Next week’s Smackdown Live is shaping up to be pretty big which might help the blue brand to heat up the Road to Wrestlemania for the blue brand.
A number one contender’s match has been confirmed that will determine the main event of Fastlane PPV. Kevin Owens will have to face Sami Zayn with the winner getting a shot to the WWE Championship held by AJ Styles.
Meanwhile, a big championship match was finalized on the same show. It will be contested for the United States Championship as Bobby Roode has received a new number one contender over the title.
Previously, the US title was defended in the Royal Rumble kick-off by Roode against Mojo Rawley.
Following this match, a fatal-4-way match was announced to take place on this week’s Smackdown Live.
Jinder Mahal, Rusev, Kofi Kingston and Zack Ryder competed in the match under no-DQ rule with the winner getting a shot to the US Championship. Rusev was the hot favourite heading into the match with the crowd supporting him throughout the match.
IT’S RUSEV DAYYYYYYY!!!@RusevBUL makes @TrueKofi tap out to the #Accolade to earn a #USTitle opportunity! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/atLmdoV6j6
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2018
So, quite expectedly, the Bulgarian Brute won the match by locking in the Accolade on Kofi Kingston. Following the win, he went to the commentary table in order to have a confrontation with the champion, himself who was present to keep a close eye on his potential opponent. This indicated that the title match will happen, really quick.
Later, WWE confirmed that Rusev will get the championship shot against Bobby Roode on next week’s Smackdown Live. It is going to be a singles match where Aiden English is expected to be present at the ringside providing the upper-hand to his partner. With two big-time matches on the card, the upcoming episode on February 6th is going to be a stacked one in Kansas City.
Mark your ?.
NEXT TUESDAY is #RusevDay as @RusevBUL will challenge @REALBobbyRoode for the #USTitle on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/XLUZRThiel
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 31, 2018
Next Tuesday may be #RusevDay, but when you’re #USChampion, your schedule fills up VERY quickly…#SDLive @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/U4EDjWddv3
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 31, 2018
Giving Rusev a title opportunity was a good decision considering that he is the most favourite of the WWE Universe, in recent times.
Getting so much support from the fans despite being a heel is a positive indication for his career.
So, establishing the former United States Champion as a singles competitor will be a far better option for the on-screen villain.