WWE announces massive grudge match for next week’s SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania

Two heavyweights of the SmackDown will fight in a Last Man Standing match on the next week's episode of SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania.


WWE announces massive grudge match for next week’s SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania

SmackDown arena [via WWE]

The rivalry between two powerhouses has been intensifying each week. Jacob Fatu and Braun Strowman have been relentlessly battling to take each other down. It seems WWE has found a way to settle their feud, as ‘The Samoan Werewolf’ and ‘The Monster Among Men’ are set to clash in a grudge match on next week’s episode of SmackDown.

WWE officially announced the match between Jacob Fatu and Braun Strowman through their social media. The two heavyweights will clash in a Last Man Standing match next week on SmackDown in Chicago, Illinois. Recently, both men were involved in the United States Title picture, with LA Knight as the reigning champion. Fatu previously faced Strowman in a No. 1 Contender’s match for the title.

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Just as it seemed like Bloodline 2.0 member was in control, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga interfered, attacking Braun Strowman and costing Fatu the match. As a result, he was disqualified, and the former Universal Champion earned the opportunity to challenge ‘The Megastar’ for the U.S. Title the following week on SmackDown. However, the 32-year-old star disrupted everything by attacking both the champion and the challenger.

Since his debut, Fatu has been a fan favorite, receiving cheers everywhere he goes despite being a part of a heel group. This match carries significant stakes for both him and Strowman, as the winner will be first in line for a U.S. Title opportunity. It will be interesting to see who earns the chance to challenge Knight at WrestleMania.

Will Jacob Fatu finally turn on Solo Sikoa after months of disagreements between them?

Tensions have been growing between the 32-year-old star and his ‘Tribal Chief,’ Sikoa, over the past few months. When Fatu first debuted, he was completely loyal to Solo, often expressing his devotion by saying, “I love you, Solo.” However, the WWE Universe has recently witnessed a sudden shift in their power dynamic.

Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu [via WWE]

The rising tensions within the group were evident two weeks ago when Sikoa and Tonga caused ‘The Samoan Werewolf’ disqualification. This visibly frustrated him, who was later seen destroying objects backstage. The conflict continued on the following episode of SmackDown.

After Fatu interfered in the title match between Knight and ‘The Monster Among Men’ by attacking both competitors, he was confronted backstage by Sikoa and Tonga. He criticized Fatu for acting without consulting them first. In response, the 32-year-old issued a final warning, declaring that he would bring the U.S. Title to the family with or without their help. A full-blown conflict between them may be on the horizon.

Braun Strowman was seen dancing with his enemies at the SmackDown afterparty

This week’s episode of WWE took place in London as part of the ongoing European tour. After the show, WWE legend Mark Henry appeared as a DJ at the Sweet Chin Disco event. Superstars like Damian Priest, Strowman, Tama, and Kayden Carter were seen enjoying the music as DJ Henry kept the crowd entertained.

Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman [via WWE]

However, the most surprising moment came when the former Universal Champion, despite his rivalry with The Bloodline, was seen dancing alongside Tama. When Solo’s theme song played, Strowman flipped off the Bloodline member. Despite their on-screen feud, it was clear that both stars were simply enjoying the night.

The stars didn’t just dance to Solo’s theme song but also to Henry and Edge‘s entrance music. While some fans enjoyed the lighthearted moment, others felt it broke kayfabe. However, once they step into the ring, their friendship will disappear, and chaos will erupt.

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