Triple H to ban star who called out Stephanie McMahon; 2 new names to win titles? 4 twists that are possible on WWE SmackDown ahead of Crown Jewel
WWE will head to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, tonight for the final set of SmackDown tapings before Crown Jewel. Tonight's episode of the show will air live, after which the company will tape next week's episode.
The reason why WWE will be taping next week's SmackDown is because the roster will leave for Saudi Arabia after RAW next Monday. A lot of big things could happen across the two episodes.
So, let's take a look at four possible twists on the blue brand that could take place ahead of Crown Jewel.
#4. The Motor City Machine Guns could win the WWE Tag Team Championship
The Motor City Machine Guns will take on DIY in a Number One Contender's Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship tonight. The winners will likely face The Bloodline for the titles during the second taping of the show.
It is possible that Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso could cost Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa the title and get payback. Jey Uso making a surprise appearance is also possible, as Solo Sikoa and his men cost him the Intercontinental Championship on the latest episode of RAW.
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin capturing gold in their third match in WWE would be a massive achievement.
#3. Randy Orton could be suspended by Triple H
Randy Orton got involved in the altercation between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens on SmackDown and punched The Prizefighter two weeks ago. This led to KO attacking The Viper in the parking lot later that night.
On last week's show, Orton demanded a match against Owens from Nick Aldis. However, the blue brand's General Manager refused to grant his request because of the orders he received from his higher-ups.
The Apex Predator stated that he knew whom to talk to in such a situation, so it would probably lead to him going to Triple H. WWE's Chief Content Officer could deny his request as well. This could lead to Orton breaking some rules, which might cause The Game to suspend him.
Orton and Owens' issue could then be dealt with after Crown Jewel. In another scenario, a 'Loser Leaves SmackDown' Match in Saudi Arabia is also possible.
#2. The original Bloodline could reunite on SmackDown
Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso wanted Jey Uso back on their side, but The YEET Master did not want to get involved in the family drama again. However, his appearance on last week's edition of SmackDown pulled him back into it because it led to The Bloodline costing him the Intercontinental Championship.
Jey could decide to reunite with Reigns and Jimmy because of what happened on RAW. The Bloodline could beat down the Original Tribal Chief and Jimmy again tonight, but Jey might come out to make the save this time.
Paul Heyman might also be on his way back, as Roman Reigns mentioned him on SmackDown last week.
#1. Triple H could ban Kevin Owens from SmackDown
Kevin Owens could not accept Cody Rhodes' alliance with Roman Reigns and attacked The American Nightmare after Bad Blood. The Bloodline put Rhodes and his friends through a lot of trouble over the past two years, so KO might have found it hypocritical of the Undisputed WWE Champion to help the Original Tribal Chief.
The Prizefighter has been suspended from SmackDown because of his actions. He recently took to X (fka Twitter) to call out Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and the TKO Board of Directors for punishing him.
There is a possibility that Triple H could show up tonight to address the status of Owens and reveal that the former Universal Champion is permanently banned from the blue brand.
Such a move could also lead to Owens being traded to RAW in return for Jey Uso, who is apparently being set up to reunite with Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso.