On Monday’s Raw, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus ignored SmackDown General Manager Booker T’s Brogue Kick ban and blasted David Otunga with the devastating move, moments after defeating the Harvard-educated lawyer with the Cloverleaf. Booker then emerged and decreed that if The Great White used the Brogue Kick again — at any time during the GM’s internal investigation — he would be stripped of the World Heavyweight Title.
Is it possible that after tonight’s SmackDown, The Great White will not have a title to defend at Sunday’s Night of Champions? He showed no reluctance to use the prohibited maneuver when he demolished Otunga. It’s feasible that his hot temper and fighting spirit could get the better of him again, which would have earth-shattering implications on an already volatile title picture.
Furthermore, the No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, Alberto Del Rio, alluded to someone being “in his pocket” in a WWE.com exclusive video. ( FULL STORY) Whoever this mystery figure might be, speculation is running wild as to what role they will play in tonight’s SmackDown or at Night of Champions.
And one must never forget that throughout this controversy, Mr. Money in the Bank, Dolph Ziggler, is still waiting on the periphery, looking for the perfect opportunity to cash in and sink The Great White — or whoever the titleholder may be.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. It is a very dangerous time to be the World Heavyweight Champion, especially a temperamental one.
Speaking of tempers, the team of Kane & Daniel Bryan has officially become the No. 1 contender to the WWE Tag Team Titles. On Monday’s Raw, General Manager AJ Lee created an impromptu tag team match, which resulted in the unusual partners defeating The Prime Time Players and, with it, earning the right to face WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth & Kofi Kingston at Night of Champions.
After weeks of working with Dr. Shelby and dealing with his respective rage issues, Kane will be in action tonight against Kofi. But, will Bryan be on hand as well? And if so, one has to wonder whether the angry Superstars be able to coexist on the final stop before they attempt to dethrone the current titleholders?
Since all reigning WWE champions must defend their titles at Night of Champions, it is fact that Intercontinental Champion, The Miz, will be competing in a title defense Sunday. What isn’t at all known is who exactly this match will be against.
After The Awesome One’s recent tag team loss to Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara on last week’s SmackDown, it could be either of the masked highfliers. Also, after Cody Rhodes hit the titleholder with the Cross Rhodes on Raw — holding up the Intercontinental Title and calling it “his baby” — it appears the grandson of a plumber is once again setting his sights on the championship.
If not Rhodes, perhaps another recent Intercontinental Champion will get a chance to reclaim their title. Big Show and Christian each had reigns in 2012 and either would be a compelling and dangerous challenger for The Miz.
Will a new No. 1 contender to the Intercontinental Title emerge on tonight’s SmackDown or will The Awesome One’s Night of Champions opponent continue to remain a “Miz-tery”?
Kaitlyn, the No. 1 contender to Layla’s Divas Championship, will have the biggest opportunity of her career Sunday at Night of Champions. However, on tonight’s SmackDown, she will face arguably the toughest test of her career when she goes one-on-one with one of the most dominant former Divas Champions in WWE history, Beth Phoenix.
The Glamazon will likely be looking for revenge, as the powerhouse former champion’s team of she, Natalya & Alicia Fox lost to Kaitlyn, Layla & Eve on Monday’s Raw in a Six-Diva Tag Team Match.
Kaitlyn and Phoenix have never battled in singles competition, but one would be hard-pressed not to give the edge in the matchup to The Fabulous Firebird, who remains one of the most dangerous Divas in history, even though she hasn’t won a one-on-one match since the June 15 episode of SmackDown.
If Kaitlyn does lose to Phoenix tonight, will that hurt her momentum heading into Sunday? What if a Glam Slam or other vicious attack from Phoenix leaves Kaitlyn at less than 100 percent for her huge title opportunity? The saving grace for Kaitlyn might be that if she can defeat Beth Phoenix, she can likely defeat any Diva in WWE.
Whether because of legal pressure from David Otunga, the blatant disobedience from World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus or something else entirely, SmackDown General Manager Booker T has made some controversial and highly debatable decisions in the past week.
First, he banned the Brogue Kick on SmackDown. Then, he declared one more use of the move by Sheamus will result in his title being stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship on Raw. Regardless of whether he was right or wrong, these moves by Booker clearly set a dangerous precedent as to what a General Manager might do in the future.
Much like the Raw General Manager, AJ Lee, Booker T has been at the center of controversy and debate since assuming his position. Will tonight’s SmackDown see Booker make further rulings regarding the Brogue Kick and Night of Champions? Or could the pressure of controversy bring the six-time World Champion to back off his hard-edged stance?