Friday Night SmackDown returns to FOX tonight for yet another edition of the blue branded grappling extraordinaire. Still relatively fresh off the heels of WrestleMania 37, new feuds are forming, old feuds are ending and we have no idea what they are because, in typical WWE fashion, nothing is being advertised in advance of the show. To WWE‘s credit, pre-show advertisements aren’t necessarily as important without a paying audience. However, like a Mike Knox push in 2009, shows which haven’t been excessively billed can become forgettable. Here’s hoping for a good one. Let’s dive into some of the speculation surrounding what may or may not be in-store from the SmackDown card.
SmackDwn Preview (4/23/21)
Fallout From the Seth Rollins Attack on Cesaro
So this is something which is almost certainly going to be addressed on the show. Last week, Cesaro – riding a wave of momentum after vanquishing Seth Rollins at WrestleMania – issued a challenge to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash. Roman chose to simply ignore Cesaro. To the Tribal Chief, Cesaro is so far beneath him that he simply is not worth his time. However, we all know that Reigns is cautious of Cesaro; the perennial underachiever who has, at last, rediscovered his mojo. Which is precisely why Paul Heyman continuously attempted to belittle Cesaro on the microphone. He poses a threat unlike anyone else on SmackDown right now. However, at the conclusion of the show after the Swiss Superman defeated Jey Uso, Seth Rollins – angered by his humiliation at the hands of Cesaro the weekend prior – took Cesaro out. Where is this leading? A rematch with Seth Rollins or to a match against Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship? Potentially a second triple threat? Who knows, but tonight we may just get some answers.
Not Announced But Expected For SmackDown Card:
– SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair, celebrated her WrestleMania victory over Sasha Banks last week. Afterward, Sasha walked out of an interview with Kayla Braxton before it could even begin. Then after this, Bayley trash-talked both women and challenged Bianca Belair for the championship. This looks to be leading to what would be an excellent three-woman feud and match for the championship at WrestleMania Backlash. We should find out more tonight.
– Kevin Owens beat Sami Zayn again last week, though this time by count-out. Add this to a WrestleMania defeat, this feud is becoming increasingly one-sided against Zayn. What can he possibly do to even the score?
– Rey Mysterio beat Otis last week on SmackDown. This feud between the Mysterios and Alpha Academy feels to be never-ending. Expect it to continue tonight.
– Can we expect a Big E return to confront Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews? It is possible. Expect the Intercontinental Champion to make an appearance this week.
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 and Peacock.
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