A massive return, The Bloodline banned & more - 5 possibilities for Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa's last meeting before SummerSlam
Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa will face off one final time before they clash at SummerSlam. Sikoa will attempt to bring the Undisputed WWE Championship back to The Bloodline.
The problem is, however, that if he won, he'd be bringing it back to his group and not the original faction. The eyes of the WWE Universe will be glued to SmackDown as other feuds are finalized heading into the weekend.
Developments have played out weekly in the ongoing storyline. The next five things could happen during the final confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa on SmackDown.
#5. Nick Aldis bans the Bloodline from ringside at SummerSlam
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis has had his hands full dealing with the carnage caused by the rampaging Bloodline. The new group has been involved in several pull-apart feuds and has also attacked various other stars without mercy.
Aldis allowed the faction to keep its spot in the Tag Team Gauntlet match as Jacob Fatu replaced an impaired Tonga Loa.
The duo eventually won the match and will challenge #DIY for the WWE Tag Team Championship. With so much on the line this weekend, Aldis may ban the rest of The Bloodline from interfering in the title match at SummerSlam.
Most fans want a clean finish and banning Solo's allies should level the playing field for the likely main event of the show. Cody could make the announcement since he's the champion.
#4. Paul Heyman returns
One of the dirtiest deeds perpetrated by Sikoa and his allies was the assault on Paul Heyman after he refused to acknowledge Solo as The Tribal Chief. The faction put The Wiseman through the announce table in a shocking moment.
That was over a month ago and things have only escalated as Heyman has predicted. Since Solo has a lot on the line at SummerSlam, The Wiseman could return to mess with Sikoa's mindset.
The new Tribal Chief has the upper hand and a surprise return from the WWE Hall of Famer could shake the resolve of the challenger. It would also portend the inevitable return of the true Tribal Chief at SummerSlam.
#3. Kevin Owens and Randy Orton return on SmackDown
While they've backed up Cody Rhodes as much as possible, Kevin Owens and Randy Orton have been brutalized at every turn. They battled the new Tribal Chief before Solo put Rhodes back into his sights following King and Queen of the Ring.
Both veterans were taken out by Jacob Fatu, Tonga Loa, and Tama Tonga. It makes it feel like the deck is totally stacked against Rhodes heading into SummerSlam.
If one or both stars return during the final confrontation on SmackDown, it would provide hope for fans. There's still light at the end of the tunnel and Rhodes has some backup for one of the biggest matches of the year.
#2. Cody Rhodes is left obliterated on the eve of SummerSlam
Leaving destruction in their wake is the operating manual for The Bloodline. They don't discriminate, attacking Austin Theory and #DIY one week. Rhodes, Orton, and Owens have obviously been the main targets due to their refusal to back down.
If The Viper and The Prizefighter do not return on SmackDown, Rhodes would be the most vulnerable he's been. It would be four-on-one and leave a lasting image that Solo's ascension is likely to cap off SummerSlam.
It's way too soon for Rhodes to drop the title due to his status in WWE and since he ended Roman's run in April. Regardless, seeing the new-look faction standing over a destroyed Undisputed Champion would be an impactful end to the show.
#1. The Rock emerges for the first time since RAW after WrestleMania 40
Fans have been clamoring for the return of Roman Reigns. He hasn't been on programming since losing the title to Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
The Rock was last seen on RAW the next night to remind Rhodes that he pinned the new champion on Night One of The Show of Shows. The Final Boss will re-emerge in WWE at some point and it will be to rejoin The Bloodline drama.
What he does, however, is what will potentially make the moment one of the biggest in wrestling history. Hearing The Rock's theme will send the crowd into a frenzy while also forcing everyone to ponder what he will do before SummerSlam.
Will he align with Solo against Cody Rhodes? Could The Rock oppose Solo Sikoa but still have it out for The American Nightmare? Is joining his hated foe a possibility after their heated exchanges earlier this year?