WWE is on its road to Crown Jewel, and it is continuing its momentum from picking up the tension from the events of the last week of SmackDown. From Randy Orton saving Cody Rhodes to Nia Jax’s glaring botch, the show was full of highlight-worthy moments. Tonight’s show will be no different because it will be jam-packed with big names like Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu, Tiffany Stratton, and more (via WWE).
The event will be live exclusively from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The upcoming segment is expected to be huge, which will not only develop the storyline ahead of the PLE but also sow the seeds for future storylines. With that being said, here are our 6 last-minute predictions for tonight’s show!
6. Solo Sikoa Returns to Interrupt Sami Zayn’s US Open Challenge
Sami Zayn has taken the blessings of John Cena to become the fighting champion he once was! Since then, he has been following in the footsteps of The Cenation Leader, issuing the US Open Challenge to give a push to the budding talents of the wrestling promotion brand. However, one man will not be too thrilled with this idea.
It’s none other than Solo Sikoa, who lost the title to Zayn in the go-home edition of SmackDown. For the past couple of weeks, he has been teasing his return with prerecorded promo videos featuring him and his MFT. Chances are, he might return tonight, when the open challenge is going on, beat up the champion and the challenger, and send the message loud and clear to the current US Champion.
5. Jacob Fatu Gets Ambushed By Drew McIntyre in a Backstage Segment
Last week, Drew McIntyre crossed the line, calling out Cody Rhodes and WWE and accusing them of corruption because he was denied two clear opportunities at Wrestlepalooza
The Scottish Warrior has earned an infamous reputation for attacking his foes when they least expect it. With The Samoan Werewolf now on his radar, he might face his fury as he gets attacked by McIntyre for putting his nose where it does not belong. Thus, commencing their rivalry, giving Fatu the push he deserves.
4. Carmelo Snaps at The Miz for Undermining His Success
Carmelo has been having tension with The Miz for quite some time, but it was all under the rug when they used it to their advantage, keeping their opponents confused. Lately, The Awesome One has been getting on the nerves of Melo, undermining him as a wrestler and even stealing his moments in tag team matches.
Last week, The Miz tried to do the same, but Carmelo stopped him, leading to a conflict that ultimately cost them the match. When he was heading backstage, he said, “Three weeks. You’re out” (via Instagram), sending a cryptic message to his partner. Check out the clip below:
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This week, they could be featured in a backstage segment, discussing the event that unfolded during the show, which will ultimately lead Melo to snap and dissolve Melo Don’t Miz.
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3. Tiffany Stratton Sends a Message to Stephanie Vaquer Ahead of Crown Jewel Match
Last week, Tiffany Stratton retained her WWE Women’s Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Nia Jax and Jade Cargill. However, her moment was cut short by Stephanie Vaquer coming out and having an intense face-off (via Instagram).
This week, Stratton would have her Tiffy Time at the Heritage Bank Center, cutting a razor-edge promo against La Primera ahead of their showdown at Crown Jewel. Things could become more feisty if Vaquer decides to show up, leading to a war of words, hyping up their match at the PPV.
2. Aleister Black Continues his Weekly Attacks on Damian Priest
Aleister Black has vowed to fill Damian Priest with doubt, and he has been playing mind games with him, jumping on him when he least expects it. Tonight, The Archer of Infamy is going to be in action against an undisclosed opponent. However, he would not be able to make it to the squared circle because he would be knocked out again, as Black would attack him again and continue playing mind games with him.
1. Seth Rollins Invades Friday Night SmackDown to Attack Cody Rhodes
The WWE Universe is buzzing with excitement as Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are going to clash once again at Crown Jewel. Their rivalry reached a new boiling point last week at RAW, confronting each other, where Rollins left flustered, bringing out his biggest insecurities.
Following the episode of the Red Brand, Nick Aldis, the general manager of SmackDown, announced on social media (via X) that Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton will be featured in a tag team match against The Vision. Check out the clip below:
SMACKDOWN NEWS 🚨@RealNickAldis has huge news for THIS FRIDAY… @CodyRhodes & @RandyOrton will team up to take on The Vision’s @bronbreakkerwwe & @BRONSONISHERE! pic.twitter.com/zzjN4v3y6x
Their match will end in outside disqualification from The Visionary because he will be desperate to win against The American Nightmare at the PLE. Hence, he will order Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to create chaos during their match, and he will strike at the right moment to tenderize his opponent. Thus, creating more drama ahead of their showdown!
With so many interesting segments predicted ahead of tonight’s, which one are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!
WWE SmackDown can be streamed on the USA Network (USA) at 8 ET/7 PT in the U.S. and on Netflix globally.
