A mega assault or leave the title in the ring - 4 things Logan Paul can do when he returns to WWE SmackDown this week
United States Champion Logan Paul is expected to appear on this week's episode of WWE SmackDown. The Maverick has been absent from programming since LA Knight pinned him in a qualifying match for Money in the Bank.
Even before Money in the Bank, Knight has lobbied for a US Title match with Paul. The champ has denied his request at every turn. The situation forced Knight's hand when he crashed Paul's house while he was away at a Tetris tournament.
Knight carried a contract for a title shot at SummerSlam to the ring on last week's show. With Paul finally scheduled to show up this Friday, he could do one of the next four things on this week's SmackDown.
#4. Logan Paul could be stripped of the title
WWE used to have a rule where champions had to defend their titles once every 30 days. If that were the case, Roman Reigns wouldn't have had a historic run as champion.
Paul won the United States Championship from Rey Mysterio last November. As champion, he's defended the belt twice at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 40. The Show of Shows was nearly three months ago.
If Paul shows up but isn't willing to defend his title, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis could strip The Maverick of the title. It would set up an intriguing two weeks to determine how to crown a new champion at SummerSlam.
#3. He attacks LA Knight on SmackDown
The Megastar has done all the heavy lifting in his ongoing feud with Logan Paul. It's worked because Knight has enough charisma to compensate for his opponent's absence.
Paul has blindsided LA Knight a few times and might do so again. It would be the quickest and easiest way to make an impactful statement. The champ could also leave Knight lying backstage and then simply leave.
WWE could delay his answer another week, forcing SmackDown GM Nick Aldis to step in and make an executive decision. It would add another layer to the angle and provide even more heat on the champ.
#2. He asks for a different opponent
Paul may play the "he violated my safety" card since Knight appeared at his home. Agreeing to put the title on the line would show that he's willing to play ball, just not with someone he considers below him.
The Maverick could say he'd rather defend the title against someone like Carmelo Hayes, Andrade, or Grayson Waller. Doing so would garner more heat on the champion and ultimately make Knight jump through another hoop.
All of Paul's posturing would make a potential Knight win at SummerSlam all the more meaningful.
#1. He finally agrees to the match for SummerSlam
The most straightforward thing Logan Paul could do when he returns to SmackDown is agree to face LA Knight at SummerSlam.
He could sign The Megastar's contract or introduce his document with stipulations. This would line up with Paul's past actions as he had his legal team factor into his match with Cody Rhodes at King and Queen of the Ring.
After both stars ink the contract, Paul could blast Knight with the title to make a lasting impact. He may agree to terms for SummerSlam but try to get the upper hand on his opponent on SmackDown.