SmackDown Preview: Shane and AJ Is Becoming Official

Normally, I make a comment here about how SmackDown actually has matches and segments booked for the evening, giving us something to look forward to. That’s not the case today, because the blue brand hasn’t announced anything specific for tonight. I guess we can’t have a WrestleMania-altering number one contender’s match every week, after all.

The big point for tonight’s show will be Shane McMahon’s response to AJ Styles. We all know they’re going to have a match for WrestleMania, and it looks like tonight is the night it finally becomes official.

I’m of two minds about all this. On one hand, there are so many cool matches AJ could have at Mania. Finn, Seth, Shinsuke, Undertaker, Joe. On the other hand, Shane would be on the card regardless, and there’s no one better equipped to get an awesome match out of the younger McMahon than AJ Styles. At this point, I think AJ has proven he could have a five-star match with a cardboard box.

AJ Styles and Shane McMahon's confrontation spins out of control: WWE Talking Smack, March 7, 2017

Beyond that, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt will continue upping the stakes for their maybe main event. The mixed tag match between Team Cena and Team Miz is all but official, as is an Intercontinental Championship bout between Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin. Plus a few more names will surely throw themselves into the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. James Ellsworth & Carmella: SmackDown LIVE, March 7, 2017

Without WrestleMania opponents, however, are American Alpha. They’ll need some contenders soon, and it looks like the Usos are the most likely bets for the spot. We’ll known very soon.

SmackDown hits the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA tonight, broadcast live as always on the USA Network at 8PM Eastern/7PM Central. We’ll have live coverage as usual, so stick around for all the news as it happens.