4 Predictions for WWE SmackDown Live: August 1, 2017

Smackdown. Photo by WWE.com

Predictions for Tuesday’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live.

It’s Tuesday night, which means it’s time for another episode of SmackDown Live. This could be a historic show, as WWE loaded up the first event of August. It will have SummerSlam implications, which may mean fans are in for a night to remember.

On last week’s show, Jinder Mahal looked for the next challenger to his WWE Championship. Two nights after defeating Rusev at Battleground, John Cena entered the venue to proclaim his desire for the title.

After some banter, SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan made his way to the ring. He said Cena couldn’t step in and insert himself as the top contender, but must earn it like everyone else. So, for the August 1 show, Bryan made Cena vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, with the winner facing Mahal for the title at SummerSlam.

Cena vs. Nakamura has never taken place on WWE programming, so it will be an all-time first for fans to tune in for. It’s an early treat before SummerSlam, but only one can move on to the show. Who will it be?

One week after regaining the WWE United States Championship, AJ Styles will have a rematch against Kevin Owens. Styles won it back in a Triple Threat match that also featured Chris Jericho’s return.

If the Phenomenal One retains, he could find a new challenger for SummerSlam. Will, whoever this is, emerge from the rafters?

There’s plenty to come on Tuesday’s SmackDown. Let’s predict how it could transpire.