The WWE landscape is getting exciting following WrestleMania 40, with both RAW and SmackDown embarking on a journey of changes and challenges. As the 2024 WWE Draft kicks off, the anticipation is visible as superstars await their fates, and the brand is bracing for new arrivals and departures.
WWE RAW showdown: Awesome Truth vs. DIY for Tag titles, Gunther’s return & more
The red brand is gearing up for intense showdowns at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus as WWE RAW prepares to crown a new Women’s World Champion. This follows Rhea Ripley’s unfortunate injury-induced relinquishment of the title. A battle royal has been scheduled to determine the new Women’s World Champion.
DIY, having earned their number one contender spot last week, is set to challenge Awesome Truth for the World Tag Team Championship. The stakes couldn’t be higher as DIY aims to dethrone the reigning champions and solidify its position. The WWE universe is eagerly anticipating whether DIY will capture the tag titles on RAW.
Another huge tag-team match is set to take place. Andrade and Ricochet join forces to take on Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh in a tag-team clash, promising high-flying action and intense rivalries.
In continuation of last week’s events, Jey Uso will challenge Damien Priest for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. The fallout from their recent encounter adds intrigue to their upcoming clash. Uso emerged victorious against Finn Balor, only to face an attack from The Judgement Day afterward. However, Damien Priest, the world champion, appeared hesitant to fully engage in the faction’s assault. This adds an element of suspense to the unfolding drama in the world title picture.
The Ring General, Gunther, returns to RAW amid anticipation after his loss of the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 40. Fans await Gunther’s next move, speculating whether he will reclaim his title or shift focus to a new championship pursuit. With an impressive title reign of 666 days and dominance in the mid-card scene, Gunther’s transition to the main event scene and potential pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship pique interest amongst the fans.
WWE SmackDown showdown: Cody Rhodes & AJ Styles contract signing & start of 2024 WWE Draft
Over on WWE SmackDown at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, the blue brand prepares for a night of contract signings, intense showdowns, and the commencement of the highly anticipated WWE Draft of 2024.
WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes will face AJ Styles. Styles earned his opportunity by defeating LA Knight on last week’s SmackDown. Both Styles and Rhodes will face each other at Backlash. This week, on the blue brand, both stars are scheduled for a contract signing.
Last week, Tiffany Stratton interrupted the WWE Women’s Championship match, potentially initiating a dynamic shift in the upcoming title scene. This interruption during Bayley’s match against Naomi will likely unfold, teasing a possible triple-threat scenario at Backlash.
The ongoing tensions within The Bloodline continue to escalate, with Solo Sikoa asserting his authority and introducing Tama Tonga into the faction. Their brutal attack on Kevin Owens signals a power shift within the faction, sparking speculation about their future actions.
This week, on SmackDown, marks the beginning of the WWE 2024 draft, with the blue brand hosting the first night, followed by night two on RAW next week. As the draft season kicks off, it will be intriguing to see which superstars switch brands, whether champions change brands, if any faction members relocate, or if entire factions move between brands.
Additionally, CM Punk’s presence in both drafts adds another layer of anticipation and excitement. With the WWE Draft underway, excitement is at its peak as superstars await their fates.
