Surprising new champion, mystery attacker, and more - 5 things that could happen on WWE SmackDown this week
This Friday night's edition of WWE SmackDown could be a very eventful show. LA Knight and AJ Styles emerged victorious last week in separate Triple Threat matches. They will battle each other this Friday night in a singles match to determine Cody Rhodes' opponent at WWE Backlash next month.
The Bloodline also made a major change last Friday night on the blue brand. Solo Sikoa kicked Jimmy Uso out following his loss to Jey Uso at WrestleMania and Tama Tonga was revealed as the newest member of the heel faction.
Listed below are five things that could happen on this week's episode of WWE SmackDown:
#5. Bayley could be dethroned on WWE SmackDown
Bayley won the Women's Royal Rumble Match in January and went on to challenge her former Damage CTRL stablemate, IYO SKY, at WrestleMania XL. The Role Model emerged victorious in her first singles match at The Show of Shows to become the new WWE Women's Champion.
Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton last week to become the number one contender for the title. The veteran returned to the company during the Women's Royal Rumble Match after walking out alongside Sasha Banks in 2022. She could pull off a surprising upset this Friday night and dethrone Bayley of the title.
#4. Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair could issue a major challenge
Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi defeated Damage CTRL's Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane in a 6-woman tag team match at WrestleMania. Asuka and Kairi Sane (The Kabuki Warriors) are the reigning Women's Tag Team Champions.
Cargill and The EST could decide to issue a challenge to The Kabuki Warriors for the Women's Tag Team Championship following their victory last week. The duo picked up a victory over former champions Piper Niven and Chelsea Green last Friday night and may want to keep their momentum going as a tag team.
#3. Jimmy Uso may look to get revenge on The Bloodline
The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa made the decision to kick Jimmy Uso out of the group last week on WWE SmackDown. He claimed losses have consequences and Tama Tonga attacked Uso from behind.
Jimmy Uso could show up on this week's SmackDown and attempt to attack his former stablemates. The veteran may also decide to point out that Solo Sikoa hasn't won a match since he defeated John Cena at Crown Jewel 2023 and isn't in a position to decide who belongs in The Bloodline.
#2. Someone could attack Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
The WWE Universe adores Cody Rhodes and the champion will likely want to address the crowd this Friday night on SmackDown. The American Nightmare is now listed as a SmackDown star on the promotion's official website following his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
A mystery star could attack the champion during his promo this Friday night to set up Rhodes' next rivalry following Backlash. It could be someone from The Bloodline who wants to avenge Roma Reigns' loss, or anyone else who is looking for a shot at the title.
#1. AJ Styles could avenge his WrestleMania loss on SmackDown
LA Knight picked up the biggest victory of his career by defeating AJ Styles at WWE WrestleMania XL last weekend in Philadelphia. The Megastar now has to defeat the veteran once again to earn a title shot against Cody Rhodes.
AJ Styles has accomplished a lot in his career and certainly knows how to rebound after a tough loss. The Phenomenal One may have learned from his mistakes at the biggest show of year and could have a new gameplan heading into the match on WWE SmackDown. Styles is one of the most recognizable heels in the company and he would be a great choice as Rhodes' first opponent as Undisputed WWE Champion at Backlash.