Roman Reigns insulted on TV, Brock Lesnar to return, and more - 4 ways Triple H could shock us on WWE SmackDown tonight
We are all set for tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown as the creative team aggressively builds towards the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event. There are four massive quarter-final matches scheduled for the night. Additionally, Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul will sign the contract for the upcoming Champion vs. Champion Match.
As is always the case in WWE, we can expect swerves in this segment, but there are more jaw-dropping events than can unfold on the rest of the show.
Here, we look at four ways Triple H could shock us with his decisions on SmackDown this week:
#1. Solo Sikoa insults Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown
The Bloodline's new regime under Solo Sikoa has seen the heel faction make a more brutal turn. There was a mention of Roman Reigns on last week's episode when the new Tribal Chief brought up his predecessor's WrestleMania defeat. Sikoa could double down on his bold statements on SmackDown tonight.
We may see Paul Heyman mention Roman Reigns's different approach in his attempts to stop Sikoa from doing something unprecedented on the blue brand. The Wiseman received a warning from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the group's actions. However, Heyman's idea could be met with a hostile reaction from Sikoa, who may outright insult Roman Reigns, teasing a new vs. old Bloodline feud in the future.
#2. Brock Lesnar makes a shocking return before WWE King and Queen of the Ring
Brock Lesnar last appeared at SummerSlam Premium Live Event, where he faced and lost against Cody Rhodes. However, it is worth noting that Triple H addressed The Beast's absence at WrestleMania XL press-conference and confirmed he was still with the company.
WWE events in Saudi Arabia often have the biggest names in their matches. The Game could pull off a massive swerve on WWE SmackDown this week by booking Brock Lesnar's shock return and a match at King and Queen of the Ring PLE next weekend.
#3. Swerve with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions
The blue brand will see the four quarter-final matches for the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments unfold on tonight's show. Interestingly, WWE Women's Tag Team champions Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair may face each other in the semi-finals.
Cargill is scheduled to lock horns with Nia Jax, whereas Belair will take on Tiffany Stratton in a bid to book a spot in the semi-final. While fans would expect only one of them to advance, Triple H could stun the WWE Universe by booking Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair to win their respective matches. This would force the Tag Team Champions to face each other, sowing the seeds for their future feud.
#4. Carmelo Hayes pins Randy Orton on SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes had an excellent start to his main roster run as he advanced to the quarterfinals of the King of the Ring tournament. The former NXT Champion is now set to face Randy Orton, who defeated AJ Styles in the previous round. The Viper is a favorite to come out on top, but could there be a surprise in store?
Triple H could allow Carmelo Hayes to pick up a statement victory over Randy Orton and advance to the tournament semi-finals. It could be a win via illegal means to protect The Viper and push Hayes simultaneously. Moreover, Orton may want to shift his focus towards Kevin Owens, his newest ally on SmackDown, as the latter battles against The Bloodline.