4 Predictions for WWE SmackDown Live: January 3, 2017

2017 is now upon us and the Royal Rumble is just a few weeks away. What can we expect on SmackDown this week?

It was certainly a great year in WWE, which saw many changes throughout the company; most notably, the brand split. The brand split has allowed for much more growth within WWE. Now that 2017 is here, we should expect even more from this ‘New Era.’ SmackDown Live has certainly not disappointed and the last show of the year ended in style, or should I say Styles. The Wild Card Finals was a great way to close out 2016. Let’s recap what occurred last week before we get into the predictions.

Three championship matches took place last week and only two titles changed hands. In a shocking turn of events, American Alpha cam away with the victory and the tag team titles for SmackDown Live. They had to defeat three teams in order to do so and they were able to finish off the Wyatt Family to claim the gold. Most would have thought the Wyatt Family were going to be champions for some time after winning them at TLC.

Alexa Bliss was again successful in retaining the SmackDown Women’s Championship over Becky Lynch. Bliss did not do it by herself, however. Lynch was targeted by another woman in a mask, who has been referred to as La Luchadora over the past few weeks. AJ Styles too, was able to retain his WWE Championship by pinning Dolph Ziggler after he had been hit with the End of Days by Baron Corbin. Much should be disclosed as we head into Tuesday night. Here are my predictions for the show ahead.