SmackDown’s US Title Picture Shifts: Tournament Replaces Knight vs. Nakamura Match

One Large Factor

WWE has scrapped the marketed United States Championship match between LA Knight and Shinsuke Nakamura, opting as a substitute for a No. 1 contender’s match on Friday’s SmackDown.

Key Particulars

Three first-round match matches are scheduled for FridayLA Knight faces Santos EscobarJacob Fatu takes on AndradeCarmelo Hayes battles Braun StrowmanWinners advance to a triple menace match later within the present

Background

Knight and Nakamura’s rivalry stems from their Survivor Sequence conflict, the place Nakamura captured the USA Championship. Final week, Nakamura attacked Knight throughout his tag crew match with R-Fact in opposition to Hayes and The Miz.

Why It Issues

This match format provides contemporary matchups to SmackDown’s mid-card scene and creates a number of compelling storylines round the USA Championship image. It additionally extends the Knight-Nakamura rivalry whereas introducing new challengers into the combination.

By The Numbers

6 opponents within the tournament3 first-round matches1 triple menace finale

What’s Subsequent

The match winner will earn a future United States Championship match in opposition to Shinsuke Nakamura, with the date but to be introduced.

What do you concentrate on WWE’s resolution to interchange the singles match with a match? Share your predictions for who will win within the feedback beneath.