Friday Night SmackDown on FOX returns to our screens once more! Just last week, we had the official confirmation that Bianca Belair will be challenging Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. What happens with these two between now and then remains to be seen, but it will no doubt remain one of the hottest feuds on this year’s Road to WrestleMania. Additionally, Daniel Bryan has challenged The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, to a match for the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. Roman is, of course, claiming he beat Bryan fair and square at Elimination Chamber – ignoring the fact that Bryan had just competed in a grueling Elimination Chamber match. The match will happen at Fastlane but expect to see Roman and co. inflict as much damage as possible on Bryan between now and then. If that’s not enough, Roman also has the small, looming matter of a WrestleMania match against Edge, should he overcome Daniel Bryan. Tonight’s SmackDown will no doubt continue these feuds. What else is in store for the blue branded show? Let’s find out.
Shayna Baszler vs Bianca Belair
As mentioned in the opening, Bianca Belair is the number one contender for Sasha Banks’ SmackDown Women’s Championship. It was recently announced that the WrestleMania opponents will be teaming at WWE Fastlane for a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championships. This has become something of a theme, with potential RAW WrestleMania opponents Charlotte Flair and Asuka also teaming up in recent months. WWE likes to play the story of “can they work together?” for feuds where both participants are babyfaces. This will no doubt be the story between now and Fastlane. On tonight’s SmackDown, Belair will face off against former NXT rival, Shayna Baszler. During Bianca’s time in NXT, Shayna was the dominant, near-unstoppable NXT Women’s Champion and Belair never managed to overcome her. Now, though, all of the momentum is with Belair and this could be her moment where she finally defeats her former tormentor. Expect some involvement from Shayna’s tag team partner, Nia Jax and Sasha Banks.
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Daniel Bryan vs Jey Uso in a Steel Cage Match Headlines SmackDown
On last week’s SmackDown, Daniel Bryan pleaded with Roman Reigns for a match for the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. In order to achieve this match, he must defeat Jey Uso on tonight’s SmackDown. However, there is the added stipulation that should Bryan lose, he must acknowledge Roman Reigns as his Tribal Chief. This feud appears to be filler for Roman before his match with Edge at WrestleMania but there could be something more to it. A potential upset at Fastlane is possible, though very unlikely. SmackDown right now is the Roman Reigns show – it truly is his island. For Bryan to defeat him heading into WrestleMania would frankly make zero sense. As Bryan mentioned last week, he was involved in Roman’s first ever match on the WWE main roster, way back in 2012. At Fastlane in 2015, the louder section of the WWE Universe – firmly behind Daniel Bryan – completely turned their backs on Roman and led to the years of hostile boos Roman was subjected to, prior to his heel turn last year. This is an opportunity for a perfect, ready-made story between two of WWE’s biggest stars and Jey Uso will have his work cut out for him tonight’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown.
Not Announced But Expected for Friday Night SmackDown Card
– We have seen a darker side to Otis in recent weeks, with Chad Gable leading something of a character u-turn. Will Rey and Dominik Mysterio be looking for revenge?
– Apollo Crews got himself a big win over Shinsuke Nakamura last week. Expect him to continue his hot run of form tonight.
– Tamina and Natalya have become a winning team of veterans. Expect more of this new team.
– Seth Rollins is embroiled in a feud with Cesaro and that should further escalate here.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. WWE fan? You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content on the WWE Network.
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