Huge first-time-ever title match set to take place on an upcoming edition of WWE SmackDown - Report

WWE seems to have huge plans in store for the next week's edition of SmackDown, which will be taped after tonight's show. According to a recent report, Austin Theory could put his United States title on the line against Sheamus.

The 25-year-old has been on a rapid ascend in the company ever since returning to the main roster in 2021. During his short time on the main roster, Theory has won the United States Championship twice and even defeated John Cena at WrestleMania 39 to retain the title. He's coming fresh off a victory over Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed at Backlash.

The former NXT star was drafted to SmackDown during the recently concluded Draft. According to BWE via Ringside News, Theory's first title defense on the blue brand is set to be against Sheamus. The two men came face-to-face on last week's SmackDown during the World Heavyweight Title Tournament triple-threat match that also involved Bobby Lashley. The All Mighty secured victory to advance to the next round, where he was defeated by AJ Styles.

Sheamus Knocked the taste out of Austin Theory's mouth💥‼️ #SmackDown https://t.co/ZkgDFDwJ0x

Austin Theory and The Celtic Warrior have never locked horns in singles competition before. The latter has a chance to become a four-time United States Champion next Friday.

What does WWE have in store for this week's SmackDown?

WWE SmackDown is set to emanate from the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Caroline this Friday. Next week's edition of the blue brand will also be taped after tonight's show as the stars are expected to head to Saudi Arabia next week for Night of Champions.

Roman Reigns returned to WWE programming last week to reveal that he and Solo Sikoa will be challenging for the Undisputed Tag Team title at Night of Champions. The Bloodline duo will come face-to-face with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens on tonight's SmackDown.

Grayson Waller will premiere his talk show The Grayson Waller Effect on SmackDown, which will feature his former rival AJ Styles, ahead of the latter's World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth Rollins.

Will we see a PHENOMENAL World Heavyweight Champion at #WWENOC? https://t.co/CZeYfhktgz

Three tag team matches are also scheduled for SmackDown, with Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar set to take on The Usos, while LA Knight will team up with Rick Boogs against The Street Profits. In the third tag match of the night, Pretty Deadly will collide with Butch and Ridge Holland in their first match on the main roster.

What do you think of this week's WWE SmackDown card? Sound off below and let us know!