WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview

Overview of Recent Events: Cody Rhodes' Decision and Fallout

Over a week has passed since Cody Rhodes announced his WrestleMania 40 match against Roman Reigns at the Thursday night press conference in Las Vegas. The aftermath has sparked significant storylines within WWE.

Alliances Forming: Reigns and The Rock vs. Rhodes and Seth Rollins

Following the fallout, Roman Reigns aligned with The Rock, prompting Cody Rhodes to secure his own alliance. On the recent Monday Night RAW, World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins pledged support to Rhodes, setting the stage for a clash of alliances.

Tonight's SmackDown Match Card (Feb. 16, 2024): Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches

Key matches for tonight include Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifying bouts between Kevin Owens and Dominik Mysterio, Logan Paul and The Miz, as well as Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying matches featuring Shotzi vs. Tiffany Stratton and Naomi vs. Zelina Vega.

Returning Superstars and Confirmed Participants

Roman Reigns and The Rock are set to make an appearance, while Iyo Sky, Austin Theory, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy Uso are confirmed. The inclusion of Sky and Theory raises questions about potential alliances and plot twists during their respective matches.

Theory's Potential Role in Logan Paul's Qualifying Match

Speculation surrounds Austin Theory's role in supporting Logan Paul during his Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match against The Miz. Their alliance may play a crucial role in Paul securing a spot at the Elimination Chamber.

Iyo Sky's Presence and Implications for WrestleMania

As the current WWE women's champion, Iyo Sky's appearance suggests possible developments in her ongoing storyline. The anticipation of Bayley's involvement grows, as Sky defended her title against Bayley and their WrestleMania clash looms.

Potential for Bayley and Dakota Kai's Involvement

If Bayley makes an appearance, the likelihood of Dakota Kai joining the fray increases, especially considering Kai's recent actions defending Bayley against their former team, Damage CTRL. The dynamics within this potential alliance raise skepticism and intrigue among fans.