WWE SmackDown Preview: Roman Reigns returns and Royal Rumble 2024 build heats up

15/12/2023

NEW DELHI: Green Bay, Wisconsin, is set to host tonight’s episode of SmackDown at the Resch Center, marking the third installment during the nine-week build towards Royal Rumble 2024, scheduled for January 27.

After a brief hiatus, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown to attend to what WWE’s official site describes as “Tribal business.” With the Royal Rumble on the horizon, Reigns will need to strategize and solidify his position as the Head of the Table on the Road to WrestleMania.

With Roman only slated for a few appearances leading to Royal Rumble, WWE faces the imminent task of officially naming his challenger for the event. Potential contenders include Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles.

LA Knight, having previously faced Reigns and suffered a loss, may not secure a rematch at Royal Rumble. Still, he is likely to play a role in the ongoing storyline involving The Bloodline.

Randy Orton, fresh off his WWE return at Survivor Series, seeks retribution against Reigns and The Bloodline for sidelining him for 18 months. Orton’s exclusive deal with SmackDown positions him as a prime candidate for a title shot at Royal Rumble.

AJ Styles, whose return has been rumored for weeks, could also become part of the title picture after being taken out by The Bloodline in September. The Phenomenal One might choose to seek revenge, possibly waiting for a match against Reigns in Australia in February.

The episode may see interactions between Reigns and these contenders, setting the stage for Orton to earn an official title match at Royal Rumble. However, the likelihood of any of these challengers dethroning the Tribal Chief is slim, given Reigns’ dominance and the anticipation that he will retain the gold until WrestleMania.

In other developments, a tournament determines the next challenger for part-time United States Champion Logan Paul, with matches featuring Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller. WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY faces pressure from former champion Bianca Belair, with Bayley potentially playing a crucial role.

WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and Finn Balor are likely absent as they prepare for a title defense on Raw against the Creed Brothers. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green and Piper Niven are also focused on their upcoming Raw title defense.

Additional highlights to watch for include Karrion Kross’s return, the dynamic between Lashley and the Street Profits, Pretty Deadly’s actions in the absence of the Brawling Brutes, updates on Charlotte Flair’s health, potential consequences for Zelina Vega and Mia Yim’s actions against Damage CTRL, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis confirming Royal Rumble entrants, and the whereabouts of Omos.

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