WWE brings Friday Night SmackDown back to our screens with the promise of two guaranteed matches for tonight’s show. One of them will be contested for the Intercontinental Championship – a title which the WWE has cared little about for much of the past decade, with an especially blasé attitude as of late. With WrestleMania XXXVIII firmly in the rear view and WrestleMania Backlash quickly approaching, expect tonight’s episode to continue building upon some of the new storylines which began on last week’s show. Let’s kick off the preview.
WWE Intercontinental Championhip: Ricochet (c) Vs. Jinder Mahal
Jinder Mahal has secured a WWE Intercontinental Championship match for tonight’s SmackDown after complaining to Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce about his exclusion from WrestleMania. Jinder Mahal is a former world champion and whereas his world title reign is arguably the most infamous, easiest pick for worst championship reign in WWE history, he is right to feel cast aside when his name has some tiny, shredded semblance of value to a company looking for valuable names. Ricochet, too, was overlooked and left without a WrestleMania moment – a crime, given his ridiculous talents. Therefore, Mahal and Ricochet are two stars who should be angry and looking to achieve a show-stealing match here. Will they get the time to do it? Tune in to find out.
Drew McIntyre Vs. Sami Zayn
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results, then expect a bout of inSamity. During last week’s Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre match (expect this to become a running theme over the next few weeks), Sami walked out of the match to avoid a Claymore Kick – getting counted out in the process. The same will likely happen here, too. Whereas Sami Zayn is by far one of the most talented performers in the company both as a character and as an in-ring virtuoso, he is far beyond your everyday comedy heel and deserves a little bit more than what he is getting (yes, we are aware he was just in a match with the cast of Jackass at WrestleMania – we just hope you are aware he was beaten by a giant mouse trap). Drew is clearly the future contender to the Tribal Chief and is just completing side quests. Enjoy SmackDown!
Not Announced But Expected for Friday Night SmackDown
– Expect a follow-up vignette for Lacey Evans as she seemingly continues her face turn.
– Shinsuke Nakamura is being positioned as the next contender for Roman Reigns. Might we see something here?
– Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair will continue their feud.
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