This week’s Smackdown Live features a big match and the continuing fall-out from Wrestlemania and the Superstar Shake-Up.
Here’s what we’re looking forward to seeing tonight:
No.1 Contender Six-Pack Challenge
**UPDATE** in a HUGE UPSET JINDER MAHAL is now #1 Contender! WOW!
There's no more HINDERING @JinderMahal anymore, as he has become the NEW #1Contender to the #WWEChampionship! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/ygHaDfxkM0
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2017
Even though there’s a chance the WWE Title is moving to Raw with Bray Wyatt, Smackdown is holding a Number One Contender’s match for the top title tonight. Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner Mojo Rawley, perennial also-ran Dolph Ziggler, former Wyatt Family members Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, Sami Zayn, and vascular and concussion-bringer Jinder Mahal will all be vying for a chance at the title. My favorite is Harper. He put on a hell of a run in the lead-up to Wrestlemania and just missed on squaring off against his former Leader at the Show of Shows. Though don’t count out Ziggler or Rawley, both of whom are due for a run.
Who will answer Kevin Owens “Face Of America Open Challenge” tonight?
Even though he is on Smackdown, there is a threat that Kevin Owens’ US Title could switch back to Chris Jericho. However, Jericho is about to go on tour with his band Fozzy so it seems like the title and KO will stay on Smackdown for the time being. Owens is going full-blown heel and styling himself the “face of America” complete with a suit and French language promos. He’s even started an “Open Challenge” ala John Cena.
Blue Ladies
With Tamina and Charlotte adding new life to the Women’s Division, we will have some fresh match-ups. Charlotte will hold the title before too long. She’s the best talent in the Women’s Division and is a star attraction. Becky Lynch has proven she can go with the Queen, but Naomi and the rest of the crew will need to step up.
Literally a New Day for the New Day
The New Day have also moved to Tuesday nights and are going to provide a big boost to the Tag Team Division that has sagged in recent months. Even though Kofi is still sidelined with an injury, Big E and Xavier Woods can more than carry the missing weight. Look for them to get into it with the Usos and bring their absurd jocularity along for the ride.
Next Step for Nakamura?
The King of Strong Style has yet to actually wrestle on Smackdown Live. Instead, he’s made his grand entrance and had stand-offs against The Miz and Ziggler. Look for Nakamura to finally have his debut match and show us that he isn’t just a great entrance with a unique personality.
What else are you looking forward to tonight on Smackdown?