Well, it is almost time for WWE Friday Night SmackDown once again! What a whirlwind of a week it has been for the WWE and, indeed, the entire professional wrestling landscape. It was during WrestleMania weekend (which was just this past weekend, despite feeling like a lifetime ago) that news broke of a WWE sale and merger with the UFC, with both companies now under the ownership of Endeavor. Then we got news regarding the return of Vince McMahon, who is continuing on in the powerful role of Executive Chairman of the new, merged business. McMahon was also leading creative backstage during Monday Night Raw, and it will be fascinating to see if tonight’s SmackDown is also under his watchful eye. Therefore, this SmackDown card preview is subject to change! What’s on offer for the post-WrestleMania edition, new era of SmackDown? Well, let’s dive right in and find out.
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Rhea Ripley “Claims Her Throne” on SmackDown
The NEW #SmackDown Women's Champion @RheaRipley_WWE claims her throne on the blue brand this Friday! pic.twitter.com/Xf72iOuJhK
— WWE (@WWE) April 4, 2023
Rhea Ripley finally did it: she beat Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, three years after failing to overcome her wooing adversary at WrestleMania 36. On this week’s SmackDown, Rhea Ripley is being billed as showing up to “claim her throne”. The use of the word “throne” is interesting, a Ripley does not have a character with royal elements. Is she merely claiming Charlotte’s throne, as she has been referred to as “The Queen” throughout her career? Or is it in reference to a Queen of the Ring future? Who knows! Find out on SmackDown this week!
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Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn Celebrate Their WrestleMania Victory
At WrestleMania, the team of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn overcame The Usos to become the unified WWE Tag Team Champion. On Monday, the team defeated The Street Profits a mere 48 hours after capturing the championship. On SmackDown this week, they will finally take a moment to reflect on their victory and celebrate it. Of course, as we are all well aware, things never go to plan – a celebration in the world of pro wrestling is a welcome inviation for enemies to attack. Might The Usos and The Bloodline get involved? SmackDown will give all the answers.
Not Announced But Expected for SmackDown
– Cody Rhodes suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Roman’s seemingly unstoppable championship reign has overcome all, and to make matters worse, Rhodes now has Brock Lesnar breathing down his neck. Will Cody be on hand to address the vicious onslaught? Will Lesnar? What will Tribal Chief Roman Reigns be doing? Hopefully we get some answers on SmackDown this week. That concludes this week’s WWE SmackDown card preview – enjoy the show!
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