Solo Sikoa’s ex-victim to return, shocking betrayal, controversial star is back? - 6 Surprises that could happen on WWE SmackDown tonight
Bad Blood set WWE on a course that will be heavily addressed on SmackDown. The Rock and Jimmy Uso both returned toward the end of the event.
Jimmy helped Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns win while The Rock put everyone on notice from the entranceway. Reigns is advertised to appear and will likely do so with Jimmy Uso. The world will be watching.
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair will defend their titles against Lash Legend, and Jakara Jackson and LA Knight will put the United States Championship on the line against Carmelo Hayes.
After the Bad Blood Premium Live Event went off the air, Kevin Owens finally snapped at Rhodes by attacking him. What's in store for the week's SmackDown? The next six surprises could shake things up in WWE.
#6. It's the end for a fan-favorite tag team
Both DIY and The Street Profits have come up empty when trying to regain tag team gold on SmackDown. The Bloodline essentially cheated to take the titles from Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa and haven't looked back.
Frustration has to be built between the former friends. The same could be brewing between Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford. The Street Profits have been stale for a while despite delivering in their matches.
Either duo could break up, especially to bolster the singles division. DIY is more likely to implode. Having one face team break up would open a face spot for the potential debut of Motor City Machine Guns.
#5. The Rock could follow up his Bad Blood appearance on SmackDown
Not only did Jimmy Uso return to WWE to help Roman Reigns, but The Rock also returned for the first time since the RAW after WrestleMania 40. He didn't speak but motioned towards Rhodes, Reigns, and Jimmy in the ring.
Having him pop up only to disappear again for months would make his appearance in Atlanta feel cheap. Sure, having The People's Champion show up will always pop the fans. It's what happens after that, however, which gives it meaning.
To follow through with his big return, The Rock could grace the SmackDown ring with his presence. Roman Reigns is slated to appear, so The Rock may not be far behind.
#4. Interference could mar LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes
By virtue of his win over AJ Styles last week, Carmelo Hayes earned a shot at United States Champion LA Knight. The Phenomenal One was injured during the match, and the official awarded Hayes victory.
Crown Jewel is next on the PLE schedule, so something could happen to set up a big match in Saudi Arabia. If Styles isn't truly hurt, he could interfere in the showdown. Andrade could also pop up due to the tension he shares with Hayes and The Megastar.
Logan Paul might re-emerge in WWE. He'll want a rematch for the title, as he's competed at the last few events in Saudi Arabia. Expect a dirty finish in the United States Championship match.
#3. The friendship is over between a Queen and a Princess
Tension arose again between Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton at Bad Blood. Jax was on her way to another victory over Bayley, but Stratton interjected herself into the match.
Jax bullied Tiffany on the go-home SmackDown, and Bayley tried to sow doubt between the two friends. Jax will turn on Stratton or vice versa due to each wrestler's character. Both are heels and look out for themselves.
Nick Aldis didn't make an announcement regarding the WWE Women's Champion, but she certainly will have a segment on SmackDown. If she hits the ring, Stratton could attempt a cash-in.
The Annihilator could also just brutalize her former friend after tiring of her antics with the Money in the Bank case. Something has to give between the two heels, and don't be surprised if it happens on this week's SmackDown.
#2. Kevin Owens could justify his actions after Bad Blood
A lot happened in the closing moments of Bad Blood. Something just as vital happened off the air between Rhodes and Kevin Owens. During a brief conversation outside, The Prizefighter assaulted his friend.
The attack comes after a few months of tension and doubt between the two steadfast allies. Owens cannot be blamed for questioning Cody's alliance with Reigns for Bad Blood.
The Bloodline terrorized Owens for over four years, but now everyone loves The Original Tribal Chief. His outburst has some justification, but it will be questioned on SmackDown.
The American Nightmare may admit that Owens had every right to do what he did. He could also play the victim and ask why Owens would do such a thing. The outlier would be Randy Orton since he's tried to stand with both men and has a well-documented history of turning on people.
#1. Jimmy Uso and Roman Reigns could bring back an original Bloodline member
With Survivor Series: WarGames a month and a half away, WWE has already started the path to The Bloodline vs. Bloodline match. Roman Reigns' return at SummerSlam was the first step. Jimmy Uso's return at Bad Blood was the next.
WWE may save another big return for closer to the event, but another original Bloodline member should be showing up at any time.
Paul Heyman was just as important to the group as The Tribal Chief. He was the group's advocate and handled business when Reigns was absent. After a brutal attack from Solo Sikoa's new group, Heyman disappeared.
Reigns is scheduled to appear, and he'll likely be flanked by Jimmy. Bringing back The Wiseman would deliver the message that the original group is getting back together to obliterate Solo's group of imposters.