Roman Reigns to make a surprise return this week? - 5 ways Triple H can shock us on WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam 2024
With this week's RAW in the history books, all eyes are set on WWE SmackDown, which marks the blue brand's final show before SummerSlam. Three top championships from SmackDown will be defended at the upcoming premium live event.
But before that, two title matches are scheduled for the Friday Night Show this week which could see Triple H book shocking title changes. Additionally, there may be more than one return on the show one night before The Biggest Party of the Summer.
Here, we look at five ways Triple H can shock us on WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam 2024. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1 Roman Reigns returns on WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam
Solo Sikoa unceremoniously replaced Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief of The Bloodline when the latter left following his title loss against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. Sikoa is now set to challenge The American Nightmare for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, where many fans hope to see Reigns make his much-awaited return.
However, Triple H could pull off a shocking twist on WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam by booking Roman Reigns' return alongside Paul Heyman. Even if the Tribal Chief doesn't directly appear on the show, we could see him send a video message to be played during the final confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa, mainly putting the challenger on notice.
#2 Nia Jax makes a massive mistake before her championship match
Nia Jax is set to challenge Bayley for the WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam. Notably, Jax's close ally on SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton, currently holds the Money in the Bank contract. Jax is confident her friend would not jeopardize her title shot at the upcoming premium live event, but she could make a big mistake on the blue brand this week.
Bayley previously tried to get her challenger to consider the looming threat from Ms. Money in the Bank. The champion could get inside Nia Jax's head and force her to openly warn Stratton against potential plans to cash in the guaranteed title opportunity. If not, we may also see Jax accidentally hurt Stratton, which would give the latter ammo to cash in her MITB contract during the WWE Women's Championship match at SummerSlam.
#3 The Bloodline wins the WWE Tag Team Championship on SmackDown
The Bloodline's Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu won a gruesome gauntlet match last week to earn a title opportunity against WWE Tag Team Champions Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. It is worth noting that DIY only became champions earlier this month after dethroning A-Town Down Under for the gold.
The final episode of WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam will see The Bloodline members challenge DIY for the Tag Team Titles. It would be extremely shocking if Triple H books a title change and ends DIY's reign before they could do more with the championships. However, The Game may decide to continue adding to Jacob Fatu's dominant presentation since he made his debut.
#4 Jimmy Uso returns and attacks The Bloodline
The aforementioned title match on WWE SmackDown could also see a former Bloodline member make a surprise return, only this time with a vengeance. Solo Sikoa brutally attacked Jimmy Uso following his loss against Jey Uso at WrestleMania and replaced him with Tama Tonga, which marked the beginning of a new era for The Bloodline.
We could see Jimmy Uso return on the blue brand this week and jeopardize Tonga's shot at winning tag team gold before SummerSlam. His return would pave the way for a much-needed reunion of former Bloodline members led by Roman Reigns when the latter eventually confronts Solo Sikoa.
#5 Jade Cargill turns heel on WWE SmackDown
Another title match is scheduled for WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam. Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair will combine forces to take on Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn for the Women's Tag Team Championships. The reigning champions had dethroned Cargill and Belair at Clash at the Castle: Scotland to win their maiden titles on the main roster.
The championship rematch is expected to end with a title change on the blue brand. However, Triple H could book Fyre and Dawn retaining their gold to script a massive betrayal angle between two former champions. A potential loss could see Cargill turn on her tag team partner and attack Belair, setting up an intense feud on the blue brand.