This week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown comes to you live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. As WWE tends to do post-draft, this week’s episode is being themed as the “season premiere” of SmackDown. Additionally, SmackDown will kick off the King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments; contracts will be signed and Tribal Chiefs will be seen. Let’s dive right in and preview what’s available on tonight’s show.
Queen’s Crown Tournament Opener: Carmella vs Liv Morgan
Ever since the women began being prominently featured in the WWE in the mid-2010s, there have been calls for a female equivalent of King of the Ring. Well, WWE answered our pleas; announcing the inaugural “Queen’s Crown” Tournament. Why they couldn’t call it “Queen of the Ring” we don’t know, but this will have to do. This year’s tournament kicks off with Liv Morgan taking on Carmella. These two have been embroiled in a feud lately and this would be a good place for it to culminate. Whereas Carmella is perhaps deserving of more on SmackDown, it is a crime that Liv Morgan is featured so little and loses as often as she does. She is someone who has improved immensely in recent years and is deserving of a big moment. Whereas she is highly unlikely to win this tournament, it would be nice to see her go far and build some momentum. Here’s hoping she kick-starts a good run of form tonight.
King of the Ring Tournament Opener: Rey Mysterio vs Sami Zayn
This is sure to be a fun match. This year’s King of the Ring tournament kicks off with the legendary Rey Mysterio and the Conspiracy Guru, Sami Zayn. Neither one of these two men have won a King of the Ring before, so they will both be eager to secure the crown for themselves. With both men currently out of the title picture, this is a good opportunity for both to remind the audience that they are vital parts of SmackDown. We might expect more play on the tension between Rey and Dominik Mysterio here, so it is possible Dominik costs his father the match – whether accidental or not. Sami should win. Then again, he might not.
SmackDown Women’s Championship Contract Signing
This is a strange situation. The contract signing in question is for a triple threat match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and yet, two of these three exceptionally talented women have been drafted to Raw. Oh, one of those drafted to Raw is the current SmackDown Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch. With Bianca Belair also being drafted, it is down to Sasha Banks to bring the title home – assuming that the winner isn’t automatically drafted to SmackDown. It is all very confusing and who even knows (WWE included) what the rules are in this situation. Anyway, this is a contract signing in the WWE, so expect a brawl to probably break out.
Not Announced But Expected For SmackDown
– Brock Lesnar is the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns‘ next challenger for the WWE Universal Championship at Crown Jewel. Expect the continuation of this storyline, complete with more tease on the potential break-up with Paul Heyman. Roman and Heyman are perfect together, so hopefully they remain untouched.
– SmackDown has received a flurry of fresh faces in the draft and perhaps none bigger than Drew McIntyre. These new faces, Drew included, will be looking to settle in and find their way on the blue brand, starting tonight.
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