7 Feuds that could begin on WWE SmackDown this week
The forthcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will feature the fallout from Crown Jewel 2024. The landscape of SmackDown has certainly shifted, with Solo Sikoa pinning Roman Reigns at the Saudi Arabia event.
With Survivor Series: WarGames being the next premium live event, WWE is expected to start building new rivalries. In this article, we’ll explore seven potential feuds that could begin on WWE SmackDown this week:
#7. LA Knight's next challenger could be Shinsuke Nakamura
LA Knight retained his United States Championship at Crown Jewel 2024 in a Triple Threat Match against Carmelo Hayes and Andrade, effectively putting both stars out of contention for the title.
With The Megastar now moving forward, Knight could soon find himself in a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura.
The King of Strong Style has been absent from WWE TV since April 2024. However, with Knight currently without a challenger, this seems like the ideal moment for Nakamura's comeback.
A feud between Shinsuke and the United States Champion could be an exciting way to mark the Japanese star's return.
#6. Team Nick Aldis vs. Team Adam Pearce might get official for Survivor Series: WarGames
The tension between Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce continues to build on WWE TV. Recently, RAW General Manager Pearce was hit with an RKO by SmackDown star Randy Orton, and so far, no action has been taken by Aldis.
This incident could provoke Pearce to confront or call out Aldis on WWE SmackDown this week. If the blue brand’s GM refuses to punish The Legend Killer, it could set up an exciting Team Aldis vs. Team Pearce WarGames Match.
#5. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens might finally come face-to-face
Since turning heel, The Prizefighter has already come face-to-face with Cody Rhodes once on SmackDown. Owens gave a glimpse of his darker side by taking down Randy Orton during the unhinged brawl before their singles match at Crown Jewel.
Now, the former Universal Champion’s next target could be Cody Rhodes. Fans may see the rivalry between Owens and Rhodes finally kick off in the upcoming episode of the Friday Night Show.
#4. A feud between Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton might get started
At Crown Jewel 2024, Tiffany Stratton unsuccessfully attempted to cash in her Money in the Bank contract during the match between Liv Morgan and Nia Jax. Her cash-in attempt didn’t sit well with The Irresistible Force, who shouted at her in frustration backstage after losing to The Miracle Kid.
This could be an indication that WWE is setting up a full-fledged feud between Tiffany and Nia, potentially beginning on SmackDown this Friday. The WWE Women's Champion might demand an explanation or even launch an attack on The Buff Barbie, sparking the start of their rivalry.
#3. Tommaso Ciampa could finally turn heel and attack Johnny Gargano on WWE SmackDown
Tensions have been rising between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, with Ciampa's heel turn teased in recent weeks. On this week’s WWE SmackDown, Ciampa might finally snap and embrace a villainous role.
The Blackheart could launch a brutal attack on his #DIY partner, setting the stage for an intense feud between the two stars.
#2. Motor City Machine Guns could face A-Town Down Under next
The Motor City Machine Guns pulled off the unthinkable, as Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley defeated Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa of The Bloodline to claim the WWE Tag Team Championship last month.
However, the upcoming episode of SmackDown might introduce new challengers for their title in the form of Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.
Although Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin previously defeated A-Town Down Under during the number-one contenders tournament's Triple Threat tag team qualifying match last month, Theory and Waller could still make their presence felt.
They might launch a surprise attack on the champions, setting the stage for a potential title match.
#1. A fully reunited OG Bloodline vs. Solo Sikoa's Bloodline for a WarGames Match
The OG Bloodline suffered a loss against Solo Sikoa and Co. in a six-man tag team match at Bad Blood 2024.
However, the OG Bloodline is set to be fully reunited, as Jey Uso has already invited Sami Zayn to appear on SmackDown this Friday. With the chances of Sami reuniting with Roman Reigns and Co. being high, this could set the stage for an epic showdown between the two rival groups in a WarGames Match at Survivor Series.