WWE SmackDown Predictions: Becky Lynch Challenges Ronda Rousey

Credit: WWE.com

2. Samoa Joe Attacks Mustafa Ali Once Again

Speaking of superstars to keep an eye on, Mustafa Ali had a very impressive run in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Ali was able to be one of the iron men of the match. He involved himself in multiple brawls throughout the bout, and even eventually eliminated his new rival, Samoa Joe.

Joe appear none too happy that Ali was the one to put an end to his warpath in the Royal Rumble, meaning this rivalry is likely far from over.

As such, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see Joe viciously attack Mustafa Ali again in order to attempt to make the exciting aerialists life a living hell on SmackDown.

Ultimately, I think that means we’re in for a final showdown between these two at the next WWE pay-per-view, Elimination Chamber. Whether that happens in the Elimination Chamber itself or in a singles match is anyone’s guess, but I would be surprised if we didn’t see some form of a bigger payoff for this rivalry.

While Samoa Joe has frequently bounced between the main event and upper midcard over the past year, Ali is a newcomer to this kind of push. In order to establish himself as a real player in SmackDown’s various title pictures, it would make sense for him to eventually pull out a win over an established heel who could withstand a loss like Joe.

While we’re on the subject of establishing superstars as contenders however, let’s get back to Becky Lynch. While she’s clearly more than established as WWE’s top star, the company needs to be careful in how they handle her loss to Asuka at Royal Rumble this week.