Kemo
05-09-2023, 07:32 PM
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Why are SmackDown Superstars being given the chance to challenge for Raw's new World Heavyweight Championship?
When the title was announced, it was made clear that the championship will be exclusive to whichever brand does not draft Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. During the draft, SmackDown wasted no time in selecting the Tribal Chief, meaning the World Heavyweight Championship will be exclusive to Raw. On last night's episode, Seth Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Damian Priest in the quarter-finals and bested Finn Balor (fresh off a win over Cody Rhodes and The Miz) in the semi-finals.
WWE has not explained what will happen if a SmackDown Superstar becomes World Heavyweight Champion, adding to the confusion as to why the blue brand is allowed to participate. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez explained that stiff competition from the NBA playoffs has led to WWE trying to make both Raw and SmackDown as exciting as possible this week.
"This whole show was designed to try to save viewers from switching over."
Dave Meltzer spoke further on the matter, stating:
"If people are wondering why the Raw World Title is in a tournament on SmackDown, this is the reason... because they know a normal show right now will do a poor number, so they cannot do a normal show this week."
It has been speculated that if a SmackDown Superstar does win the title, they will be moved to the Raw roster, but that has not been confirmed by WWE. Meltzer added that this week's stacked edition of AEW Dynamite is the All-Elite promotion's answer to the NBA playoffs.
WWE is hoping that a stacked show will win support from wrestling fans for this Friday's SmackDown in the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN.
On the show, Sheamus, Edge, Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Austin Theory, and Bobby Lashley will compete in two triple-threat matches. The winners of those matches will face each other, with the winner facing Rollins at Night of Champions for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
This Friday's SmackDown will also see the newly called-up Cameron Grimes face Baron Corbin. The WWE Women's Tag Team Championships will be on the line as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez defend against Damage CTRL's Bayley and Dakota Kai.
The show will also be the first SmackDown post-draft and is likely to feature Knoxville's own Bianca Belair.
Why are SmackDown Superstars being given the chance to challenge for Raw's new World Heavyweight Championship?
When the title was announced, it was made clear that the championship will be exclusive to whichever brand does not draft Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. During the draft, SmackDown wasted no time in selecting the Tribal Chief, meaning the World Heavyweight Championship will be exclusive to Raw. On last night's episode, Seth Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Damian Priest in the quarter-finals and bested Finn Balor (fresh off a win over Cody Rhodes and The Miz) in the semi-finals.
WWE has not explained what will happen if a SmackDown Superstar becomes World Heavyweight Champion, adding to the confusion as to why the blue brand is allowed to participate. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez explained that stiff competition from the NBA playoffs has led to WWE trying to make both Raw and SmackDown as exciting as possible this week.
"This whole show was designed to try to save viewers from switching over."
Dave Meltzer spoke further on the matter, stating:
"If people are wondering why the Raw World Title is in a tournament on SmackDown, this is the reason... because they know a normal show right now will do a poor number, so they cannot do a normal show this week."
It has been speculated that if a SmackDown Superstar does win the title, they will be moved to the Raw roster, but that has not been confirmed by WWE. Meltzer added that this week's stacked edition of AEW Dynamite is the All-Elite promotion's answer to the NBA playoffs.
WWE is hoping that a stacked show will win support from wrestling fans for this Friday's SmackDown in the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN.
On the show, Sheamus, Edge, Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Austin Theory, and Bobby Lashley will compete in two triple-threat matches. The winners of those matches will face each other, with the winner facing Rollins at Night of Champions for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
This Friday's SmackDown will also see the newly called-up Cameron Grimes face Baron Corbin. The WWE Women's Tag Team Championships will be on the line as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez defend against Damage CTRL's Bayley and Dakota Kai.
The show will also be the first SmackDown post-draft and is likely to feature Knoxville's own Bianca Belair.