When:
United States: LIVE, Tuesday Night, May 9, at 8/7c on the USA Network
United Kingdom: Wednesday Morning, May 10, at 1AM on Sky Sports 5 HD
Where:
The O2 Arena
London, England
SmackDown LIVE preview, May 9, 2017: Orton returns as Team Blue takes over London
SmackDown LIVE emanates from the O2 Arena in London this week and features the return of WWE Champion Randy Orton. The Viper is making his first appearance since Jinder Mahal cost him the House of Horrors Match at WWE Payback. Will The Apex Predator have vengeance on his mind as his showdown with The Maharaja at WWE Backlash approaches? Find out tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network!
Randy Orton returns after House of Horrors
Randy Orton has not been seen since he came up short in the harrowing House of Horrors Match at WWE Payback, thanks in part to Jinder Mahal. That changes this week, as the WWE Champion makes his return to SmackDown LIVE.
The Viper will certainly have vengeance on his mind, as Mahal cost him his brawl with Bray Wyatt and previously blindsided him and stole the WWE Championship. Will he be out for immediate retribution, or can he wait until WWE Backlash to get his hands on Mahal?
Becky Lynch faces Natalya one week after battle lines were drawn
Ever since the Superstar Shake-up changed the face of the SmackDown LIVE women’s division, the female Superstars have been choosing sides as everyone looks to position themselves to challenge for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
The “welcoming committee” of Natalya, Carmella and Tamina had been trying to convince Becky Lynch to join their crew, but The Irish Lass-Kicker refused, using James Ellsworth as a projectile to show her opposition to the cruel crew last Tuesday. Unfortunately, Lynch’s salvo was cut short, as she, Charlotte Flair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi were pummeled into the canvas by the “welcoming committee.”
On SmackDown LIVE, Lynch will face Natalya in singles action. But will it truly be a one-on-one battle with Natalya’s wrecking crew waiting in the wings?
Dolph Ziggler to confront Shinsuke Nakamura
The Showoff has grown increasingly frustrated with the explosion in popularity for one of SmackDown LIVE’s newest Superstars, The Artist Known as Shinsuke Nakamura. Ziggler has tried to shut down the newcomer, only to get first-hand knowledge why The King of Strong Style is so dangerous in the ring.
Ziggler has, apparently, reached his wit’s end, as he has vowed to confront The King of Strong Style in the ring in London. What will happen when these two come face to face?
Will The Usos respond to “The Fashion Files?”
Last Tuesday, the new No. 1 Contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Titles and Team Blue’s resident fashion police, Breezango, laid out their criminal case against The Usos in the first edition of “The Fashion Files.” Tyler Breeze & Fandango charged the champions with numerous crimes, including identity theft, Jey-walking (and Jimmy-walking) and visual assault. The fashion police are promising a huge bust when they clash with The Usos for the titles at WWE Backlash on May 21.
However, since adopting a new attitude in recent months, Jimmy & Jey Uso are unlikely to let Breezango’s fun and games continue. Will the champions make their challengers pay, or will the fashion police continue to build their case for WWE Backlash? Find out on SmackDown LIVE, tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network!
