Smark Out Moment

Welcome to another edition of Triple Threat from Smark Out Moment, where three of us get together to discuss three questions based on one big topic going down in the week of professional wrestling.

This week, Dallas Allsopp, Bodeen Green and Matt Morgan preview WWE Clash of Champions 2020.

Clash of Champions is advertised as the one night of the year in which all titles will be defended. This year's event promises much, but WWE has an inconsistent track record with events in 2020. Is Jey Uso the best option to face Roman Reigns? Will Bayley continue her record breaking reign as SmackDown Women's Champion? And just who deserves to win the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match?


ALLSOPP: I hope Roman Reigns comes out to the ring with fresh music, a new look, and a desire to end his match with Jey Uso quickly. His heel turn has been great so far, however he feels more like a tweener at the moment. This match is the perfect vehicle to highlight his vicious side, therefore it can certainly be used to cement his heel turn. I do feel Uso is being used solely to confirm Reigns' heel turn, but it has to be acknowledged there is a dearth of main eventers on SmackDown who can be believably pushed as a credible threat to the WWE Universal Championship.

GREEN: I am actually highly anticipating this match. Both men have the ability to tell a great story in the ring, and both are capable of having a great match. The unpredictable nature of this contest is also why I'm highly anticipating it, as there are numerous ways it can be booked. There is also the chance of seeing an appearance from Jimmy Uso, who may decide to help or hinder his brother. With all these factors, this match can definitely do a big favour for Roman Reigns' heel turn, setting the stage for his WWE Universal Championship reign. I don't see a lack of credible challengers for Reigns, as names such as Daniel Bryan, Matt Riddle, and even Big E could compete for the title at a later time if booked right.

MORGAN: This match is definitely being used to solidify Roman Reigns as the new top heel on SmackDown. I cannot see him losing his first title defense, especially to an individual who usually wrestles in the tag team division. Despite what I perceive to be a predictable outcome, I really appreciate that Reigns' first challenger is Jey Uso. Having Uso be the first challenger does not mean there is a lack of credible challengers on SmackDown. This choice represents a fresh match and storyline that we have not yet seen between these two individuals. Typically, we’ve seen Reigns and the Uso brothers work together ever since The Shield disbanded. Seeing these two face each other for the first time in years provides a unique way to establish Reigns’ new persona, whilst saving other programs for Reigns further down the line.


GREEN: As much as both women are talented workers, I've lost interest in this match, mainly because we have seen Nikki Cross and Bayley compete countless times before, with none of their matches leaving me wanting more. I don't see Cross beating Bayley for the title, despite Bayley no longer being aligned with Sasha Banks. I also don't see Banks interfering in the match, although I can see Banks and Bayley feuding at Hell in a Cell.

MORGAN: As much as I want Nikki Cross to win, I cannot see her beating Bayley, which is frustrating because these two have wrestled each other so many times throughout the past year. Based on how often these two have wrestled, it would be an amazing payoff for Cross to win a title match and finally triumph after failing so many times. Yet, I have a strong feeling that the company would prefer to have Sasha Banks end Bayley’s reign over Cross.

ALLSOPP: Nikki Cross is 100% not the right choice to dethrone Bayley. That honour should go to Sasha Banks, as their storyline is perfectly set up for that outcome. Banks aside, there is no-one else on the SmackDown roster I'd have as SmackDown Women's Champion. I could see Banks interfere in this match, however it would appear to be in her best interests to ensure Bayley retains her belt, possibly setting up a match for the title at Hell in a Cell within the titular demonic structure. Bayley didn't need Banks' support to remain on top, but it certainly helped.


MORGAN: I am actually kind of a wimp when it comes to these matches. Whilst they can be fun to watch, I always get nervous for the safety of the wrestlers. The one upside in this particular match is that all three individuals have experience with Ladder matches, which should hopefully protect them. I am hoping Sami Zayn wins the match. Of the three competitors, I feel he needs this reign the most. This title was Zayn’s first main roster championship, and the first title he held for the company in over five years. Both Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles are established competitors, each of whom have numerous accolades associated with their WWE careers. Zayn needs this win the most in order to help boost his status as a top player.

ALLSOPP: I cannot wait for this match! It promises to be frenetic and exhilarating, whilst highlighting the complex nature of the Intercontinental Championship situation. Sami Zayn (perhaps rightfully) believes he is the true Champion, whilst Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles are adamant they are the best option to hold the belt. I personally believe AJ Styles should walk out Intercontinental Champion, if only so we can have Roman Reigns vs Hardy at Hell in a Cell. I mean, nobody is going to cheer Reigns against The Charismatic Enigma. Right?

GREEN: This could be the match I'm most excited for. All three men have amazing in ring skills, therefore they can easily put on the match of the night if given enough time. For me, it's a 50/50 decision between Sami Zayn and Jeff Hardy. As much as I'd love to see Zayn with the title back after being forced to vacate it, I also don't want to see Hardy lose the belt and have such a short reign. Additionally, whilst Hardy may be the favourite, I can easily see Zayn winning the title through a fluke finish, especially as we have seen a few fluke finishes recently.