Triple H to discontinue major title; Randy Orton's status; shocking heel turn? 6 things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown tonight
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown featured numerous developments and notable moments. One of the highlights of the night was Randy Orton's destruction at the hands of his former friend, Kevin Owens.
In addition, the reunion of the OG Bloodline, and the introduction of the new Women's US Title were also major features of the show. However, in this article, we will discuss six key takeaways from tonight's SmackDown.
#6. OG Bloodline vs. Solo Sikoa's Bloodline might be a five-on-five match
The OG Bloodline reunited on SmackDown, and amid this, the company teased that both sides needed one more member each for WarGames. When Solo challenged The OTC for the WarGames match, Reigns emphasized that Sikoa only had four members.
Questions then arose regarding how Solo planned to challenge Roman in the double-ring structured match. As a result, Sikoa revealed Sami Zayn as the fifth member, who instantly joined the Original Tribal Chief.
This suggests that both factions still need one more member on each side to eventually compete in the WarGames match. However, it could be a different scenario if WWE decides to have a four-on-four WarGames match.
#5. Tommaso Ciampa could be turning heel very soon
DIY faced off against Pretty Deadly in a tag team match on the show where Tommaso Ciampa single-handedly secured the victory for his team. However, backstage after the match, DIY discovered that the Street Profits had earned a tag team title shot against the Motor City Machine Guns.
This news frustrated Ciampa, leading to him storming off in anger. Earlier, Johnny Gargano had a face-to-face encounter with MCMG, where he praised them and shared how he had once been a fan of their work.
All this indicates that the present situation is likely to lead to a heel turn for Ciampa in the future on SmackDown.
#4. WWE might soon discontinue the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles
Nick Aldis announced the introduction of the Women's United States Championship on SmackDown. This sparked speculation among fans about the potential discontinuation of the women's tag team titles.
With a possible lack of depth currently in the women's tag team division and the introduction of a new mid-card title, some believe it might make more sense for WWE to phase out the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.
This could be further hinted at if a major storyline unfolds, such as Bianca Belair or Jade Cargill turning heel and betraying the other. This could possibly lead to the dissolution of the tag team titles altogether.
#3. Randy Orton might be on another break from WWE
Randy Orton took a Piledriver from Kevin Owens on the latest edition of SmackDown. This led to The Viper being stretchered backstage and eventually taken to a local hospital, with Cody Rhodes accompanying him.
Given that this angle seems to be part of a storyline, it appears that Randy Orton is taking another break from the company. This sequence on SmackDown is likely just a way to write The Legend Killer off television for the time being.
#2. Triple H might decide to push Street Profits on SmackDown after recent controversy
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have confirmed that next week, they will receive a WWE Tag Team Championship shot against the Motor City Machine Guns. This development could be a result of Montez Ford’s recent public frustration with his booking.
Given the timing of this title opportunity, it’s possible that Triple H decided to push the Street Profits in response to Ford’s outspokenness about his current situation, and more on this storyline will be revealed in the coming weeks.
#1. The Piledriver is seemingly unbanned for special scenarios
Kevin Owens executed a sit-down Piledriver on Randy Orton on the blue brand, a move that is traditionally banned in WWE. However, Owens using this maneuver could indicate that the Piledriver might not be entirely banned, but rather reserved for special scenarios.
In this case, WWE may have allowed Owens to use the move to emphasize his darker side, showcasing a more brutal and intense version of The Prizefighter persona.