SMACKDOWN PRIMER: What to expect tonight based on what happened last week including Styles vs. Harper for WrestleMania Title shot, Double A vs. Double J, Miz-Cena

By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

A.J. Styles (photo credit Wade Keller © PWTorch)

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SMACKDOWN PREVIEW
FEBRUARY 28, 2017
ST. PAUL, MINN.. AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTORCH SPECIALIST

A FREIGHT TRAIN OF ANGER”

Every great hero has a journey. One that challenges them to inevitably overcome their greatest foe and triumph in whatever ruined earth is left after battle. Luke Harper is currently on that journey. Tonight he faces A.J. Styles to determine the new #1 contender for Bray Wyatt’s World Heavyweight Championship. (Man that feels good to say out loud.) If he wins Harper will have the opportunity to face off against his former “Pioneer of World Eating” and regain his broken pride after Bray chose the viper Randy Orton over him. Who knew Harper’s return at No Mercy would kick-start his most interesting run in the company to date? If he wins tonight against the phenomenal one, we may have ourselves a brand new SUPERSTAR. #teamYEAHyeahYEAH

“ALL WORK AND NO PLAY”

It’s refreshing to know that another John Cena title reign would on last a mere two weeks. After dropping the belt to Wyatt at Elimination Chamber (and losing his rematch on SD) Big Ole Johnny boy was on pace to possibly gain another shot at the gold in last week’s battle royal. However, one of the participants he eliminated earlier sneakily returned to push Cena over the top rope as retribution. That participant…THE MIZ. Miz and Cena already have quite the history together, and with the high tension going on between Maryse and Nikki Bella at the moment, we are all set up for our Mania Mixed Tag Match. Until then, expect some fire promos from two of the best talkers in the company which will hopefully begin tonight.

THE FALL OF THE LASS”

I love Becky Lynch. I really do. But I’m finding it difficult to get behind her when she continues to be outsmarted by the opponents she faces on a week-to-week basis. Last week in Cali she was in a prime spot to reclaim her Women’s championship against the little brat who took it from her Alexa Bliss. Alexa, being the Bond Villain that she is, struck Becky in the throat and rolled her up (holding tights) to become a 2-time champion within the last couple months. All of this was set into motion because Naomi had to vacate the title due to injury. Becky still has some beef left with Mickie James, but if her current track continues the Lass-Kicker may get left behind again.

DOUBLE-A VERSUS DOUBLE-J”

With all the complaints being outpoured regarding the tag-team division American Alpha do still belong as champions. Jason Jordan and Chad Gable are two of the most charismatic personalities on the main roster, and their in-ring technique is just as exciting as the clinics being put on at Full Sail. I think this current feud with The Usos will do wonders for both teams, but it’s a matter of when and where considering how the Wrestlemania Card is already looking pretty stacked. Jimmy and Jey’s heel turn is a big improvement for them, but they haven’t really been given the opportunity to explore those characters too much yet. This is that time.

“AND ALSO”

-Dean Ambrose continues to get the best of  Baron Corbin, but the Lone wolf continues to MURDER DEATH KILL Ambrose for ruining his main event opportunities. With both out of the World Heavyweight Title picture they can now focus on each other going into Mania.

-Dolph Ziggler and Apollo Crews will settle their differences in a 2-out of-3 falls chairs match. Sure sounds good.

-Is Natalya officially done with Nikki? Can she target Carmella now, or even better hit James Ellsworth with a beer bottle?

-With the rumored AJ Styles and Shane McMahon match still on for the show of shows I wouldn’t mind seeing a sprinkle of said storyline begin tonight.

-And what of the champion? What of Orton? Certainly the cryptic ones will have something to say about Luke Harper.

We are in Wrestlemania season! It’s time for these stories to get turned up a notch as only SD can deliver! I won’t be able to cover 205 tonight but be sure to check that out as well.


NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE: SMACKDOWN PRIMER: What to expect tonight based on what happened last week including the Battle Royal, Naomi, Nikki-Natalya, more

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