Randy Orton to quit WWE after major star's backstage actions; huge title change? 5 things are possible following SmackDown this week
WWE Friday Night SmackDown aired last night on the USA Network. This was the first edition of the blue brand following the extremely successful Bad Blood Premium Live Event.
A lot went down on SmackDown and it was, in many ways, an unmissable show. Between two major title matches, big debuts, teased debuts, and more matches made for the future, there was plenty to enjoy.
That, of course, doesn't even include the incredible talent showcased. The likes of Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Nia Jax, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and various other top level performers were all showcased on the blue brand. Many stories were advanced.
Now that the episode is over, Triple H and company officials have opened up numerous new possibilities for big-time matches and angles in the coming weeks. This article will take a look at five things that are now possible following the blue brand's most recent episode.
Below are five things that are possible following WWE SmackDown this week.
#5. Randy Orton might quit
Randy Orton had a tough night on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. It started when Kevin Owens appeared despite being suspended thanks to his assault on Cody Rhodes after Bad Blood. Cody and Kevin were going to fight again, but security and Randy Orton broke things up.
The Viper then spoke to Cody Rhodes and Nick Aldis in the parking lot. He revealed that he intended to talk to The Prizefighter and cool things down. Instead, Owens was seen stomping a hole through Orton before WWE security and Nick Aldis pulled Kevin away.
Orton is stuck between two friends and has seemingly been betrayed by one of them. He could prove to be tired of the drama and decide enough is enough. The Viper may just quit SmackDown or even World Wrestling Entertainment instead of dealing with the headaches that come with being a superstar.
#4. Naomi could dethrone Nia Jax
Another person who had a bad night on WWE SmackDown was Nia Jax. There was more tension between herself and Tiffany Stratton. From there, she was interrupted and talked down to by Naomi.
Not only that, but the WWE Women's Champion then went one-on-one with Naomi. Thanks to the chaos caused by RAW's Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Dominik Mysterio, Naomi actually defeated the champion in the center of the ring.
With the victory, Naomi has almost certainly earned herself a title opportunity. This means following SmackDown, there is a real chance that The Queen of Glow could challenge the champion and dethrone Queen Nia of the world title.
#3. The Motor City Machine Guns will seemingly make their WWE debut
For several weeks now WWE has been airing intriguing vignettes on SmackDown and at Bad Blood. While it hasn't been officially confirmed by the Sports Entertainment juggernaut, many have been hoping that the vignette was for the Motor City Machine Guns.
Those hopes may not have been in vain. During the latest vignette, the letters "MCMG" seemingly flashed. The video then ended teasing the arrival of whomever is behind the videos next week. In theory, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley could make their WWE debuts in just six days.
As if that isn't enough, Nick Aldis had an interesting segment with Berto and Garza of Legado del Fantasma. Santos Escobar made it clear they want opportunities and Nick then revealed they will be facing a team of his choosing next week, but they may regret it. That points to the debuting Motor City Machine Guns, too.
#2. There could be a Triple Threat Match for the United States Championship
LA Knight is the reigning WWE United States Champion. He won the title by defeating Logan Paul back at SummerSlam and just had another successful championship defense on SmackDown.
The man Knight defeated was Carmelo Hayes, but there was a tiny bit of controversy. Andrade, a rival of Hayes and potentially Knight, was ringside. Despite not getting involved, Carmelo believed his presence cost Hayes the WWE title. As a result, General Manager Nick Aldis booked Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes VII.
The winner of this bout could go on to face LA Knight for the United States Title, but given how even the two are and the drama surrounding this feud, something else might happen. The two may have a draw or the bout may get thrown out. This will then lead to all three men clashing over the title at Crown Jewel. That could be a show stealer if given a chance.
#1. Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel seems likely
The final entry on this list deals with The OTC himself, Roman Reigns. The Tribal Chief has been at war with Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa ever since returning to WWE television at SummerSlam.
On SmackDown last night, Jimmy Uso went one-on-one with Solo and the alleged Tribal Chief stood tall thanks to interference from his faction. From there, Roman Reigns came out to make the save, but much to the WWE Universe's chagrin, he was outmatched by the four Bloodline members and both Roman and Jimmy were left laying.
Solo picking up a win and then laying Roman out seemingly sets up a match between the two. Given that Survivor Series will likely see some kind of WarGames Match, the only spot this match makes sense at is Crown Jewel.