Why Braun Strowman missed WWE SmackDown explained

Braun Strowman officially became a part of SmackDown a few weeks ago amid WWE's Transfer Window. He was reportedly set to team up with Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn last night to face The Bloodline in a six-man tag team match. However, The Monster of All Monsters was nowhere to be seen on the show, and Jey Uso replaced him in the match.

Strowman missed the first SmackDown of 2025, potentially due to Jey's involvement in the show. The YEET Master is set to face Drew McIntyre in a high-voltage clash next week on RAW's debut on Netflix. While this bout was made official earlier this week, the company did not have adequate time to show its build following the announcement.

Therefore, with last night's episode being the final show before this highly anticipated clash, WWE seemingly decided to capitalize on it. The company pulled out Braun Strowman from the show, possibly to let Jey Uso and The Scottish Warrior hype their upcoming match. This was apparent in the main event of SmackDown when McIntyre came for a staredown with Jey.

However, The OG Bloodline member responded with a Suicide Drive off the middle rope. While this wasn't a major progression, it did help WWE hype up the fans for the match between the two to some extent. Meanwhile, Braun Strowman is currently not involved in any major storyline, and his absence from the latest edition of SmackDown did not affect the existing ones.

This seems to be why Strowman did not appear on last night's episode of the blue brand. However, nothing can be said for sure at this point.

Braun Strowman to start a feud rivalry with The Bloodline upon his return?

Last week on SmackDown, Braun Strowman made some new enemies when he decided to go against Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline. This happened when he came to the aid of Sami Zayn, who was on the receiving end of a ruthless attack from the stable. As a result, Strowman decided to intervene.

However, the 41-year-old ended up suffering the same fate. There is a good possibility that WWE may have showcased that angle to sow the seeds of a potential feud for The Monster of All Monsters. He could embark on a new rivalry with The Bloodline upon his return to SmackDown.

Braun Strowman has a storied history with the faction, and the Stamford-based promotion could capitalize on that. This could be one of the most intriguing feuds on the blue brand, leading to several exciting things. This may also lead to a blockbuster match between Strowman and Jacob Fatu

However, this is purely speculation at this point. Will the former Universal Champion return for revenge against The Bloodline? Only time will tell.

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