The RAW after WrestleMania is famous for creating new stars and moments that the WWE Universe doesn’t see coming. Fans love to hijack the show, as John Cena mentioned in his first promo as a 17-time WWE Champion. There have been memorable debuts and returns, along with Money in the Bank cash-ins that are still talked about today. All of that said, the SmackDown after WrestleMania isn’t nearly as much of a roller coaster.
1. New Tag Team Champions Will be Crowned
After a DQ finish on last week’s Smackdown, Nick Aldis had no choice but to announce that the Street Profits will be defending their titles against both #DIY and the Motor City Machine Guns. With the tag title scene being absolutely chaotic on SmackDown (but none of the teams making the WrestleMania card), Aldis revealed that the titles will be suspended in the air for a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. These three teams are going to leave it all on the line this Friday, with new tag team champions likely being crowned.
2. Carmelo Hayes Challenges Jacob Fatu
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal might not mean as much as it once did, but Carmelo Hayes was the most recent winner of the match. He outlasted the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, Dragon Lee, Andrade, Chad Gable, and many others to win the trophy. Now with a win under his belt, Melo is looking to carry that momentum into a singles championship. Jacob Fatu just defeated LA Knight to win the United States Championship at WrestleMania, and Carmelo Hayes is the next logical challenger.
3. Solo Sikoa Turns on Jacob Fatu
Whether Carmelo Hayes faces Jacob Fatu on Friday or not, the Bloodline is still in shambles. Jey Uso is celebrating with Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn on RAW. Roman Reigns was just laid out by Seth Rollins and Bron Breaker. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa are both out with an injury. That leaves just Solo and Jacob.
Seeing as Jacob was the one to get his WrestleMania moment and come out of Las Vegas with a championship, Solo Sikoa could want revenge. Sikoa might have thought that was his moment that Fatu stole from him, and now he’s going to make him pay the price.
4. Zelina Vega Wins the United States Championship
Chelsea Green wasn’t able to work her way onto the WrestleMania card, but she’s in the midst of a feud with Zelina Vega. Green was the first woman to capture the United States Championship, a title she’s held for 130 days and counting. Zelina Vega now holds a pair of singles victories over Green but has yet to face her for the championship. Vega has Green’s number, going all the way back to November when she beat her in the first round of the Speed tournament. It’s only a matter of time before Zelina gets her title shot, and it could happen this Friday.
5. Aleister Black Returns
WWE fans have not seen Aleister Black since 2020. Black was part of the COVID-19 pandemic releases, and he kept himself relevant by signing with AEW, where he became a trios champion. After not signing a new contract with the promotion, there have been cryptic teases on SmackDown for weeks, all signs pointing they will be for the return of Black. With his wife, Zelina Vega, on SmackDown, it only makes sense that Aleister will return to the blue brand, and he’s coming to Fort Worth with bad intentions.