WWE SmackDown Live Preview: 16th May, 2017
Manchester in New Hampshire hosts the final pit stop for the Blue brand before we head into Backlash this weekend. Expect the show to be as engaging as ever, as the various story arcs approach their culmination points.
Jinder Mahal’s ill-tempered rise in the WWE has been a bolt out of the blue and thus far, no one seems to have figured out just how to deal with the Maharaja and his minions, the Bollywood Boyz. Will that continue or will the Phenomenal One find an answer to the puzzle that many have floundered against?
But Randy Orton has his own problems to worry about as he stands opposite Baron Corbin in single’s competition this week. Whatever else the Lone Wolf may or may not be, he certainly isn’t a pushover and the WWE Champion’s focus has to be unfettered when he goes up against him.
And how will the marriage of convenience between Naomi, Charlotte and Becky hold up against the unity of the Welcoming Committee, as all six women enter the ring at the same time to put pen on paper before their 3-on-3 tag team match this weekend?
And last but not least, will Shinsuke Nakamura make one more awe-inspiring appearance before his maiden WWE match at Backlash against Dolph Ziggler?
For the answers to all this and more, read on as we preview this week’s episode of SmackDown Live!
#1 Rusev Machka
Rusev has only been introduced to the SmackDown Live audience by way of video thus far, and his condition to appear at Backlash has been simple. Give him a Title shot.
But with all the Titles already scheduled to be defended over the weekend, how on earth is that possible?
That’s probably what’s on the Bulgarian Brute’s mind as he graces New Hampshire with his presence to confront Shane McMahon for those answers. How will Shane McMahon handle an entitled yet talented super athlete like Rusev?
Will we get to see him play some part at Backlash?
Or as he’s always been threatening to do, will Rusev actually follow up on his threats and pack his bags and walk out of SmackDown Live should he be overlooked at the pay-per-view?
The plot thickens.