The true Tribal Chief returns; a Megastar address - Top 4 moments to watch out for on WWE SmackDown (August 9, 2024)

Tonight's SmackDown is set to be one of the biggest shows in recent memory. Roman Reigns made his triumphant return to WWE at SummerSlam after months away following WrestleMania 40.

RAW saw its own SummerSlam fallout, including the official dissolution of the Judgment Day and Randy Orton challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Bronson Reed provided a shocking moment by blindsiding Seth Rollins with multiple Tsunami splashes.

After Nia Jax and LA Knight won titles in Cleveland, can SmackDown keep the momentum going? Fans should look out for the next four moments on the first episode of SmackDown following a huge SummerSlam event.

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#4. AJ Styles' potential return

While all of the talking points coming out of SummerSlam involved the WWE return of Roman Reigns, another former Champion is slated to rejoin SmackDown.

AJ Styles has been overseas competing for Pro Wrestling Noah. He joins Shinsuke Nakamura, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, and Asuka as WWE stars who have gone back to Japan for shows in 2024.

The Phenomenal One has been in the mix for the Undisputed Championship over the last year. Will he resume his quest to take the title from Cody Rhodes? Could he target another rival in LA Knight? Styles' intentions will be closely monitored on SmackDown.

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#3. Tiffany Stratton's reaction to Nia Jax's first SmackDown as champion

How long will Tiffany Stratton hold onto the Money in the Bank briefcase after SummerSlam? [Image Credit: WWE.com]

Tiffany Stratton teased a cash-in at SummerSlam, but luckily for her, she wasn't able to follow through. Bayley knocked her off the ring apron, and the distraction allowed Nia Jax to take advantage and win the WWE Women's Championship.

Jax walked out of Cleveland with both the title and her friendship with Stratton intact. Now that a much more formidable champion exists with Jax, how will The Center of the Universe operate going forward?

Will she immediately attempt to cash in on her supposed friend, or will she turn her attention to RAW and Liv Morgan? Stratton doesn't seem like someone who would be patient, so her actions as Miss Money in the Bank could disrupt both RAW and SmackDown.

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#2. LA Knight's inaugural address as United States Champion

The WWE Universe got a cathartic moment at SummerSlam when LA Knight defeated Logan Paul for the United States title. Paul showed up from time to time and wasn't a fighting Champion.

Knight is a full-time star who sold the feud while The Maverick was worrying about other endeavors. Having a huge fan favorite win a title lets fans know that officials do hear the loud cheers.

With a change in the men's division, who will step up as the first challenger to the new US Champ? Will it be an old foe or someone different like Grayson Waller or Carmelo Hayes? What will Knight say about his big win?

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#1. Roman Reigns has business on two fronts

The world was watching and waiting for the inevitable return of the true Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, at SummerSlam. He didn't disappoint as he blasted his former ally, Solo Sikoa, during the main event against Cody Rhodes.

Reigns' SmackDown return was immediately announced during RAW, setting the stage for two potentially massive showdowns. The first is obviously with Sikoa, who led a mutiny within the Bloodline. The Head of the Table's actions in Cleveland showed that he won't be falling in line behind Solo.

The second huge moment should be a face-off or interaction with Rhodes. The American Nightmare ended the historic reign by jumping through every hoop the Bloodline put in front of him.

Reigns may claim that Rhodes wouldn't have defeated Solo without his help. The same, however, can be said for the near 1,500-day run by Reigns. The two encounters could be among the most anticipated in years.

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