WWE SmackDown preview (July 30, 2021): Finn Bálor isn’t satisfied with just the missionary position

SmackDown airs tonight (July 30) live from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is the second SmackDown episode during the five week build towards the upcoming SummerSlam 2021 event on August 21.

Finn Bálor isn’t satisfied with just the missionary position

John Cena is just like Goldberg, in that he thinks he can simply show up and walk right into a championship match without first earning that opportunity. Roman Reigns understandably denied Cena’s request for a Universal championship match at SummerSlam. The Tribal Chief stated that Cena hasn’t changed in 15 years; it’s like doing the missionary position every single night.

That’s when Finn Bálor entered the picture to confront Reigns. Bálor must know a few more positions besides missionary that appeal to Roman, because the champ quickly accepted his challenge. Just like that, WWE cleverly inserted Bálor into the Cena/Reigns SummerSlam story in a way that gives Finn instant credibility as a top guy on SmackDown.

The main unknown here is how will Cena respond to Roman’s denial? It’s a safe bet that Cena will get that SummerSlam title match with Reigns, but he might have to work a little harder than your typical part-timer to earn it.

The title scene

Bianca Belair has now defeated Carmella in two consecutive SmackDown Women’s championship matches on television over the last two weeks. It’s time for Belair to find a new challenger for the title. If Sasha Banks isn’t returning yet for a rematch from WrestleMania 37, it looks like one of Liv Morgan, Naomi, Tamina, Zelina Vega, or Toni Storm will have to step up and confront the champ. Then again, perhaps Becky Lynch is about to switch brands...

Big E was trying to celebrate his Money in the Bank ladder match victory last week on SmackDown, but he was rudely interrupted by Intercontinental champion Apollo Crews. This led to a strange segment with further interruptions from Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Cesaro. WWE titled their YouTube video of this segment as “Several Superstars stake claim to Intercontinental Title opportunity”, so it would appear that the mid-card title scene is suddenly very crowded.

Natalya’s ankle was injured on Raw. We don’t know what her status is yet, but it looks like a serious injury to the untrained eye. If Natalya is sidelined and has to vacate the Women’s tag team titles as a result of this situation, then Shotzi & Nox will be left as the only women’s team on SmackDown. This is what happens when you release or split up most of your women’s tag teams.

The Usos defeated The Mysterios at Money in the Bank and became the new SmackDown tag team champions. Jimmy Uso then defeated Dominik Mysterio in a singles match last week. The Mysterios aren’t exactly forcing the issue about deserving a rematch for the titles.

Other stuff to keep an eye on

- Edge and Seth Rollins came to blows last week. Edge is looking for revenge after Rollins screwed him at Money in the Bank. Rollins is looking to finish the job he started in 2014 and actually end Edge’s career this time. It’s almost certain this is leading to a match at SummerSlam.

- After Kevin Owens gave him a few bucks last week, sad Baron Corbin was shot in the balls by a tank and then robbed of his money by Dolph Ziggler. It looks like we’re headed to a tag team match pitting Owens and Corbin vs. the Dirty Dawgs.

- Toni Storm debuted on the main roster with a win over Zelina Vega last week. Are we getting a rematch this week, or will Storm find someone else to beat?

- The conflict between the Street Profits and Alpha Academy is far from over. Angelo Dawkins defeated Chad Gable at Rolling Loud, but the real challenge will be finding a way to finally take down Otis.

What will you be looking for on SmackDown tonight?