WWE SmackDown Predictions: Goldberg Will Replace Brock Lesnar

WWE SmackDown is on the road to WWE Money In The Bank 2022. In this week’s episode, there are three scheduled matches: Gunther (c) vs. Ricochet for the Intercontinental Championship, Shotzi vs. Aliyah in a MITB Qualification Match, and Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a MITB Qualification Match.

Last week, Brock Lesnar returned to SmackDown to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a Last Man Standing Match at WWE SummerSlam. Although this was a Plan B for the originally planned Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton match at SummerSlam, the majority of fans were eminently disappointed to get Roman vs. Brock for the 256th time.

Nonetheless, the card is always subject to change. Goldberg will return to save the day, replace Lesnar, and challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a Last Man Standing Match at SummerSlam. The fans may prefer Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, or Drew McIntyre in Brock’s spot instead but at least it’s not Roman vs. Brock again.

In terms of the upcoming PPV, Natalya became the number one contender for Ronda Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Title at MITB by winning a six-pack challenge against Shayna Baszler, Raquel Rodriguez, Shotzi, Aliyah, and Xia Li. Meanwhile, Street Profits became the number one contender for Usos’ Team Titles by winning a championship contenders match against them.

In terms of the MITB Qualification Matches, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus both qualified for MITB after having a controversial finish to their MITB Qualifier match two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Lacey Evans and Raquel Rodriguez qualified for MITB by defeating Xia Li and Shayna Baszler respectively.

With that being addressed, it’s now time to preview and predict the scheduled matches and segments that will actually occur on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown.

WWE SmackDown is scheduled to take place on June 24, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT live on FOX. Here are some predictions for this week’s show.

Gunther (c) vs. Ricochet [Intercontinental Championship]

On this week’s WWE SmackDown, Gunther is scheduled to defend his Intercontinental Title in a championship rematch against former champion, Ricochet. Since Gunther just won the title from Ricochet two weeks ago, it would be completely asinine to give the title back to him so soon. Championship rematches in professional wrestling should be on PPV with a special stipulation that makes it unique and distinct from the prior bout. However, the WWE has a proclivity of not putting IC Title matches on PPV, so this comes to no one’s surprise.

Prediction: Gunther

Shotzi vs. Aliyah [MITB Qualification Match]

On this week’s WWE SmackDown, Shotzi is scheduled to battle Aliyah in a MITB Qualification match. Shotzi would be a better fit for the MITB Ladder Match due to her willingness to do dangerous spots, take jaw-dropping bumps, and embrace her daredevil mentality in that ring. Even her innovativeness with ladders in NXT shows that she can make the MITB Ladder Match a lot of fun. Shotzi has more to bring to the table here, and more heels like her are needed in this year’s MITB Ladder Match because all of the ones who qualified are currently babyfaces.

Prediction: Shotzi

Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura [MITB Qualification Match]

On this week’s WWE SmackDown, Sami Zayn is scheduled to battle Shinsuke Nakamura in a MITB Qualification match. Sami Zayn is the master strategist, so he would fit better in the MITB Ladder Match. Zayn can ask the Usos to help him win the MITB Ladder Match, and the Usos would have interest in helping him because Zayn can merely promise them that he will never cash in on Roman. The idea behind Zayn trying to get close with The Bloodline all these months and being Mr. MITB for Roman’s title would be genius booking for his inevitable betrayal of the faction.

Prediction: Sami Zayn