Roman Reigns to replace Cody Rhodes with top star, new champ to be crowned? 3 predictions for WWE SmackDown this weekÂ
The penultimate episode of WWE SmackDown before Bad Blood will air live from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The company is expected to continue building towards the upcoming premium live event.
WWE has announced two matches for the blue brand's show so far. Aside from that, top names such as Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, LA Knight, and more are expected to feature on SmackDown. Fans should expect another eventful episode this week.
On that note, here are three last-minute predictions for the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown:
#3. Tiffany Stratton could become the new Women's Champion on WWE SmackDown
After Bayley and Naomi both pinned Nia Jax in the Tag Team Match last week, the babyfaces will lock horns against each other on SmackDown to determine the number-one contender for the WWE Women's Championship at Bad Blood. However, this could turn into something more by the end of the night.
The creative team could have Nia Jax interfere in the match, only to be taken out by Bayley and Naomi. This potential angle could then lead to Tiffany Stratton betraying her close friend by cashing her MITB contract on The Irresistible Force.
If that is indeed the case, the 25-year-old could usurp a depleted Nia Jax to win her first singles title on the main roster, with the winner of Naomi vs Bayley facing her at Bad Blood.
#2. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens could challenge The Bloodline
Kevin Owens is currently involved in an angle with The Bloodline on WWE SmackDown. The Prizefighter was attacked by the heel stable last week on the blue brand, only to be saved by Cody Rhodes.
Given his ongoing tussle with the Solo Sikoa-led faction, plus the fact that Rhodes and Roman Reigns are involved with Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa, The Prizefighter, along with Randy Orton could challenge the Tongans for the Tag Team Championship on WWE SmackDown.
If so, it will be interesting to see how The Bloodline responds to the challenge.
#1. Roman Reigns could be forced to replace Cody Rhodes
As fans must be aware, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes will take on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu at Bad Blood in a blockbuster Tag Team Match. However, The Street Champion could look to weaken The OTC by taking out his partner on the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown.
Solo, along with the rest of The Bloodline, could launch a brutal attack on The American Nightmare backstage, injuring him in the process. This potential angle could then lead to Roman Reigns being forced to replace Cody Rhodes with his cousin, Jimmy Uso.
The eight-time champ (three-time RAW Tag Team Champion and five-time SmackDown Tag Team Champion) is rumored to return shortly, and he could be a perfect replacement for The American Nightmare.