Reason behind Roman Reigns' shocking match at Bad Blood, huge exit next week? 4 things Triple H subtly revealed on SmackDown this week
Triple H delivered an epic show for WWE SmackDown's highly-awaited season premiere on the USA Network, marking the beginning of a new era for the blue brand. The action-filled episode saw Roman Reigns make a huge return and get booked for his first match after 182 days. A massive title match was also confirmed for Bad Blood, but the risk associated with the latest developments could see a major star leave the Friday Night Show for RAW.
Here, we look at four major things Triple H subtly revealed on WWE SmackDown this week regarding his plans for the biggest names on the show. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1. Cody Rhodes isn't really done with Roman Reigns or The Bloodline
Cody Rhodes successfully defended his title against Solo Sikoa in an epic Steel Cage match on SmackDown, but things are far from over between him and The Bloodline. Roman Reigns made a surprise return to save The American Nightmare, and the show's main event saw a massive match being booked for Bad Blood.
Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are now set to team up to take on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag team match at Bad Blood. This came despite The American Nightmare's initial protests, in which he claimed he was done with The Bloodline. However, with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirming the abovementioned match, it is evident that Cody and Roman will remain tied on the blue brand.
Their storyline could see the Undisputed WWE Championship soon get into the mix. It is surprising to see Cody Rhodes remain involved with Roman Reigns, especially considering they will join forces at Bad Blood after their shared history. However, it appears that Rhodes will continue to play a pivotal role in the upcoming civil war in the Bloodline saga.
#2. Potential Money in the Bank cash-in at WWE Bad Blood?
WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax confirmed on this week's SmackDown that she will put her title on the line at Bad Blood. The Queen of the Ring was confronted by Bayley and Naomi, setting up a massive tag team match next week. Jax will team up with her friend Tiffany Stratton to take on Bayley and Naomi next week. If the babyfaces win, the one who earns the pinfall will challenge Jax for the title at WWE Bad Blood.
Interestingly, this segment saw Stratton blame Jax for her loss last week. If Ms. Money in the Bank is the one who gets pinned on SmackDown next week, the champion may hold it against her friend. This could bring up differences between the two stars, setting up Stratton to cash in her MITB contract during Nia Jax's title match at Bad Blood.
#3. Kevin Owens and Randy Orton in a long-term storyline on SmackDown
Kevin Owens and Randy Orton formed an unlikely alliance on WWE SmackDown, and fans now love the two babyfaces as a tag team. This week, The Viper returned to team up with KO to take on A-Town Down Under. It was obvious that Orton would be Owens' mystery partner, but the creative team came up with a good twist before the reveal.
First, we saw debuting star Ricky team up with Owens until the latter discovered that Randy Orton was in the arena. KO hit his partner with a Stunner to replace him with the Viper, and they beat Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. Although everyone expected team R-KO to be in action, it was a fresh take on their reunion.
It is evident that the creative wants the two in an extended storyline as tag team partners, especially considering their histories are riddled with betrayals. It will be interesting to see if Owens and Orton will soon challenge for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
#4. Naomi or Bayley to permanently leave SmackDown and move to WWE RAW?
Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton's upcoming tag team match against Bayley and Naomi also has one more condition attached to its result. While a victory may earn Bayley or Naomi a title match against the Queen of the Ring at Bad Blood, a potential loss could end their time on SmackDown.
Per the conditions set by the reigning WWE Women's Champion, whoever between Bayley and Naomi loses the match for their team will have to leave the blue brand permanently. Thus, a failure on next week's episode could mark either star's surprise exit from SmackDown and a potential move to Monday Night RAW.