WWE SmackDown: Shane McMahon to make WrestleMania statement
Wednesday 14 March 2018 07:28, UK
Shane McMahon will issue a WrestleMania-related statement on tonight's SmackDown, live on Sky Sports Action at midnight.
McMahon directly interfered in the main event at Fastlane, costing both Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens certain victories - and, therefore, a main event match in New Orleans next month - in the six-pack challenge match for AJ Styles' WWE title.
His actions came immediately after Owens had accidentally superkicked him in the face after a ringside confrontation with Zayn. SmackDown general manager Daniel Bryan was notably absent from Fastlane due to a "family engagement".
The content of McMahon's statement is not known at this time but it will be related to WrestleMania, and could have major consequences for the "Yep" movement duo.
Asuka to make SmackDown debut
The Empress of Tomorrow officially arrives on Tuesday night, where she is expected to make her challenge to women's champion Charlotte Flair official.
Asuka, who remains undefeated in WWE, appeared after Flair's gruelling title defence against Ruby Riott at Fastlane, and issued a silent challenge with the traditional point to the WrestleMania sign.
The Japanese star usually lets her actions speak louder than her words, so it will be interesting to see what she has lined up for her blue brand debut.
Bludgeon Brothers to get title shot?
SmackDown's most destructive tag team sent out a resounding message at Fastlane when they laid waste to both The New Day and The Usos at Fastlane.
All five members of the blue brand's top two teams were cut down to size in a brutal attack, with Xavier Woods taking a particularly painful-looking double powerslam onto the steel steps.
It remains to be seen if the Bludgeon Brothers will be disciplined for their actions or given a title shot as a result of them. Considering the impact they have made in the SmackDown tag division, the latter is entirely possible.