The go-home episode of WWE SmackDown before Bash in Berlin 2024 dropped major spoilers on plans for top names both at and beyond the upcoming premium live event. The show featured two championship matches, one of which saw Ludwig Kaiser deliver a memorable performance as he challenged LA Knight for the United States Championship. Although he could not win, the Imperium member was a star of the night.
Here, we look at five things Triple H subtly revealed on WWE SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#1. Cody Rhodes’ next challenger after Kevin Owens potentially revealed
One of the segments on WWE SmackDown this week saw Solo Sikoa cut a bold promo with The Bloodline behind him. The self-proclaimed Tribal Chief declared that he would come after the Undisputed WWE Championship following Bash in Berlin 2024, putting both Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens on notice.
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It is worth noting that Sikoa failed to dethrone The American Nightmare for the title at SummerSlam 2024. He demanded a rematch, but Cody Rhodes chose Kevin Owens as his next challenger. We may see Solo walk out with the new-look Bloodline and attack the champion after the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Bash in Berlin 2024.
#2. Solo Sikoa fires shots at Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso
Another interesting part of Solo Sikoa’s promo was when he mentioned Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Jimmy Uso. The 31-year-old star had ordered a brutal attack on Jimmy following his loss at WrestleMania XL, and he has been away from WWE programming ever since. Sikoa had Paul Heyman taken out with a vicious assault after The Wiseman refused to acknowledge the former as his Tribal Chief.
Finally, Jacob Fatu’s return from injury allowed Sikoa to take out Roman Reigns. Now that he has mentioned all three of them in his promo, it is likely that the trio will return together to confront The Bloodline next time they get too arrogant. Solo Sikoa mentioning Jimmy Uso especially hinted at his return, finally giving us a much-needed sign of progress in the highly anticipated Bloodline Civil War.
#3. Tiffany Stratton slips up on WWE SmackDown
The second title match of the night saw Nia Jax put her WWE Women’s Championship on the line against Michin in a Street Fight. Tiffany Stratton ran out with her Money in the Bank briefcase and used it to attack the 35-year-old star. She looked to be contemplating a cash-in but changed her mind after seeing Nia Jax.
The champion was down and out initially, and Miss Money in the Bank had a massive opportunity. Although Stratton did not go through with the plan, she let her intentions known on SmackDown this week. It will now be interesting to see how Jax reacts to her ally potentially threatening her title reign on the blue brand in the coming weeks.
#4. Former WWE Tag Team Champions to split up soon
Triple H planted the seeds of a potential split between Grayson Waller and Austin Theory long ago. Each of their opponents on SmackDown has highlighted how Waller uses his tag team partner, setting up Theory’s babyface turn. There have been countless occasions when The Moment Maker has pushed Theory in harm’s way.
The former United States Champion seemed to show signs of falling out for the first time on SmackDown this week. He was seen questioning potential differences with his tag team partner on the blue brand, and Waller may hit back at Theory by betraying him as early as next week.
#5. Kevin Owens might have a reason to turn heel
Kevin Owens was against the idea of challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship and refused the offer until Roman Reigns was named the other option. Since then, KO has repeatedly insisted that he would not turn against his ally despite everyone warning Cody of a potential betrayal by the 40-year-old star.
Both superstars engaged in an incredible promo segment on SmackDown this week, during which KO noted that Cody Rhodes had hurt his knee during WWE’s recent tour of Germany. Owens insisted The American Nightmare to not compete in the upcoming title match when he was not completely fit, but the champion refused.
If The American Nightmare retains his title over Owens despite a potentially injured knee, it may push the latter to turn against his ally following a bruised ego. Moreover, KO has been an entertaining babyface, but an upcoming loss may finally turn him into The Prizefighter that many in the WWE Universe are desperate to see.
