The excitement is palpable as WWE Friday Night SmackDown is scheduled to broadcast on the FOX Network tonight. This particular episode is highly anticipated, being the first to follow the monumental WrestleMania 40 event that took place over the weekend. The energy will be electric with a sold-out audience of more than 13,000 fans at the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Despite the lack of promotion for specific events on the show, expectations are high for an unforgettable night.
Post-WrestleMania shows are renowned for their high stakes and dramatic storylines, often dealing with the aftermath of the year’s biggest wrestling spectacle. As the WWE universe looks ahead, these episodes set the tone for upcoming narratives and rivalries. In the era of Triple H, the pace never falters, and tonight’s SmackDown is expected to carry that momentum. The anticipation of potential surprises adds to the allure of the show, and we will explore several ways Triple H could deliver a night of shocks and awe.
One possible surprise could be the return of Baron Corbin to the main roster. After a period of struggle on the main roster, Corbin found new life in NXT, reverting to his old gimmick and achieving success, including winning the NXT Tag Team Titles with Bron Breakker. Although they recently lost the belts, and Breakker seems poised for a full-time move to SmackDown, there’s speculation that Corbin could join him. The duo, known as the Wolfdogs, might set their sights on the SmackDown Tag Team Titles, potentially leading to an exciting clash with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller at Backlash France.
Another potential shocker could be an open challenge issued by Cody Rhodes, the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. His victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 ended Reigns’ nearly four-year reign, marking the start of a new era. Rhodes, appearing on SmackDown, might opt to defend his title on the blue brand, which would be a stark contrast to Reigns’ approach. Superstars like Kevin Owens or Santos Escobar could step up to the challenge, igniting the next chapter in WWE history.
In addition to these possibilities, there’s speculation about the return of Matt Hardy to WWE. Known for his innovative contributions to the industry, including the TLC Match, Hardy’s departure to All Elite Wrestling a few years ago was met with excitement. However, after a less-than-stellar run in AEW, Hardy is now a free agent. If he were to re-sign with WWE, his appearance on SmackDown could be a significant moment, possibly involving a challenge to a top star or responding to an open challenge.
Lastly, the potential debut of Jacob Fatu on WWE SmackDown could be a game-changer. As a member of the esteemed Anoa’i Family, Fatu’s addition to The Bloodline could bring a fresh dynamic to the stable, especially if Roman Reigns and The Rock are absent from TV. Fatu’s agility and mic skills make him an exciting prospect, and his debut could involve asserting dominance or confronting an enemy of The Bloodline, setting the stage for new feuds and alliances.
