SmackDown has been on fire in the recent past. The numbers have been solid, and viewers often agree that it's the most palatable WWE brand of the modern era, at least.
We heard towards yet another exciting SmackDown episode where so many questions remain for us, the viewers at home. What are Brock Lesnar's intentions? What motives does Becky Lynch have? Does Finn Balor have it in him to change the WWE landscape?
So here are some surprises that could certainly shake things up within the WWE SmackDown roster. The question is whether any of them could potentially transpire on Friday.
#5 The SmackDown audience witnesses a major title change
It's safe to say that Shotzi and Nox definitely deserve a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, considering how dominant they have been. Unfortunately, Natalya and Tamina Snuka, for no fault of their own, haven't really been portrayed as strongly as two Champions should be. Could we see the titles change hands during this episode after a competitive contest?
It's always a good idea to see two babyfaces pick up a big win, and the SmackDown crowd is certain to lap it up because it freshens a dead division.
It is clear that not a lot of thought goes into booking the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, so at present, this is probably the best we're going to get, honestly! Plus, if they pick up the titles, then SmackDown stars Zelina Vega and Carmella could benefit from working with them.
The SmackDown Women's division is loaded with talent, and in time, maybe even Liv Morgan and Toni Storm could enter the mix. The key is not to repeat the same matches over and over again until they become stale.
#4 Becky Lynch destroys Liv Morgan
Liv Morgan returned to SmackDown last week and had a great showing in the match she participated in. It's clear that WWE is finally invested in her enough to portray her as an up-and-coming babyface.
Could she get the rub from the WWE SmackDown Women's Champion, Becky Lynch herself? Their feud could commence with Lynch laying Morgan out and build towards a match on SmackDown. The Belair match, a much bigger deal, could be saved for a pay-per-view!
#3 A new face shows up on SmackDown this week
By now, it is common knowledge that WWE has signed Joseph Fatu. What if, in addition to everything he learns at the PC, Fatu gets on-the-job experience?
Much like Dominik, Fatu could bypass NXT entirely and just show up at SmackDown, alongside his Tribal Chief. He could be a key ancillary player, much like Hook is, in AEW's Team Taz faction. Maybe he could even interfere in the Finn Balor vs. Roman Reigns match on SmackDown, helping the current Universal Champion retain his title.
#2 Seth Rollins goes after the Intercontinental Championship
SmackDown star Seth Rollins is probably the most underutilized sports entertainer in the business today. Sure, he was part of a marquee program with Edge, but one has to believe that ever since he's donned the 'Messiah' character, he's taken a step or two back.
Could he step back into the title picture on SmackDown by confronting Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental Championship next? Hey, these two could tear it up on SmackDown and pay-per-view with some truly great matches.
#1 Naomi changes her SmackDown fortunes for good
Naomi showed up on SmackDown last week, but Sonya Deville is clearly not impressed. One has to remember that she's part of the Bloodline by marriage, meaning that she could go to Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman to use their stroke to elevate her on the roster.
Imagine a situation where she holds the SmackDown Women's Championship, The Usos hold the Tag Team Championships, and Roman Reigns holds the WWE Universal Championship. They would instantly become WWE's most dominant clique at once.