What to Expect From SmackDown: Trio of Title Matches, Huge Return

With the huge distance between TLC and the Royal Rumble, SmackDown is doing what it can to keep the stories going between pay-per-views.

The blue brand has already had a huge week (in notable contrast to Raw), with a special live event in Madison Square Garden. Tonight, the show features what WWE is calling the “Wild Card Finals”–a huge TV special featuring three title matches and the return of perhaps the biggest star in WWE.

What’s on deck? Here’s everything to expect.

Last week’s episode saw main event shenanigans lead to an additional competitor in the Dolph Ziggler vs. AJ Styles match–the Lone Wolf, Baron Corbin. AJ will be defending the WWE Championship in a triple threat against both Ziggler and Corbin.

Likelihood of a world title change? Minimal, but AJ seems to be incapable of having a match, and both Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin have a lot to prove, so this battle should be something special.

Another multi-man title defense sees the Wyatt Family defend the Tag Team Championship in a Four Corners Elimination Match. Previous #1 contenders, the Hype Bros, are out due to injury, and the make-up match is none-too-shabby.

The former champs, Heath Slater & Rhyno, the revitalized evil Usos, and the next big things in American Alpha will all vie for tag team supremacy. Really, I could watch the Wyatts fight anybody at this point. They’re great. The best. Win all the titles.

Then there’s the long-delayed final showdown between Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss. Will it be better than Becky’s battle with a can of pineapples? It’ll be tough to top that legendary opponent, but this match should be another banger.

Finally, a returning superstar will get the opportunity to lead Chicago in a rousing chorus of “John Cena sucks.” The 15-time world champion will certainly have some goals in mind as we embark on the road to WrestleMania, and as sick as some fans might be of the odds being overcome, SmackDown has certainly been lesser for his absence.

SmackDown Live broadcasts–live!–from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL, airing on the USA Network at 8PM Eastern/7PM Central. We’ll be covering every event from the show as it happens, so stay tuned here, on Twitter, and Facebook for all the latest!