Preview
The Headliner(s)
Their in-ring conversation from Sunday’s Madison Square Garden house show probably isn’t canon, so tonight’s promised response from Shane McMahon to AJ Styles angrily confronting him after losing to Randy Orton last Tuesday will be crucial to the set-up for his long rumored match with AJ Styles at WrestleMania 33.
It will be interesting to see how both sides handle the argument, as they’ve made it clear Shane supported AJ’s claim to a main event shot title opportunity in Orlando, arguing against his General Manager Daniel Bryan’s position that the spot belonged to Orton. Styles lost the compromise #1 contenders match, and with it his match with Bray Wyatt - something for which he now blames McMahon.
The question of whether or not the Phenomenal One “deserves” better than a Shane O’Mac match is pretty much moot at this point - it’s happening. The questions become how good will it be (it’s AJ, it will probably be great) and if the story will make sense (it’s WWE - it could go either way).
The Title Scene
► With the Viper finalizing the position he first earned by winning the Royal Rumble before giving it up as part of his psychological assault on Bray Wyatt, SmackDown took a week off from their World champion. But after Orton revealed he’d been conning Bray by burning down the family compound, everyone is dying to know how the Eater of Worlds is going to fire back. In word or deed, it should be epic.
► She doesn’t like it, but Women’s champ Alexa Bliss’ scheme of trying to choose (or not choose) her own Mania challenger opened the door for Bryan to pick it for her. And DB picked EVERYONE else in the division. Or at least everyone who doesn’t have other business at the Showcase of the Immortals...
► After escaping from a moving ambulance, Intercontinental titleholder Dean Ambrose will be looking for revenge. Baron Corbin did his best to end the Lunatic Fringe with a forklift last week. Maybe this week, their match for April 2 will be made official.
► No one is really sure what’s up with tag champs American Alpha. It may not matter for a few weeks anyway. Don’t worry blue brand tag division - WWE.com’s official preview for tonight actually makes it sound like the belts will be on the line at the Ultimate Thrill Ride!
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
► The other bombshell that went off after the main broadcast ended last week continued the very shoot-y story between Miz & Maryse and John Cena & Nikki Bella. The A-List couple assaulted their rivals during SmackDown, then went on Talking Smack and claimed the love birds were only together for brand-building purposes. When they weren’t getting Bryan to admit WWE is pretty much the only thing keeping him out of the ring.
► Mojo Rawley & Apollo Crews are in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Maybe Dolph Ziggler will join them?