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WWE SmackDown has a solid show planned for viewers this week. The blue brand needs to win the audience, especially in light of the huge backlash directed towards the company over the recent releases. We expect to see the A-show start the build-up towards the upcoming WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view tonight.
Here, we look at the things that can transpire on WWE SmackDown tonight. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#5 Roman Reigns returns on WWE SmackDown
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Roman Reigns did not appear on WWE SmackDown last week. While he competed in a 6-man tag team match after the show went off-air, the blue brand still missed the presence of the Tribal Chief. He is expected to return to the show tonight and will likely address the brutal beatdown he suffered at the hands of Brock Lesnar two weeks ago.
The Beast Incarnate manhandled the Universal Champion and half of the WWE SmackDown roster when he unleashed new levels of brutality in his attack. Adam Pearce was forced to suspend the former world champion for an indefinite period, but the latter responded by attacking the WWE official. Pearce subsequently announced that Lesnar would be fined a million dollars for his actions.
Interestingly, Paul Heyman got carried away while predicting Lesnar’s response on last week’s episode. He essentially stated that his former client would return and destroy half the office. Heyman caught himself right in the moment and then started talking about Reigns. However, his comments could still trigger the Tribal Chief’s evident scepticism about his advisor’s loyalty.
Roman Reigns could also cross paths with WWE Champion Big E to kickstart the build to their potential match at Survivor Series. Fans have been waiting to see the two superstars lock horns in a match for a long time, and it could all start tonight. It is important to note that Big E also has to defend his title against Seth Rollins, who recently earned a title shot on RAW.
Between Brock Lesnar’s indefinite absence and a potential match against Big E, WWE SmackDown will have enough time to build a new contender to challenge Roman Reigns towards the end of the year. It will be interesting to see what’s in store for the most dominant heel when he returns after a week’s absence.
#4 Sasha Banks responds to Shotzi’s heel turn on WWE SmackDown
Last week on WWE SmackDown, Shotzi surprised fans with her shocking heel turn. She made her presence known when Charlotte Flair said that she wanted to defend her title against a “new competitor” instead of someone she had already faced, i.e., Sasha Banks. As a result, Shotzi received a shot at the championship and competed in a singles match against The Queen.
Sasha Banks supported Shotzi throughout the bout, but the latter lost due to accidental interference from The Boss. She blamed the 6-time champion for her loss and launched a vicious attack on Banks. The latter is now expected to respond to the events that transpired last week and might enter into a new feud. This could also help build up Shotzi as a legitimate title contender.
#3 The Usos kickstart title feud with The New Day on WWE SmackDown
The Usos took charge of WWE SmackDown during Roman Reigns’ absence from the show last week. They interrupted King Woods and Sir Kofi’s segment to set up an entertaining main-event battle between the two teams. As has always been the case with The Usos and the New Day, they delivered a great match that had the crowd divided.
The Usos will most likely engage in a WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship feud with two New Day members. We might also see a big 6-man tag team match between The Bloodline and The New Day when Big E starts feuding with Roman Reigns ahead of Survivor Series. Hopefully, the creative team will use this time to push more tag teams into the title picture.
#2 Sami Zayn reacts to disrespect on WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown superstar Sami Zayn felt disrespected on the show last week when his backstage segment was abruptly cut off on live television. In his frustration, he declared himself a veteran and locker-room leader. Zayn also compared himself to The Undertaker and criticized his treatment in WWE.
Will we see Zayn talk about it once again on WWE SmackDown tonight? He has been playing along with the conspiracy angle for a while, which could help build that narrative. The only thing is that the writers need to craft a good storyline based on these incidents and use Zayn to his potential rather than letting him slide into oblivion.
#1 What’s next for Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura on WWE SmackDown?
Shinsuke Nakamura is currently enjoying a relatively uneventful title reign on WWE SmackDown. The Intercontinental Champion is involved in a feud with Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. Corbin defeated Nakamura in singles and tag team matches when the King of Strong Style teamed up with Rick Boogs.
Last week, both teams locked horns in a Halloween-themed spooky match. With Corbin’s recent wins on WWE SmackDown, he might soon get a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. The title desperately needs solid feuds, especially if Nakamura is expected to lock horns in a well-balanced match against United States Champion Damian Priest at Survivor Series 2021.
