Title plans for Roman Reigns after return, 8-time champion to turn heel soon? - 4 biggest talking points from WWE SmackDown this week
WWE delivered an action-packed show for SmackDown's first episode after SummerSlam. The blue brand saw its top names deal with the aftermath of the recently concluded Premium Live Event while a tournament kicked off to determine the No. 1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Here, we look at the four biggest talking points from WWE SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1. Plans for Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown after his return
Roman Reigns appeared on WWE SmackDown this week after making his monumental return at SummerSlam last Saturday. The Original Tribal Chief cost Solo Sikoa his title match against Cody Rhodes in the show's main event, and the latest edition of the blue brand saw him lay The Bloodline to waste.
Although Reigns is evidently bound to a civil war against the new Bloodline, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis using a potential title opportunity for him as a hint at future plans for the Original Tribal Chief. He may have his hands full at the moment, but Roman Reigns will get his title rematch sooner or later against Cody Rhodes.
#2. Jacob Fatu continues to evade Roman Reigns
Jacob Fatu has undoubtedly become the most fearsome part of the new Bloodline led by Solo Sikoa. The faction's new Enforcer suffered an injury at SummerSlam when he attacked Cody Rhodes during his Bloodline Rules match against Solo Sikoa.
His injury prevented him from coming face-to-face with Roman Reigns at SummerSlam and subsequently on SmackDown. Fans are keen on watching the two superstars finally cross paths on the blue brand, and it will be interesting to see if all of this is the creative team's ploy for a distant plot twist in the Bloodline saga.
#3. Kevin Owens returns to the title picture, potential heel turn on the cards
Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam and handpicked his next challenger. The American Nightmare offered his friend Kevin Owens a title opportunity, which the latter declined, citing the need to earn a title opportunity. However, Nick Aldis's suggestion that he might grant the title shot to a returning Roman Reigns irked Owens into accepting the championship opportunity.
KO has been a top babyface in WWE for a long time and has finally returned to the world championship picture. At his core, he will always be a Prizefighter, and Triple H may have planned a massive heel turn for Owens before he challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Bash in Berlin.
#4. Long-term plans for Money in the Bank cash-in
Ms. Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton played a key role in helping her friend Nia Jax win the WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam. The Buff Barbie planned a massive title celebration for Jax on SmackDown this week, but surprisingly, the newly crowned champion didn't appear on the show.
The two friends holding the title and the Money in the Bank have left room for an interesting swerve. However, the creative team is likely building up their alliance on the blue brand for a massive payoff when Stratton eventually cashes in on her guaranteed championship opportunity. A long-term storyline strengthening Stratton and Jax's alliance on the blue brand would also work better to plant a shocking betrayal angle.