Entertainment
WWE SmackDown spoiler: Major title change next week as new champion gets crowned
WWE taped next week’s SmackDown on Friday night (Picture: WWE)
***This article contains spoilers for the February 18 edition of WWE SmackDown***
WWE has confirmed a major title change for next week’s edition of SmackDown.
The February 18 episode was filmed after Friday’s show, and the blue brand has a new champion with Sami Zayn recapturing the Intercontinental Title from Shinsuke Nakamura.
The two superstars are set to do battle over the gold on next week’s show – which usually airs live – and while the match won’t air until then, WWE has taken the unusual step of announcing the result ahead of time.
In a brief article on WWE.com, the company said: ‘During a special SmackDown taping on Feb. 11, Sami Zayn defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to capture the Intercontinental Championship.
‘Tune in to SmackDown next Friday at 8/7 C on FOX to see how The Master Strategist emerged victorious in the hard-fought battle for the gold!’
Fans will have to wait until next week to see how things unfold, but this could certainly lead to Johnny Knoxville getting a shot at the championship at WrestleMania if his rivalry with Zayn continues.
Sami is set to win big (Picture: WWE)
Elsewhere on next week’s show, fans can expect one final face-off between Roman Reigns and Goldberg before their Universal Title match at Elimination Chamber.
The Tribal Chief will put his gold on the line in Saudi Arabia, and he’ll meet his challenger in the ring with just one day to go.
Meanwhile, Ronda Rousey and Naomi are set to face Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville at the premium live event, and all four stars will be part of a contract signing for that match next week.
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In terms of in-ring action, fans will see Sheamus take on Ricochet, with the pair having been involved in a rivalry of late involving their respective allies Ridge Holland and Cesaro.
The show was taped on Friday rather than airing live next week because the WWE crew will be travelling to Saudi Arabia before Saturday’s Elimination Chamber event.
As well as Goldberg/Reigns and the aforementioned tag match, fans will also see Becky Lynch face the returning Lita, and Bobby Lashley will defend his WWE Title inside the Chamber itself against huge names including Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins.
WWE SmackDown airs Fridays at 1am on BT Sport 1.
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