Paul Heyman to betray Roman Reigns; Drew McIntyre's new alliance - 5 things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown this week

The latest edition of WWE SmackDown ended with the New Bloodline standing tall over the OG Bloodline. This episode marked the first show of the blue brand in 2025 and introduced its new three-hour format. Additionally, Tiffany Stratton shocked the world by capturing the WWE Women’s Championship.

This article will explore five things WWE subtly hinted at on SmackDown this week.

#5. A secret alliance between Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens in WWE

Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens appeared on this week’s edition of the blue brand. Not only this, but both were also involved in common segments, sparking speculation about a potential alliance between them.

The Scottish Warrior confronted Cody Rhodes earlier in the show, warning him to stay vigilant, and soon after, KO launched an attack on Rhodes. In a backstage segment, the Prizefighter also issued a warning to Jey Uso and the OG Bloodline.

Later, in the main event, Drew McIntyre distracted the YEET Master, adding fuel to the speculation. These developments suggest that a secret alliance may be forming between McIntyre and Owens.

#4. WWE might be giving more time to its entrances now

With SmackDown now transitioning to a three-hour format, one noticeable change in this week’s show was the Stamford-based promotion allowed more time for entrances. Entrances were often shortened or aired during commercial breaks in the previous two-hour format to save airtime.

However, with the expanded runtime, the company seems to have adjusted to give entrances their due focus on the blue brand.

#3. Multi-team tag team title match seems like the next plan

DIY recently faced the Motor City Machine Guns in a tag team title bout, but the match ended in a no-contest. This occurred when Los Garza, Pretty Deadly, and other teams became involved in a chaotic brawl. This development hints that WWE might be planning a multi-team tag team title match soon.

With Royal Rumble 2025 as the company’s next premium live event, it’s possible that DIY could be forced to defend their titles in a multi-team showdown at the event.

#2. Tiffany Stratton might already have her first challenger

Tiffany Stratton defeated Nia Jax to become the new Women’s Champion. However, it seems Bianca Belair is already being positioned as her first challenger. The EST delivered a KOD to Jax, which allowed Tiffany to capitalize and claim victory.

However, Stratton attacked Belair, throwing her into the announcer’s table during the match. This attack appears to plant the seeds for a rivalry between Belair and Stratton, with the Women’s Championship on the line.

#1. Paul Heyman might betray Roman Reigns very soon

Paul Heyman was involved in a heated altercation with Solo Sikoa on the latest episode of SmackDown. However, fans noticed that The Wiseman subtly raised three fingers as The Rock did at Bad Blood 2024.

This gesture could be a subtle hint that Heyman and the Final Boss might be secretly aligned, with The Wiseman potentially planning to betray the Original Tribal Chief.

This betrayal could unfold on WWE RAW’s Netflix premiere next week, where Roman Reigns is set to face Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match.

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