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In an all-star six-woman tag team match, Rhea Ripley will join forces with The Allies of Convenience (Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair) to take on Fatal Influence. The company will also present a massive title match on tonight’s SmackDown.
Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton will put her gold on the line against Kiana James. The Buff Barbie recently dethroned Giulia as champion. Hence, James is laser-focused on bringing the gold back to the camp.
WWE has also announced The Funeral of the Gingerbread Man for SmackDown before Backlash. The Gingerbread Man angle has been receiving adverse reactions from fans. Can the creative team finally turn the tables and deliver a compelling segment on the show to continue the Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams feud?
In this article, we will look at three potential endings to the WWE SmackDown before Backlash.
#3. Cody Rhodes Could Attack Gunther
The most obvious ending to this week’s SmackDown could see Cody Rhodes attack Gunther. Last Friday, The American Nightmare returned to in-ring action and defeated a debuting Ricky Saints.
Rhodes’ victory celebration was shockingly interrupted by Gunther. The Ring General blindsided the Undisputed WWE Champion and locked him in his signature Sleeper Hold. Referees were forced to rush it to prevent the former World Heavyweight Champion from inflicting significant damage on Rhodes.
The American Nightmare must be furious following last week’s assault. He might be devising a plan to exact revenge on The Austrian Anomaly. In recent months, Rhodes has shown that he wouldn’t shy away from using underhanded tactics to take down ruthless heels. On tonight’s show, The Prodigal Son could drop his rival with a Cross Rhodes to send him a message.
With last week’s post-match attack, the creative team seemingly laid the foundation for Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther. It could continue building up the rivalry on tonight’s SmackDown before announcing a huge title match for Clash in Italy later this month.
Rhodes needs to look strong on this week’s show because he has been constantly portrayed as an underdog since the Road to WrestleMania 42. Before being targeted by Gunther on SmackDown, The American Nightmare was tormented by Randy Orton and Pat McAfee.
The Prodigal Son could issue a warning to his potential challengers by taking down one of the most dominant names on the roster, Gunther, on this week’s SmackDown.
#2. Paul Heyman Could Announce That He Got Gunther a World Title Shot
On the Road to WrestleMania 42, Paul Heyman seemed helpless in his feud against Seth Rollins. Both Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed were sidelined with injuries. Moreover, Austin Theory and Logan Paul were embroiled in a feud with The Usos and LA Knight.
Heyman, being a mastermind, recruited Gunther to tackle his Seth Rollins problem. The Ring General ultimately defeated Rollins at WrestleMania 42 with the help of a returning Breakker. Amid the chaos, Gunther teased that Heyman owed him a favor for taking down The Visionary.
On tonight’s SmackDown, Paul Heyman could reveal the reason behind Gunther’s attack on Cody Rhodes. After being spotted talking to general manager Nick Aldis, The Oracle could disclose that he got The Austrian Anomaly an Undisputed WWE Championship shot as part of a favor.
Heyman could come face-to-face with Cody Rhodes in the closing segment of the show. During the exchange, he could announce that Rhodes will have to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther at Clash in Italy on May 31 in Turin. The Ring General could take advantage of the duo’s heated promo battle and launch another assault.
The Austrian Anomaly has a lot of momentum on his side after retiring three legends over the past year. He could continue his dominant run by brutally attacking Rhodes after their championship match is confirmed.
#1. Two WWE Legends Could Return on SmackDown
At the end of WrestleMania 42 Night One, Randy Orton delivered a vicious Punt Kick to an already bloodied Cody Rhodes. He also posed with the Undisputed WWE Championship, suggesting that their rivalry was nowhere near its conclusion. However, Orton has been notably absent from the company’s programming since The Show of Shows.
Many fans have been speculating that Orton is injured. The Viper was seen clutching his back during the title match, raising concerns about his medical condition. WWE could swerve fans by bringing back the 14-time WWE World Champion on tonight’s SmackDown.
WWE is clearly heading toward Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes at Clash in Italy. However, if Randy Orton is not injured, the creative team might not keep him on the sidelines for long. Orton could show up during this week’s SmackDown and help Gunther take down their common enemy, Cody Rhodes.
It’s unlikely that Gunther and Randy Orton will forge a long-term partnership, but they could briefly be allies of convenience. WWE could continue teasing a rematch between Rhodes and Orton while The American Nightmare feuds with The Ring General. The Viper could constantly target his former Legacy teammate after Nick Aldis potentially denies him a championship rematch.
On the upcoming episode of SmackDown, Gunther and Orton could gang up on Rhodes. However, The American Nightmare could be saved by a real-life friend and WWE legend. CM Punk, who has been away from TV since the RAW after WrestleMania, could show up and help The Prodigal Son.
WWE teased a match between Rhodes and Punk on the RAW after WrestleMania. The Best in the World is expected to move to SmackDown to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship later this year. Tonight, he could officially join the blue brand and take down Gunther and Orton to close the show.
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