Triple H, the new leader of the creative is reportedly making a lot of plans for the future, and that obviously includes WWE SmackDown, this week. Karrion Kross’ return shook things up last week as we expect to receive the fallout of the happening in the possible main event segment of the show.
Also announced for WWE SmackDown is Gunther’s WWE Intercontinental Championship defense against Shinsuke Nakamura. WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament will continue after this week’s Raw. Plus, a contract signing between Liv Morgan and Shayna Baszler is being promoted for the episode that takes place at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.
WWE Smackdown: More Surprise Returns Expected On August 12 Episode
The closing segment of last week’s WWE SmackDown was promoted to be a verbal encounter between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre to set up their scheduled title match at WWE Clash at the Castle. McIntyre, the former WWE Champion strolled down the entrance aisle, intending to destroy The Bloodline using his sword Angela.
This is when McIntyre was interrupted by Kross’ “Fall and Pray” entrance. He was blindsided by Kross, who came out of the crowd to deliver an ambush on the current challenger for the top title. Kross took down McIntyre by repeatedly slamming his head against the steel ring steps.
Roman Reigns and the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos looked on from inside the ring after which Kross’ valet cum wife Scarlett placed an hourglass at ringside. Reports claim that Kross will be coming after Reigns’ dual titles and hence the announced Reigns vs. McIntyre matchup could get changed on WWE Smackdown.
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WWE Smackdown Preview (12/08/22): Morgan-Baszler to sign contract
As announced last week, the next title match challenger for WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan has officially been declared. Shayna Baszler will challenge Morgan for the gold at the Clash at the Castle event next month.
Baszler earned the title shot by winning a gauntlet match, last Friday night. She scored the decisive pinfall with a rollup on Raquel Rodriguez who was exhausted by competing in separate matches against Natalya, Xia Li, Shotzi, and Sonya Deville.
Nonetheless, Baszler has been declared the new number-one contender and she gets her shot at the title at Clash at the Castle. But prior to that, she needs to put her signature on the dotted lines, tonight alongside WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship in a confirmed Title Match Contract Signing segment.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther will put his title on the line during this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown against Shinsuke Nakamura. The latter name earned a title shot by defeating Gunther’s ally Ludwig Kaiser, last week. He got the clean pinfall win after connecting with Kinshasa.
Gunther has been on a roll on WWE SmackDown since coming to WWE’s main roster in April. He defeated Ricochet to win the Intercontinental Championship on the June 10 episode. In his only title defense, thus far, The Ring General also dominated Ricochet in a rematch to be successful.
This week on Raw, WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament began to crown new champions to the now vacant titles. In the first match, Dakota Kai and IYO SKY defeated 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke and Tamina to advance. Now, the tournament continues when Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah take on Shotzi and Xia Li on WWE Smackdown.
Shotzi and Li have really been getting along for the past few weeks and they definitely have the advantage against the recently paired Raquel and Aliyah. But then again Raquel is a protected babyface superstar who might single-handedly guide her team to victory.