35-year-old hospitalized, two-time WWE Champion returns: 3 BOLD predictions for SmackDown 8/30

The SmackDown go-home episode of Bash in Berlin will include multiple championship matches and a possible return as well.

35-year-old hospitalized, two-time WWE Champion returns: 3 BOLD predictions for SmackDown 8/30

8/30 SmackDown predictions (via WWE)

The upcoming episode of SmackDown will serve as the go-home edition for the Bash in Berlin PLE. Set to emanate from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, WWE has scheduled a strong show. In addition to a hot European crowd, fans can expect a few surprises on the blue brand.

Among the announced matches, Nia Jax will defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Michin in a Street Fight. Furthermore, LA Knight has promised to host an open challenge for his newly won United States Championship. Meanwhile, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes will continue their fiery rivalry in the fourth match of their acclaimed series.

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Moreover, the likes of Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Jade Cargill are expected to appear in some capacity as well. Having said that here are three possible things that could happen on Friday Night SmackDown:

Tension between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens continues to rise

Ever since Cody Rhodes handed an Undisputed WWE title shot to Kevin Owens, many have warned the former of the repercussions. Given his good friend’s history of betrayals, Rhodes has a lot to worry about. On last week’s episode, The American Nightmare closed the show while watching Owens as if out of panic rather than anything else.

Cody Rhodes Kevin Owens
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens (via WWE)

However, The Prizefighter has affirmed that he has no intentions of betraying Rhodes. Regardless, the Undisputed WWE Champion will address the concerns with his friend on SmackDown. Hopefully, for the second-generation star, the two could hash out their grievances heading into their clash at Bash in Berlin.

Nia Jax obliterates Michin in Street Fight; sends her to a hospital

At SummerSlam, Nia Jax arguably achieved the biggest win of her career when she defeated Bayley to become the new Women’s Champion. Since then, she’s found a new foe in the form of a motivated Michin. Jax’s first title defense will take place on the go-home episode against Mia Yim in a Street Fight. Taking the stipulation into consideration, this bout could turn ugly for both competitors. 

Nia Jax will face Michin on SmackDown
Nia Jax will face Michin on SmackDown (via WWE)

WWE would certainly want The Irresistible Force to have a commanding win in her first defense. Therefore, the latter might end up destroying Michin. In fact, Jax may send the 35-year-old star packing in an ambulance to send a bold statement to the rest of the locker room. Needless to say, fans will have to wait and see how things turn out on the upcoming episode of SmackDown.

AJ Styles returns and shockingly wins the US Championship

AJ Styles has had a “phenomenal” year so far. At the age of 47, Styles has undoubtedly had one of the best in-ring years of his career. The Phenomenal One last appeared on WWE programming at Clash at the Castle, where he lost an “I Quit” match against Cody Rhodes. Although he has competed on house shows in the past few months, Styles has yet to make his return to television.

AJ Styles
AJ Styles (via WWE)

As such, the US title open challenge could be the place where the two-time WWE Champion makes his presence known. Moreover, the veteran might surprise the fans if he dethrones LA Knight for the championship. This would also set up a continuation of their rivalry from earlier this year, where Knight defeated Styles at WrestleMania XL.

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