WWE have announced two matches for SmackDown through their official twitter account today. This Tuesday, Finn Balor will be facing Dolph Ziggler, who for some reason they really like to advertise now. Additionally, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Xavier Woods and Big E will square off with Drew McIntyre and Elias. One would presume this is a non-title match, but of course this was not specified.
Balor, notably, was taken off of this weekend’s Smackville special for an undisclosed illness. It’s hard to say if he was pulled before the announcement of his match with Ziggler or not. But as of now we can assume that they’re confident he’ll be healthy enough to compete by the time it rolls around. Ziggler on the other hand is currently embroiled in a feud with the Miz, which last week also saw him superkick Shawn Michaels. Despite much speculation, it currently appears as though he and HBK will not be competing at SummerSlam. Though personally I think a bout between them at the next Saudi Arabia show is very likely.
For the tag match, McIntyre and Elias are both noted henchmen of Shane McMahon. Shane has begun feuds with practically the entire babyface roster, Kofi Kingston included. So this would appear to deepen the group’s grudge against the product of Vince’s seed.
You can see the tweets announcing these matches below:
Also, @FinnBalor looks to teach @HEELZiggler a lesson in RESPECT! #SDLive https://t.co/iofDTQ177t
— WWE (@WWE) July 27, 2019
And finally, @shanemcmahon's allies @IAmEliasWWE & @DMcIntyreWWE look to silence #TheNewDay's @XavierWoodsPhD & @WWEBigE this Tuesday on #SDLive! https://t.co/jQ59w0rS6r
— WWE (@WWE) July 27, 2019
Also announced for this show is the appearance of one Trish Stratus, who will be joining Jerry Lawler in a special edition of the King’s Court, one of WWE’s many many many many historic talk shows. I go deeper into the implications of this appearance here.
Who do you expect to win these matches?
Would Drew and Elias be fitting tag champs, should they win this non-title match and challenge them on a later date?