmackDown Live until Survivor Series, it's going to be interesting to see how the build to the PPV goes. It's safe to say that Paige and Shane McMahon are going to have a lot to say regarding the coming PPV.

It was announced on RAW that that traditional 5-on-5 Men & Women's Survivor Series matches would be taking place as scheduled. With that said, let's look at what to look forward to on SmackDown Live tonight.

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#5 What will the blue brand authority figures have to say about RAW?

World Cup aside for a second, Paige and Shane McMahon first order of duty will be to address SmackDown's Survivor Series situation. On RAW last night, we saw Baron Corbin declare that he would be the Survivor Series captain while Alexa Bliss would be the Women's team captain. However, this time around, both captains won't be competing.

Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, and Braun Strowman are officially a part of Team Red's men's match. Now it's time for SmackDown Live to make their move and announce their teams.

We know that Charlotte declined to step up as team captain for SmackDown so it's going to be really interesting to see what happens. It's safe to say that Mr. Survivor Series himself Randy Orton will (and rightfully should) be in the team.

#4 What will Becky Lynch have to say about Ronda Rousey?

Last week, after a triumphant rivalry against Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch saw herself with a next opponent in mind: The Rowdy RAW Women's Champion Ronda Rousey herself.

Becky Lynch had some choice words for Ronda Rousey and last night on RAW, the Rowdy one responded herself, revealing dark secrets about how her mother used to wake her up trying to break her arm.

This has turned out to be one of the most anticipated matches at Survivor Series this year as both superstars are riding a wave of momentum. Becky Lynch may not be the favourite to win the match but don't count her out. Her new "I'm the man attitude" has gotten her far further than being nice has.

Rousey told Lynch that she has no idea what she's dealing with but Becky Lynch may be smarter than the RAW Women's Champion gives her credit for. The trash talking is definitely set to continue and we'll see what Becky Lynch has to say!

#3 Shane McMahon to address controversial World Cup victory

Shane McMahon's response will be interesting

Shane McMahon's World Cup win was marred with controversy and rightfully so. Whether you like Shane McMahon or not, there's absolutely no denying that what he did was incorrect and he basically made a mockery of the entire tournament.

If you're still not familiar with what happened at Crown Jewel, the finals of the World Cup was set to be Dolph Ziggler on RAW vs The Miz on SmackDown Live. Unfortunately, The Miz seemed to suffer an ankle injury and was medically unclear to continue.

Just as Greg Hamilton was about to declare Ziggler the winner by forfeit, Shane McMahon interjected and refused to let it happen. He took Miz's place and wound up beating Ziggler, winning the whole tournament.

The entire affair was nothing but pure ego and this may result in Shane McMahon unleashing his darker, heel side.

#2 AJ Styles looks forward to the Lesnar sequel

AJ Styles has a familiar opponent up next

AJ Styles displaced Samoa Joe and retained his WWE Championship once again. As of 7th November, Styles will officially touch one full year as WWE Champion. He joins an elite club of wrestlers including Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, John Cena and CM Punk in being one of the only superstars to hold the WWE Championship for a full year.

With history being made, his next opponent is going to be none other than Brock Lesnar, who beat him last year. Styles put a valiant effort and had an incredible match with Lesnar and they're set for another Champion vs Champion clash.

What is AJ Styles going to say about The Beast Incarnate? Will his experience from last year be enough to help him defeat Brock Lesnar? Moreover, what's going to be the future of the WWE title after Survivor Series? AJ Styles has practically cleared out the blue brand's division.

#1 A siege waiting to happen?

Think of this. Last year, Shane McMahon briefly mentioned the words "Under Siege" and the very same night, SmackDown Live ransacked RAW, taking out every possible superstar. RAW did get their revenge, but it's very possible that it's the red brand makes the first move this year.

Here's why: Shane McMahon's World Cup shenanigans. While there may have been considerations of a siege, the World Cup fiasco may have been the last straw for RAW commissioner Stephanie McMahon.

Don't be surprised to see some RAW superstars appear on SmackDown Live tonight. All's fair in love and war and RAW vs SmackDown is, after all, the annual interbrand warfare. Will RAW make the first move this year around?

There's a reason Survivor Series is one of the most interesting PPVs of the year. The crossover is always fun to watch and the possibility of an invasion makes for fun, unpredictable shows!

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