SmackDown Preview – 10 Battle Royal Participants, Naomi Still Injured?

Feb 21, 2017

#1 Contender Battle Royal

WWE has announced the participants for what will be a 10 man battle royal to determine who will face Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania for the WWE title, since Randy Orton “refused to wrestle him.”

The 10 participants are:
John Cena
Dean Ambrose
AJ Styles
The Miz
Luke Harper
Baron Corbin
Dolph Ziggler
Mojo Rawley
Apollo Crews
Kalisto

Nikki Bella vs. Natalya

Nikki Bella vs. Natalya in a Falls Count Anywhere match has also been announced.

Alexa Bliss and Naomi

Alexa Bliss challenged Naomi last week to a rematch for the title tonight, but WWE is teasing that Naomi may still be injured in their official SmackDown preview. Naomi has been out of action with some sort of knee injury since she won the title at the Elimination Chamber PPV. She was held out of matches at this weekend’s live shows also.

Will injured SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi be ready to fend off Alexa Bliss?

Last week, Naomi achieved a lifelong dream by capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Alexa Bliss at WWE Elimination Chamber. However, in the process of carrying out such a monumental victory, the glowing Superstar suffered an injury that rendered her unable to grant Bliss her guaranteed title rematch two days later on SmackDown LIVE.

In response, The Wicked Witch of WWE opted to give the new titleholder one week before coming to take back what she believes is hers. Will Naomi be ready to throw down? What will Alexa do if she isn’t?

American Alpha and The Usos

WWE says there will also be a continuation of the Usos / American Alpha feud.

How will The Usos destabilize SmackDown Tag Team Champions American Alpha?

Speaking of putting champions on notice, The Usos have made it clear they are targeting their old “friends,” SmackDown Tag Team Champions American Alpha. Considering the history between these two explosive tandems, it will be interesting to see what Jimmy & Jey are willing to do to become the No. 1 contenders to Jason Jordan & Chad Gable on The Road to WrestleMania.