Roman Reigns to return with 6'1" monster & save 16-time World Champion

This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown will air live from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. As fans know, the blue brand will expand to three hours starting next week.

Given this will be the final WWE SmackDown of 2024, the company will look to end this year on a high note. Fans should expect some big things to unfold on Friday’s show, which could set the tone for the next year.

On that note, here are four predictions for this week’s WWE SmackDown:

#4. Carmelo Hayes could outsmart Braun Strowman

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Last week on SmackDown, Braun Strowman lost to Carmelo Hayes via countout. The loss didn’t sit down well with The Monster Among Men, as he chased Hayes out of the arena following the bout. However, Melo outsmarted Braun before assaulting him with a steel chair.

Given how things unfolded, an irate Strowman could look to hit back at Carmelo on Friday’s WWE SmackDown. However, The Monster of All Monsters could once again be outsmarted and embarrassed by his rival.

#3. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight Part II

Shinsuke Nakamura has targeted LA Knight since his return to the company a few weeks ago. The King of Strong Style usurped The Megastar, winning the United States Championship at Survivor Series: WarGames. However, the high-octane feud between the duo is far from over.

Nakamura attacked Knight on last week’s SmackDown and could once again target The Megastar this Friday. This potential angle could lead to a huge brawl between the two rivals, leading to the company pitting the duo in a rematch for the United States Title, possibly next week.

#2. Ric Flair could be confronted by The Bloodline

WWE legend Ric Flair could reportedly return on the upcoming episode of SmackDown. Speaking on the Busted Open Radio, the sixteen-time World Champion teased an appearance on Friday’s show.

It will be interesting to see what the company has in store for the veteran if he returns to WWE SmackDown this Friday. One possible scenario could see the Solo-Sikoa-led Bloodline confronting The Nature Boy. The heel stable could threaten an attack, leading to Roman Reigns’s return.

#1. Roman Reigns could return to save Ric Flair on WWE SmackDown

If The Bloodline does end up confronting Ric Flair, Roman Reigns could return to save the legend from the Solo Sikoa-led faction. However, given the heel stable’s numbers advantage, the OTC may not return alone.

Roman Reigns could return with real-life Bloodline member Lance Anoa’i. Son of wrestling veteran Samu, Lance, recently signed with the Stamford-based promotion. The six-feet-one-inch star could return alongside Reigns to save Ric Flair from the new Bloodline.

This potential angle could lead to a massive brawl, with the babyfaces standing on top against Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline.