The impending WWE Friday Night SmackDown episode is set to redefine primetime entertainment from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This would be an unprecedented three-hour event from the popular blue brand. Unexpectedly, there are still pending confirmations on what we’ll be witnessing for this show.
So far, it is certain that only two contests have been finalized for the next episode, and further segments are yet to be disclosed.
We can theorize that the tag team division will be explored further after The Street Profits discovered from Apollo Crews that #DIY was behind their attack. Speculations are rife that Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford will be pitted against Pretty Deadly due to a collaboration between Kit Wilson and Elton Prince, and Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, but this isn’t concrete.
What we presently know for sure is that Andrade has been promoted as the contender to Shinsuke Nakamura. However, it was cleverly omitted that this would be a United States Championship match. This is suggestive of a non-title bout that may give Andrade a victory, thereby providing him with an opportunity to challenge for the belt at a later date.
.@AndradeElIdolo is looking for payback against @ShinsukeN 😤 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/R1u77kGAS8
— WWE (@WWE) December 28, 2024
Another one who is confirmed to get a championship match is Naomi, a part of the women’s tag team champions. After securing victory for her team by pinning Candice LeRae in a six-woman tag team match, Naomi is slated to compete against Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship on the upcoming show.
It’s anyone’s guess if there would be a title turnover – either through Naomi clinching the championship, or her match setting up the bedrock for Tiffany Stratton to cash in at last?
“I WANT TO BE CHAMPION.”@tiffstrattonwwe was this close to cashing in 🤏#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/AqVFHeg5nJ
— WWE (@WWE) December 28, 2024
To summarise, the current lineup for next week’s SmackDown includes:
- Andrade pitching up against United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
- WWE Women’s Championship Showdown: Nia Jax (c) vs. Naomi
We’d love to hear your ideas about these fights! Share your predictions in the comments below!