WWE SmackDown has a good show lined up for fans this week. Between huge returns, great in-ring action, and shocking heel turns, there’s a lot that can happen on the Blue brand tonight. This is their first show since SummerSlam, and multiple significant developments are bound to make it a must-watch episode.
Here, we look at things that could unfold on WWE SmackDown this week. So without further ado, let’s begin.
#5 Brock Lesnar confronts Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman on WWE SmackDown
Last Saturday, Roman Reigns successfully defended his Universal Championship against John Cena in a compelling main event. Unfortunately, The Tribal Chief could not celebrate his victory for too long as Brock Lesnar made a massive return to history-making pay-per-view. He walked into the ring while Reigns and Paul Heyman tried to recollect themselves after seeing a ghost from their pasts.
Lesnar didn’t confront Roman Reigns that night, but it has been confirmed that he will make an appearance on WWE SmackDown tonight. There is no escape for the Universal Champion, but The Beast Incarnate’s unparallel dominance isn’t the only threat. Lesnar used to be Heyman’s former client, and we might see the latter get torn into half as this feud progresses.
Brock Lesnar has always relied on Paul Heyman to do the talking on his behalf. He is evidently not a big fan of long promos and likes to rely on punches to assert his superiority. Lesnar will not waste a lot before launching an attack on Reigns and making a solid statement in the process. The Universal Champion won’t have an easy way out this time as he has enjoyed in his last few rivalries.
Reigns can employ The Usos to help him against Brock Lesnar, but we all know how that will end. There’s speculation that Lesnar’s return was a reaction to CM Punk’s arrival in AEW. The Beast Incarnate also received an incredible welcome from fans. It is highly unlikely that the creative team will book him in a weak light on WWE SmackDown after the response he received at SummerSlam.
Moreover, Brock Lesnar is one of the very few superstars who can pose a genuine threat to Roman Reigns’ title reign. He can win the Universal Championship and eventually face Bobby Lashley in a dream match at Survivor Series, but that's still a long way to go. For now, all eyes are on the Blue brand that is prepared to witness Lesnar’s much-awaited appearance this week.
#4 Becky Lynch turns heel on WWE SmackDown
At SummerSlam 2021, the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship changed hands in controversial fashion. Bianca Belair was initially expected to defend her gold against Sasha Banks. However, The Legit Boss couldn't make it to the pay-per-view because of undisclosed reasons.
She was replaced by Carmella in the title match, but there was a big surprise in store. After weeks of speculation, Becky Lynch made a massive return at SummerSlam and challenged Belair for the SmackDown Women's Championship. The Man squashed Belair in under 30 seconds to win the title, and fans were utterly shocked by how the former champion was booked.
After the pay-per-view, Belair stated that she wasn't prepared for Lynch, but that won't be the case the next time they meet. She could challenge Becky Lynch in a title rematch on WWE SmackDown.
The latter's win fetched much heat amidst the viewers, and The Man has reportedly asked for a heel turn. So it was possible to see her confirm the change in her persona on the Blue brand tonight when she kickstarts a brutal feud with Bianca Belair.
#3 The Usos find new challengers for WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships
The Usos successfully defended their WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Dominik and Rey Mysterio at SummerSlam 2021 last weekend. The two teams were involved in a heated rivalry, and the champions will now look for fresher challenges. There aren't many tag teams on the Blue brand that can pose a serious threat to The Usos, but the writers still have a few options.
The Alpha Academy have been involved in dominant feuds since the beginning of the year. Otis and Gable first engaged in an intense rivalry with Dominik and Rey Mysterio. Following that, they targeted The Street Profits and maintained an upper hand. They will undoubtedly make for interesting challengers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
That said, the promotion's reservations with respect to booking a heel vs. heel feud might not allow this rivalry to unfold. We could also see The Street Profits demand a shot at the tag team championships on WWE SmackDown.
The Usos might also focus on helping Roman Reigns against Brock Lesnar, but sooner or later, we will find them crossing paths with new opponents. It will be exciting to find out more about their next title challengers.
#2 Shinsuke Nakamura continues his Intercontinental Championship reign on WWE SmackDown
Shinsuke Nakamura’s Intercontinental Championship reign kickstarted on WWE SmackDown earlier this month. He defeated Apollo Crews to win the title and will now look for new challenges on the Blue brand. Nakamura also has a trusted ally in Rick Boogs on his side, and they undeniably make for an entertaining duo.
They can engage in an extended feud with Crews and Commander Azeez, but the creative team might lean towards keeping the former champion out of the title picture for a while. Nakamura can find exciting challengers in Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and other superstars on WWE SmackDown. His title reign could help elevate other mid-card talents that don’t get ample opportunity in the spotlight.
Big E would have been great as an option here, but he and Nakamura are popular babyfaces and are likely to stay on the same team most of the time. Moreover, Mr. Money in the Bank will look for feuds that will help his momentum before entering the world championship picture. It will be interesting to see who will step up and challenge Nakamura next.
#1 Finn Balor returns on WWE SmackDown
Finn Balor made a huge return on WWE SmackDown last month and immediately went after Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship. The Prince even got close to contract signing but was unfairly removed from the equation by Baron Corbin. Both superstars faced each other in a match the following week that ended with Balor picking up a convincing victory.
Unfortunately, Roman Reigns and The Usos laid out a brutal attack on Finn Balor after his match. The crowd rallied behind him throughout his interaction with Reigns. For the last couple of episodes, Balor went missing from television but is expected to make a huge return on the Blue brand tonight. He recently teamed up with Rey Mysterio and Dominik for a match against The Usos at a house show.
It is safe to say that Finn Balor is still immensely over with the crowd. Fans like his Prince gimmick – a different persona from what he carried during his first run on the main roster. He is a talented superstar who can deliver several brilliant feuds on WWE SmackDown. All that the writers need to do is refrain from turning Balor back into a boring, good guy.