WWE Smackdown Preview & Predictions: How, When & Where To Watch In USA, Europe & India – 1st September
In the electrifying world of WWE SmackDown, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as we gear up for the September 1, 2023, edition, set to emanate from the GIANT Centre in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As the final SmackDown episode before the high-stakes Payback event, this installment promises to be a rollercoaster of thrilling matches, intense segments, and monumental face-offs.
However, what’s truly set to steal the spotlight is the return of none other than the legendary John Cena, known as both “The Franchise Player” and “The Doctor of Thuganomics. Let’s dive into the confirmed matches, previews, rumours, and predictions for this monumental episode.
The SmackDown Experience Worldwide: From the USA to India
Before we dive into the action, it’s important to note that SmackDown’s global reach is unparalleled. In the United States, the show airs live on Fox every Friday from 8:00 p.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET. Across the pond in the UK, BT Sport 1 brings excitement to fans on Saturday mornings at 1 AM. Meanwhile, in India, SmackDown premieres live at 5:30 AM on Sony Ten HD and Sony Ten 1. The worldwide WWE Universe eagerly tunes in to witness the drama unfold.
Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar’s explosive tag team match
The action kicks off with a thrilling tag team contest featuring Rey Mysterio, the newly crowned U.S. Champion, and Santos Escobar, a rising star under the tutelage of the legendary LWO. Their opponents? None other than Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, the No. 1 contenders for the U.S. Title. Waller, in his recent “Grayson Waller Effect” segment, attempted to sow discord within the LWO, setting the stage for this explosive showdown.
John Cena’s triumphant return
However, the pièce de résistance of this Friday night extravaganza is the return of John Cena, affectionately known as “The GOAT. Cena’s presence alone is enough to send shockwaves through the WWE universe. Rumours abound that he’s set for a fantastic mic segment, where he’ll address the recent and tragic passing of Bray Wyatt. Additionally, fans can expect Cena to shed light on what a potential full-time schedule with the company entails.
Cena’s verbal clash and Rey and Escobar’s tag team battle
Intriguingly, rumours swirl that Cena might find himself in a verbal showdown with the likes of Grayson Waller, Austin Theory, or perhaps even both. The tension is palpable, and fans will be hanging on every word as Cena, the master of the microphone, faces off against these emerging stars. And if the speculations are true, the segment could conclude with a tag team showdown featuring Cena, Rey Mysterio, and Santos Escobar, delivering an explosive parting shot.
Predictions: Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar vs. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller
In the anticipated tag team match, Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar are primed to secure the victory. Their recent confrontations with Waller and Theory have left scores unsettled, and this clash is their opportunity to send a clear message before Payback. With Escobar’s eyes on the U.S. Championship, this victory could position him perfectly for a future title opportunity.
Escobar’s Path to the U.S. Championship
Escobar’s journey towards the U.S. Championship has been nothing short of remarkable. His path to contention includes a decisive pin over Austin Theory when Theory held the U.S. Championship and a victory over Rey Mysterio in the #1 contender tournament. Escobar’s remarkable skills and respect for Mysterio make a betrayal scenario less likely. Instead, Escobar might seize the opportunity to win this tag match, sending a powerful message that could potentially lead to a triple threat showdown at Payback.
Waller’s role and responsibility
In this scenario, Grayson Waller bears the brunt of responsibility. With Cody Rhodes and Grayson Waller scheduled to host the Grayson Waller Effect at Payback, it falls upon Waller to ensure that the other three superstars maintain their momentum in the race for the U.S. Title. The outcome of this tag match could shape the future and lead to exciting developments in the U.S. championship picture.
As the WWE Universe eagerly counts down the seconds to the return of John Cena and this thrilling episode of SmackDown, the anticipation is at an all-time high. With the landscape of WWE ever-evolving, one thing remains constant: when Cena steps into the spotlight, the wrestling world takes notice. This Friday night, brace yourselves for an unforgettable dose of sports entertainment as SmackDown delivers an episode that promises to leave an indelible mark in the annals of wrestling history.
