Nick Aldis to announce Roman Reigns' in-ring return; The Bloodline banned? 4 things the WWE SmackDown GM can do on tonight's season premiere
Tonight's episode of SmackDown might be the biggest of the year, which is why Nick Aldis has a huge task on his hands. The general manager must ensure everything runs smoothly while delivering a blockbuster show.
SmackDown's premiere on the USA Network will kick off with a bang, as Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa will face off in a Steel Cage Match. However, there's a lot more Aldis needs to do beyond that match.
How will he react to some of the surprises tonight? Let's look at five things Nick Aldis can announce on SmackDown.
#4. The Bloodline isn't allowed on SmackDown until after the Steel Cage Match
The general manager's first order of business on SmackDown needs to be ensuring Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa goes off without a hitch. The steel cage will prevent The Bloodline from entering the ring, but they can still appear at ringside to distract The American Nightmare. Unless Nick Aldis has a plan.
He can announce that Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa have been banned from the arena until after the match is finished. That would be an interesting explanation for why it is opening the show, while the three of them can beat up some security guards and show they cannot be controlled, even by Aldis.
#3. Nia Jax's next title match
Nia Jax has had a solid start to her WWE Women's Championship reign, defeating Michin in an entertaining Street Fight in her first defense. But what's next for The Annihilator?
A rematch with Bayley is likely, as The Role Model defeated Tiffany Stratton last week. Nick Aldis may even make it official tonight on SmackDown, announcing Nia Jax vs. Bayley for a few weeks later.
It could happen at Bad Blood, or the night before. Either way, expect Jax to retain her title and carry on as champion.
#2. Plans for Cody Rhodes at WWE Bad Blood
Cody Rhodes has been involved in the marketing of Bad Blood, so there is no way he will miss the premium live event. Besides, it's in his hometown of Atlanta. Even if The American Nightmare doesn't wrestle, he will be there.
So, after his likely victory over Solo Sikoa tonight, Rhodes can learn his role at Bad Blood. Nick Aldis would deliver the news to him, whether he is the host of the entire show or another challenger is waiting for him. Either option seems plausible.
#1. Nick Aldis can confirm Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa
We mentioned Cody Rhodes will likely come out on top against Solo Sikoa. Well, there's a big reason for that. Roman Reigns is expected to be on SmackDown, with the USA Network using him to advertise tonight's episode.
The OTC can take out The Bloodline, who make it to ringside despite Nick Aldis' best efforts, before helping Rhodes win once again. This would directly lead to Reigns finally challenging Solo to a match at Bad Blood.
The new Tribal Chief doesn't even need to accept it, with Nick Aldis coming out to make it official. This would be a blockbuster announcement, fitting of the biggest SmackDown of the year.