The Hardy Boyz were forced to vacate the Smackdown Tag Team Titles last week. This came after it was revealed that Jeff Hardy needed to get knee surgery.
WWE has confirmed that Shane McMahon will be announcing new tag team Champions on the episode this week.
On their website, WWE is teasing two brand-new tag teams as potential candidates to win the Titles.
The new teams being teased are Shane McMahon and Elias, along with Finn Balor and Ali. Here is what WWE posted on their website:
Shane McMahon & Elias
When it comes to star-studded tag teams, you can’t get much better than the Mr. McMahon-appointed “biggest acquisition in SmackDown LIVE history” and the self-appointed “Best in the World,” Shane McMahon.
Now, even if you don’t necessarily agree with those grandiose monikers, consider recent events. Elias and Shane-O-Mac orchestrated a cunning two-on-one attack on the nigh unbeatable Roman Reigns two weeks ago on SmackDown LIVE, so it’s clear that The Living Truth and The Prodigal Son can make some beautiful – and brutal – music together. Plus, we all saw how well Shane worked alongside a Superstar he apparently didn’t particularly like (we’re referring of course to The Miz), so it stands to reason that a devious duet with The Living Truth would be even better. The best, even.
Finn Bálor & Ali
Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor and Ali may be singles competitors first and foremost, but it’s impossible to ignore that something special was afoot when they recently partnered to take down Randy Orton and Andrade on SmackDown LIVE. Their chemistry was instantaneous and undeniable, and by the time Bálor and Ali wiped out their opponents with simultaneous dives to the floor, they looked as in-sync as The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express in their heyday. Most nascent partnerships can only hope to attain such polished teamwork after many reps, let alone on their first outing.
Who knows? Maybe Bálor and Ali’s gelling was a one-off, a singular occurrence that can’t and won’t be replicated. Or maybe, just maybe, we all witnessed the beginning of something greater — something that might one day lead to the SmackDown Tag Team Titles being around Bálor and Ali’s waists.
My speculation is that Shane will be awarding the belts to himself and Elias. Would make sense based on his current character. Do you agree or disagree with me?
On a related note, check out the latest on two WWE Superstars being moved to 205 Live.