5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown after Royal Rumble

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#5. Uncle Howdy vs. Solo Sikoa loading

Though Solo Sikoa competed in the Men’s Chamber qualifying match, the feud between Uncle Howdy and Sikoa is far from over on the blue brand. The Wyatt Sicks kidnapped MFT faction members on SmackDown. It was the primary reason no one assisted the MFT leader in the main event.

These developments suggest WWE may finally be planning the Howdy vs. Solo feud. Their rivalry may culminate at Elimination Chamber 2026 or WrestleMania 42.

#4. Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer is all but confirmed for WrestleMania 42

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez made their presence felt on SmackDown, engaging in a heated face-off with Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace. Though Morgan has yet to officially confirm her match against Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World title at WrestleMania 42, it seems confirmed now.

Liv also stated that Raquel and Liv may walk out of Mania as Champions by dethroning Cargill and Vaquer. So, it subtly hints that Morgan vs Vaquer is all but confirmed for this year’s Showcase of Immortals.

#3. WWE is high on Oba Femi

Oba Femi made his dominating presence on Friday Night SmackDown. The former NXT Champion destroyed Kit Wilson in a squash match and sent a big message to everyone. Additionally, he attacked the War Raiders on Monday Night RAW.

His booking on SmackDown after the Royal Rumble subtly confirms that WWE is high on Oba Femi and the Nigerian star will get a massive push in the main roster.

#2. Raquel is turning on Liv soon

Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan’s breakup is seemingly on the horizon. Also, in SmackDown this week, the Stamford-based promotion continues to tease tensions between them.

During their tag team match, Raquel accidentally kicked her fellow Judgment Day member. Following this, they lost the tag team bout. All these hints that the Sports Entertainment juggernaut is planning for a major betrayal when Rodriguez turns on Liv, leading to their separation.

#1. Drew McIntyre could lose his Undisputed WWE title before WrestleMania 42

Drew McIntyre could lose his Undisputed Championship before this year’s Showcase of Immortals. The Scottish Warrior’s poor booking on SmackDown subtly teases this direction.

On SmackDown, Drew was attacked twice, first by Cody Rhodes and then by Jacob Fatu. Despite being the Undisputed title holder, getting destroyed in such a manner signals that WWE is booking him as a weak champion.

This might lead him to drop the Championship even before Mania 42.

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