WWE delivered an exciting SmackDown this week that saw Roman Reigns overcome by the new Bloodline for the first time since he returned at SummerSlam. Additionally, the episode set up three huge championship matches for the coming weeks. Triple H used the best names at his disposal to craft interesting plots and dropped hints at what to expect on the blue brand ahead of Bash in Berlin.
Here, we look at five things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown this week. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#1 Roman Reigns meets the same fate as other top heels
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One of the most common story-telling traits in the Triple H-run creative has often seen former heels face the consequences of their past actions. Roman Reigns was an untouchable big bad villain on the blue brand as The Head of the Table and successfully haunted Solo Sikoa-run Bloodline after returning at SummerSlam.
However, the new Tribal Chief got his lick back on SmackDown this week. He crossed paths with Reigns once again, only this time, the latter fell victim to a blindsided attack by Jacob Fatu. For the first time since his return, Reigns was left all alone battling the monster he created, paving the way for a possible massive reunion down the line.
#2 Huge set-up for Jimmy Uso’s massive return next week
Jimmy Uso has not appeared on WWE SmackDown since right after WrestleMania when he was attacked and kicked out of the group following his loss against Jey Uso. The former Bloodline member could make a triumphant return when Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga put their WWE Tag Team Championships on the line. This week’s episode saw The Street Profits defeat DIY in an incredible match to earn their title shot.
They will challenge The Bloodline for the gold next week on the blue brand, where Roman Reigns will likely appear to facilitate a title change. However, if the numbers advantage racks up against him again, Jimmy Uso could be the one to return and save his former Tribal Chief. With revenge on his mind, Jimmy, a former eight-time tag team champion, may ditch the funny guy gimmick and return with the serious objective of destroying Solo Sikoa and the new Bloodline.
#3 No rush for Money in the Bank cash-in
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown marked Nia Jax’s first appearance on the show since winning the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam. Her close friend and Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton, organized a massive celebration for The Annihilator, which even saw Pretty Deadly make a special appearance.
However, Jax’s old foe, Mia Yim, saw it as she had an opportunity to make a statement and hijacked the celebration. She took out everyone in the ring, setting up her title feud with Jax. It appears that the creative team has no plans of having Tiffany Stratton cash in her Money in the Bank contract soon, especially if the fans are more invested in her growing friendship with Nia Jax. Triple H seemingly wishes to be patient with the massive swerve when it happens in the future.
#4 LA Knight to be a fighting champion on WWE SmackDown
LA Knight defeated Logan Paul to win the United States Championship at SummerSlam earlier this month. The Social Media maverick, despite his impressive in-ring performances, often drew heavy criticism from fans for his sporadic championship defenses.
On the other hand, Knight is set to put his title on the line against Santos Escobar in a match next week on SmackDown. Triple H hopes to compensate for Paul’s reign by presenting Knight as a fighting champion on the blue brand with regular title defenses against top names.
#5 Massive risk with the Undisputed WWE Championship feud
Cody Rhodes proposed he wished to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin, which the latter hesitantly accepted. This week, KO locked horns with Grayson Waller and defeated him, only to be blindsided by Austin Theory post-match. This saw Cody Rhodes run to his friend’s defense, making an interesting dynamic ahead of their match.
Many have speculated that this feud could see Kevin Owens turn heel with a gradual shift in his character. Until then, Triple H seems to be taking a risk with a feud between two top babyfaces. It is undoubtedly new, and the superstars involved can pull off a good narrative by portraying complex characters as we inch closer to Bash in Berlin.
