WWE SmackDown came packed with several surprises last week. We heard from new champions Bayley and Cody Rhodes. The Role Model introduced the fans to her next opponent for the WWE Women’s Champion. The American Nightmare, on the other hand, prepared fans for his first title defense at Backlash 2024.
The biggest surprise of the night, however, came with the arrival of Tama Tonga. The Bullet Club OG seemingly joined forces with Solo Sikoa to take out Jimmy Uso. Paul Heyman, apparently, had not idea of what was about to happen to The Bloodline in Roman Reigns’ absence. The Wiseman was forced to watch Solo and Tama’s relentless assault on Jimmy.
The previous episode of SmackDown left fans with many questions. Tonight’s edition of the blue brand will pick up the things where it left off. The show goes down live at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Let’s take a look at the matches set for the April 19th episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Title Fatal Four-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match
WWE officially split the tag team titles at WrestleMania 40. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller unhooked the SmackDown Tag Team Championship during the Six Pack Tag Team Ladder Match. Awesome Truth, consisting of The Miz and R-Truth, took away the RAW Tag Team Championship.
The RAW tag team titles became the World Tag Team Championship this past Monday on RAW. DIY became the number one contenders to said championship by besting Creed Brothers and The New Day the same night. The challengers will square off against the champions on April 22.
SmackDown tonight will host a fatal four-way number one contender’s match to determine the new challengers to Theory and Waller. Authors of Pain, Legado Del Fantasma, New Catch Republic, and The Street Profits will fight for a shot at the SmackDown tag team titles.
Prediction: We may see a new set of tag team titles for the blue brand tonight. Expect Waller and Theory to join commentary as the WWE Tag Team Champions. I’m thinking Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford are going over tonight.
AJ Styles vs. LA Knight – Undisputed WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match
AJ Styles and LA Knight both qualified in their respective triple threat matches last week on WWE SmackDown. Knight bested Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar. Styles defeated Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio in the second qualifier of the night.
The winner of tonight’s contest will meet Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash in France. Many fans do not seem to like the idea of running back Knight versus Styles. The Megastar picked up the win against the Phenomenal One at WrestleMania 40.
I’m a fan of both Knight and Styles, but the latter seems to be a realistic opponent for Rhodes. Triple H may want to save Knight versus Rhodes for a future PLE given their massive popularity with the fans.
Prediction: AJ Styles def. LA Knight
Bayley (c) vs. Naomi – WWE Women’s Championship Match
Bayley finished her story at WrestleMania 40. The Role Model beat former Damage CTRL partner IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship. Both women told a great story in the ring. Bayley got a standing ovation the moment referee’s hand went for the third and final count.
The new champion would handpick Naomi as her opponent on SmackDown after WrestleMania. Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton to solidify herself as the new number one contender. The champion and the challenger will collide tonight on the blue brand.
Prediction: Bayley def. Naomi
WrestleZone will have full coverage of WWE SmackDown as it airs. Let us know your predictions for the show in the comments section below.
Also read: WWE SmackDown Hits And Misses (4/12/24)
