WWE SmackDown Preview: Crowd returns, Roman Reigns in trouble, top babyface puts title on the line (July 16th, 2021)

#2 Former NXT Superstars make a strong statement on WWE SmackDown

Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox made an impressive debut on WWE SmackDown

Last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown saw two NXT Superstars make their main roster debut. Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox arrived on the Blue brand as a tag team and went straight after Nataya and Tamina. Both superstars delivered an impressive performance in the match and walked out with a surprise victory.

Howl with me! This Friday is going to be a rush for me! Cant wait to feel your energy HOUSTON! I LOVE TEXAS and I will be full of brisket for #smackdown @WWE https://t.co/KNDSmHhLLO
— Shotzi Blackheart (@ShotziWWE) July 15, 2021

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It was a big debut considering they pinned the Women’s Tag Team Champions on their first night on WWE SmackDown. Shotzi and Nox will look to build on that momentum by making a strong statement tonight. They are both over with the WWE Universe and can fetch a favorable reaction from the crowd with ease.

WHAT. A. DEBUT.@ShotziWWE & @TeganNoxWWE_ absolutely DOMINATED their first #SmackDown Tag Team pic.twitter.com/zeVVMTm5Lr
— WWE UK (@WWEUK) July 11, 2021

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Shotzi and Nox’s main roster call-up was admittedly controversial. Both superstars were involved in different feuds on NXT, and the abrupt decision didn’t sit well with several fans.

However, from the company's perspective, they were left with no other option. Bayley’s injury was a massive blow to an already fragile women’s division on WWE SmackDown. Thus, the Blue brand desperately needed new names that can help create new rivalries.

About the author

Shruti Sadbhav is a WWE writer at Sportskeeda Wrestling. With a triple major in Journalism, English Literature, and Psychology, she has always been drawn to writing. As an avid sports lover, writing about sports was the finest way to combine her passion with her prowess.

Whenever she writes, Shruti puts herself into the shoes of fans to see how she would appreciate an honest account of anything related to something she follows wholeheartedly with engaging and relevant information to cater to the readers' needs.

Shruti has seven years of experience. She previously worked as a content manager at Fox Sports Asia and as an assistant manager and digital marketer at Kickstart FC. Shruti previously worked in multiple roles in Sportskeeda, where she was a WWE features writer, editor, and content manager. She has over 40 million+ reads across all her writer profiles, giving her an immensely diverse audience across WWE and football.

When it comes to pro wrestling, Shruti does not particularly remember the first match she watched. However, she recalls accompanying her brother and getting hooked when she saw The Undertaker – a fascinating wrestler that she, like thousands of others, believed in.
Her views on pro wrestling evolved as she grew older and understood the intricacies of the business. This allows her to appreciate those who dedicate themselves to the craft and, once in a while, it does become what it has always been touted to be – magical. Her favorite wrestler is Finn Balor due to his persistence.

When she is not working as a writer, Shruti loves to read, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and let Manchester City dictate her weekend plans.

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Edited by Kaushik Das