The latest Smackdown episode marked a major turning point in WWE’s ongoing storylines, as the Bianca Belair return and summer WWE feud developments, intense Money in the Bank qualifiers, and the shocking dominance of the Wyatt Sicks over the tag division made headlines. With new NXT stars entering the main roster, established champions facing new challenges, and factions fracturing, the WWE landscape is being reshaped on the road to Money in the Bank and Worlds Collide.
NXT Stars Invade Main Roster as WWE Changes Strategy
WWE has started introducing a new wave of NXT talent to its main shows. Giulia joins the Smackdown roster after a successful run in NXT, Stephanie Vaquer is headed to RAW, and wrestlers like Je’Von Evans and Ethan Page have been spotlighted to preview upcoming matches at Worlds Collide. Notably, WWE has not announced a formal 2025 draft, instead favoring a more gradual, story-driven approach to main roster call-ups. This transition is intended to let NXT alumni connect with ongoing narratives rather than debut with little follow-up, a problem that previously left many newcomers in limbo.
On another front, the anticipated Worlds Collide show is growing in importance. This cross-promotional event brings an unusual blend of trademarks from both WWE’s slow-build main roster programs and other wrestling companies’ quicker storytelling. Worlds Collide is positioning itself as a rare event where storylines play out both on NXT and RAW/Smackdown concurrently. For example, the teased El Hijo Del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable match for the AAA Mega Championship drew attention—not just for the matchup, but due to WWE inadvertently giving away storyline developments ahead of time, revealing how their crossover storytelling is evolving.
The wrestling world is also reacting to the departures of veterans R-Truth and Carlito, whose long careers and contributions to both entertainment and backstage culture have earned an outpouring of fan support.
Money in the Bank’s build-up remains a focal point, yet WWE is using their current side-stories and cross-promotional opportunities to ensure no show feels secondary. Having NXT stars impact main roster programs helps sustain a brisk storytelling pace, allowing new faces to shine while still respecting Smackdown and RAW tradition. This strategy provides opportunities for dynamic PPV showcases, particularly for those whose regular TV time is limited.
Bianca Belair’s Homecoming Ignites WWE Summer Feuds
Last year, Bianca Belair captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Jade Cargill. Confusion erupted after Cargill was assaulted and Naomi filled in to continue their title reign—until Naomi confessed to attacking Cargill. Belair distanced herself from her former friend, setting up a challenge for the Women’s World Title at Wrestlemania 41. After her Wrestlemania match, Belair took time off to heal from injury.
Belair made her dramatic return last week in Knoxville, Tennessee, receiving a raucous reaction from her hometown crowd. Greeted with adulation, she addressed the fans—but was interrupted by Naomi, who made a twisted attempt to reconcile and even admitted to breaking into Belair’s childhood home. Belair curtly rejected Naomi’s overtures and exited as Jade Cargill showed up to attack Naomi.
This feud not only signals Belair’s imminent involvement in new summer rivalries, but also deepens the intrigue around her allegiances. Her neutrality—refusing to join either Naomi or Cargill—adds depth to her character and narrative unpredictability, especially in light of past accusations of forced storylines at Wrestlemania. The emotional gravity of Belair’s response, and her visible anguish amid her friends’ conflict, paves the way for more compelling drama. Naomi, meanwhile, has transformed her once-beloved persona into an unhinged, entertaining antagonist, and her new demeanor highlights just how far she’s come from her babyface days. The chemistry among these women is driving a more nuanced and emotionally charged season for the women’s division.
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifiers Feature New Twists
The aftermath of the Belair-Cargill-Naomi segment saw the drama spill straight into the ring. Jade Cargill, seeking retribution, attacked Naomi, soon joined by Nia Jax. The MITB qualifier that followed showcased shifting alliances: Jax and Naomi briefly teamed up against Cargill before turning on each other. Jax dominated much of the bout, but Naomi outsmarted both foes and secured a quick pin on Cargill, clinching her spot in the Money in the Bank lineup alongside Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Giulia, and a yet-to-be-determined final participant.
The qualifier’s setup brought a welcomed variety to the tournament formula. While recent weeks focused on backstage promos leading to matches, this segment blended personal vendettas with competitive action, reflecting each competitor’s character. Jax’s imposing presence, Cargill’s vengeful drive, and Naomi’s cunning highlighted their unique strengths. Naomi’s victory further intensifies her rivalry with Cargill and introduces more layered personalities into the MITB match, breaking up the expected lineup of babyfaces and tweeners and promising added drama as the competition approaches.
Giulia Targets Zelina Vega as New NXT Callups Make an Impact
Among the new NXT alumni, Giulia has rapidly emerged as a force on Smackdown, fresh off an impressive NXT career. Already earning her MITB spot, Giulia staked her claim for championship gold, hinting at a direct challenge to Women’s US Champion Zelina Vega during a backstage confrontation.
Meanwhile, Chelsea Green, upset after a broken nose at the hands of Vega in a recent title match, demanded disciplinary action against Vega. Instead, Smackdown’s General Manager Nick Aldis scheduled Vega to face Alba Fyre. Vega convincingly dispatched Fyre, signaling WWE’s intent to bolster her credibility ahead of a likely clash with Giulia.
Giulia’s arrival on the main roster aligns her with the likes of Asuka and Gunther—talents whose reputations nearly guarantee frequent championship reigns. While Vega has admirably played the underdog champion, her booking has sometimes undermined her strength. A match against Giulia could rejuvenate the title’s prestige and spotlight both superstars. However, teasing this encounter now suggests Giulia may not win the briefcase, since WWE rarely assigns dual championships unless there’s a factional storyline. While Vega’s recent match gave her momentum, building her into a powerhouse champion will require more decisive wins over top-tier challengers.
Damian Priest Sets Sights on Jacob Fatu’s US Championship
Damian Priest’s rivalry with Drew McIntyre intensified after Priest eliminated McIntyre from the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, exposing the flaws in McIntyre’s vengeance-driven storyline. Their collision continued at Backlash, where both targeted Jacob Fatu’s US title, culminating in a brutal steel cage blowoff at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Priest emerged victorious, delivering a decisive chair shot before escaping the cage. Following the feud, McIntyre announced a leave of absence due to injury.
Last week, Priest addressed the crowd, announcing his intention to move forward and challenge Jacob Fatu for the US Championship. He acknowledged Fatu’s accomplishments and declared his intent to take the title, sparking an immediate confrontation. Fatu, who recently ascended as the face of The Bloodline, now finds himself at the heart of a new main event rivalry.
Priest’s promo, while polarizing, succeeded in positioning the US title as a coveted prize—though perhaps excessively so, given its midcard status. This focus on the US championship, rather than the WWE World Title, reflects a broader trend where secondary belts are elevated by ongoing storylines, yet also underscores the ambiguity around the main championship’s place in the current hierarchy. Fatu’s evolution as a babyface, alongside Priest’s cool but antagonistic persona, sets the stage for an engaging conflict.
Men’s Money in the Bank Field Takes Shape Amid Interference and Surprises
On the men’s side, Money in the Bank qualifiers featured high-stakes competition among emerging and established stars. Penta, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, and Seth Rollins already secured briefcase slots in the previous weeks, while Jacob Fatu, Andrade, and Carmelo Hayes battled for the next spot. The match’s drama was heightened by interference at ringside, with The Miz and Solo Sikoa attempting to sway the outcome, only for Jim Uso to intervene and keep the contest fair. Ultimately, Andrade capitalized on a distracted Fatu to pin Hayes and capture his ticket to MITB.
The segment built on ongoing tensions between Hayes and Miz—with Hayes’ growing frustration over Miz’s meddling left unresolved post-match. Andrade’s victory, while not indicating any new character arc, ensures he will contribute athletic highlights but remains unlikely to win the briefcase. His lack of direction suggests his role is to fill out the field with high-octane spots rather than serve as a credible threat to the world titles. Nonetheless, the MITB match is poised to feature a blend of established names and rising talent.
The Bloodline Faces Internal Collapse
Jacob Fatu’s leadership of The New Bloodline has dramatically shifted the group’s dynamic. Fatu, whose star has risen rapidly on the main roster, has distanced himself from Solo Sikoa, signaling discord within the once-cohesive faction. Their tension erupted when Sikoa tried to credit himself for Fatu’s title victories, only to be dismissed. The introduction of JC Mateo as the newest Bloodline member, and Mateo’s immediate interference against LA Knight, further destabilized the group’s hierarchy.
Recent mishaps—like The Bloodline costing Fatu his MITB qualifier and Mateo quickly defeating R-Truth—underline the growing fissures. At episode’s end, Fatu adamantly insisted he did not want help from Sikoa or Mateo moving forward. The Bloodline appears on the verge of a second major implosion. While newer members remain underdeveloped, the prospect of a Fatu-Sikoa feud is compelling. Sikoa’s transition from stoic enforcer to desperate, almost comedic leader contrasts sharply with Fatu’s dominant presence, making the eventual fallout highly anticipated. As tension mounts, watching whether Sikoa clings to power or Fatu breaks away entirely is a narrative highlight of the current WWE landscape.
Wyatt Sicks Reignite Smackdown’s Tag Team Scene
Following Wrestlemania 41, the Wyatt Sicks—long-absent and shrouded in mystery—reemerged on Smackdown and took the tag division by storm. After Fraxiom’s match with The Profits and DIY’s renewed rivalry with MCMG (now with Candice LeRae once again at their side), the Wyatt Sicks attacked and decimated all the assembled teams. Their dominance continued the following week, as The Profits declared their supremacy only to be interrupted by Fraxiom, MCMG, and the revitalized DIY. Each team staked its claim for a title shot, but their ambitions were brutally quashed as the Wyatt Sicks dismantled every challenger to close the show.
While the Wyatt Sicks’ presence reinforces their credibility as a dominant force, this booking choice also risks diminishing the tag division’s complexity by reducing other popular teams to little more than obstacles. The levels of athleticism displayed by DIY, The Profits, and MCMG contrast with the Wyatt Sicks’ slower, more menacing style, posing an ongoing challenge for competitive balance. Nevertheless, their overwhelming display sent a message: whoever holds the tag belts will have to contend with the Wyatts’ constant threat. The timeline for their expected climb to tag team gold remains uncertain, leaving fans to speculate how the other teams will regroup and respond in the coming weeks.
Los Garzas Clash with Escobar, Tease Future Wyatt Sicks Feud
The ongoing tensions within Legado Del Fantasma have come to a head as Santos Escobar’s leadership is questioned by Los Garzas (Angel and Berto). Escobar’s harsh criticism of their performance contrasts sharply with Andrade’s continued reminders of the Garzas’ achievements and growing frustration over Escobar’s relentless pressure. The situation escalated when Berto pushed back against Escobar’s post-match chastisement and stormed off, leading Escobar to warn Angel that Berto would be responsible for any split.
Last week, Los Garzas competed against Je’Von Evans and Rey Fenix, with Ethan Page providing commentary. Page’s interference allowed Los Garzas to leverage a win with Escobar’s help. Immediately after, the Wyatt Sicks hijacked the segment, with Uncle Howdy delivering an ominous promo—possibly foreshadowing new clashes between Los Garzas and the dark faction.
This ongoing narrative shows WWE’s investment in developing the distinct personalities of Angel and Berto. Their gradual separation opens additional possibilities, potentially integrating them with other tag stories or a future Wyatt feud as Summerslam approaches. The match showcased the NXT callups’ athleticism but was light on deeper Smackdown ramifications, acting as a bridge to Worlds Collide’s build and highlighting WWE’s renewed commitment to showcasing new stars.
Cena and Paul’s Heel Alliance Shocks Main Event Scene
In recent months, John Cena’s victory at Wrestlemania 41—where he defeated Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship following a heel turn—set in motion a fresh era. Cena successfully defended his title against Randy Orton and R-Truth while antagonizing Jey Uso and Logan Paul. After Uso retained his World Heavyweight Championship against Paul at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cena and Paul united to assault Uso, only to be fought off by the returning Cody Rhodes. Rhodes and Uso challenged Cena and Paul to a tag match at Money in the Bank, vowing not to let Cena defame the world title or disrespect the industry further.
Cena and Paul entered the ring amid jeers, mocking Rhodes and Uso by labeling them “John Cena wannabes” and showering Paul with praise as a model of hustle, loyalty, and respect. Their alliance appeared strained, as the segment closed with Paul and Cena bickering off-microphone before Rhodes incited a brawl.
This angle marks one of the most creatively ambitious turns for Cena’s character—a once-revered icon now portrayed as contemptuous of wrestling’s changing culture and enamored by Paul’s mainstream stardom. The unexpected pairing positions Cena as a jaded, Hollywood-like antagonist. While his recent promos have drawn criticism for veering into standard heel territory, setting Cena and Paul against earnest babyfaces Rhodes and Uso successfully reinvigorates the main event scene and injects fresh excitement into Money in the Bank’s upcoming main event.
WWE Continues to Rewrite the Rules as Summer Builds Heat
As Smackdown and RAW move toward summer’s biggest events, WWE is embracing faster, layered storytelling. The Bianca Belair return and summer WWE feud developments have injected new energy into the women’s division, while MITB qualifiers on both sides continue to raise the stakes with fluid alliances and newfound animosities. The arrival of NXT stars like Giulia, Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, and Stephanie Vaquer promises even more intrigue as Worlds Collide approaches.
Factions like The Bloodline teeter on the edge of dissolution, the rise of the Wyatt Sicks is challenging established tag team hierarchies, and John Cena’s shocking new persona is upending fan expectations. With so many veteran wrestlers, rising stars, and unpredictable alliances in play, the WWE universe is set for a summer packed with drama, title shifts, and narrative upheaval. Fans will be watching closely to see which superstars seize the moment and how these converging stories lay the groundwork for Money in the Bank, Worlds Collide, and the road to Summerslam.
