Nick Aldis to sign massive free agent; Cody Rhodes to lose his title to shocking name? - 5 crazy surprises for the first SmackDown on USA network
WWE SmackDown's final episode on FOX will be the post-Bash in Berlin show this coming Friday. The blue brand will then premiere on the USA Network on September 13.
It will likely feature a lot of big names and matches to kick off a new era for SmackDown. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H may book some surprises on the show as well.
With that being said, let's take a look at five possible surprises for WWE SmackDown's premiere on the USA Network.
#5. Jimmy Uso signs with SmackDown and returns with Roman Reigns
Jimmy Uso last appeared on WWE programming on the SmackDown after WrestleMania XL. He got assaulted by Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga before being kicked out of The Bloodline. This happened due to his loss to Jey Uso at the Show of Shows.
The eight-time Tag Team Champion suffered an undisclosed injury in April and was pulled from the 2024 WWE Draft, which left him as a free agent.
As The Bloodline angle is a part of SmackDown, Jimmy will probably sign with the blue brand. He has been reportedly cleared to return to action, so fans can expect him back on their screens soon.
He could return alongside Roman Reigns or on his own. One possible scenario could have him save The Original Tribal Chief from a Bloodline beat-down. Another way he could return is by costing Solo Sikoa his Undisputed WWE title match against Cody Rhodes if it happens on SmackDown.
#4. Tiffany Stratton wins the WWE Women's Championship
Tiffany Stratton has quickly become one of the top stars in the WWE Women's division. She is regularly featured on SmackDown and it is only a matter of time until she becomes the face of the blue brand's Women's division.
The Buff Barbie recently formed an alliance with Nia Jax, but it seems like she is just staying close to The Irresistible Force so that she can easily stab her in the back and win gold.
SmackDown's premiere on the USA Network would be a good occasion to feature a title change, so Triple H may book Stratton to dethrone Nia Jax there.
#3. The Rock is revealed as Solo Sikoa's Tribal Chief
The Rock was the only member of The Bloodline who did not suffer a loss at WrestleMania XL. He made it clear before going on a hiatus that he had a score to settle with Cody Rhodes and hinted at going after the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Solo Sikoa has been constantly targeting The American Nightmare, and he may be doing it on the orders of The Final Boss. The Great One may also be behind the formation of the new Bloodline due to the group falling apart under Roman Reigns' leadership.
If The Rock will be a part of the potential Bloodline Civil War at Survivor Series: WarGames, then SmackDown would be a fitting time for his return.
The blue brand was the home of The Rock for a long time, so he has had some big moments there over the years. He had a huge segment with Becky Lynch and Baron Corbin when SmackDown premiered on FOX in 2019, so he could make another shocking appearance when it moves to the USA Network.
#2. Randy Orton betrays Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes rewarded Kevin Owens with an Undisputed WWE Championship shot at Bash in Berlin because he stuck by the champion's side during his feud with The Bloodline.
Randy Orton was another name who joined forces with The American Nightmare this summer, but he got nothing despite being one of his best friends. Rhodes recently said that a lot has to happen for a match between them.
This may lead to The Viper attacking Rhodes on SmackDown so that he instantly gets a title match. After all, he has been eyeing the belt for a while.
After losing to Gunther in the main event of Bash in Berlin, Orton would be frustrated. So, he may try to get a shot at another world title just to redeem himself.
#1. Solo Sikoa wins the Undisputed WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes had a superb match with Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin, which ended with The American Nightmare retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Solo Sikoa stated that he would challenge the winner of the match, so another encounter between him and Rhodes is imminent. The self-proclaimed Tribal Chief almost became champion at SummerSlam, so Rhodes may give him another opportunity just to prove him wrong.
Their second bout could be competed under a specific stipulation like Hell in a Cell. The next Premium Live Event WWE will hold is Bad Blood in October, which is expected to feature a few Hell in a Cell matches.
As Triple H only books five to six matches for smaller PLEs, he may move some of the top matches to weekly shows, and Rhodes vs. Sikoa may be one of them.
Solo Sikoa becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion would be a shocking way to kick off SmackDown's run on the USA Network.