WWE is in a strange spot right now, both riding high after a very well-received WrestleMania and clouded in doubt after the news of the merger between WWE and UFC’s parent company, Endeavor. Regardless, the machine keeps rolling, and SmackDown is live tonight from the Moda Center in Portland, OR. Let’s take a look at everything announced for tonight’s episode of SmackDown:
Triple H to address the WWE Universe
WWE’s official preview:
WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H ignited the Los Angeles crowd to kick off the Raw After WrestleMania and will return this week on Friday Night SmackDown.
Coming off the most successful WrestleMania in history, the message from The Game was simple – “We’re not going anywhere.”
Brawling Brutes vs. Imperium
WWE’s official preview:
Fridays are back to being Fight Night!
In the wake of a punishing Triple Threat Intercontinental Title battle that saw Gunther retain, Sheamus will lead his Brawling Brute brothers in a Six-Man Tag Team showdown with Imperium on SmackDown.
Who will be left standing when these two teams tear each other apart on the blue brand?
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens return to SmackDown as Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions
WWE’s official preview:
In an incredible main event showdown on WrestleMania Saturday, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn brought the WWE Universe to a frenzy when they overcame The Usos in the first-ever Tag Team Title main event in the history of The Showcase of the Immortals and snapped the seemingly never-ending reign of Jimmy and Jey! Still charged up from their electric triumph, the new titleholders will journey to the blue brand! How will best friends Owens and Zayn celebrate their epic win?
Rhea Ripley claims her throne as SmackDown Women’s Champion
WWE’s official preview:
After defeating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 in an instant classic, Rhea Ripley will appear on the blue brand for the first-time as SmackDown Women’s Champion in what is sure to be a memorable moment.
Just days after winning the title at WrestleMania Saturday, Ripley confronted Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair at the Raw after WrestleMania and declared herself WWE’s top champion.
What will Ripley say when she hits the ring, grabs a mic and claims her throne?
Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar vs. Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest
WWE’s official preview:
Rey Mysterio dealt out some well-deserved payback at The Show of Shows, but Dominik Mysterio refuses to learn a real lesson in respect.
Despite the WrestleMania setback, “Prison Dom” took out his frustrations on Bad Bunny and set up Damian Priest to smash the GRAMMY Award winner through the announce table. Now the elder Mysterio has revived LWO in response to the Judgment Day’s torment and will team with Santos Escobar against Dominik & Priest.
Sami Zayn vs. Jey Uso
WWE’s official preview:
It’s been a long, twisted journey for Sami Zayn and Jey Uso, as the two now prepare for a one-on-one battle this Friday on SmackDown.
The two men were at the heart of The Bloodline’s greatest successes and most glaring internal struggles over the last year. Jey initially questioned the former Honorary Uce’s loyalty and separated himself from his family for a time after Zayn’s shocking Royal Rumble attack on Roman Reigns.
Now the two Superstars find themselves in much different positions, as Zayn now holds the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles alongside his friend Kevin Owens, and Jey and his brother Jimmy are left to deal with life after their record-breaking title reign.
Can Jey achieve retribution against Zayn following the crushing WrestleMania setback?
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