Intercontinental Championship Bout, Tag Title Top Contender Match, More Set For 1/31 WWE SmackDown

WWE announced four matches for the Jan. 31 episode of SmackDown, including an Intercontinental Championship contest between Shinsuke Nakamura and Braun Strowman.

After defeating Nakamura in a singles bout on the Jan. 10 episode of SmackDown, Strowman will now get his championship match against Nakamura.

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From WWE:

Braun Strowman has been singularly focused on one goal, and on Friday Night, it will finally be within reach of those hands.

The Monster Among Men will get his coveted Intercontinental Title opportunity against Shinsuke Nakamura on Super SmackDown. Despite Strowman’s numerous requests, Sami Zayn refused to have the terms of a championship match dictated to his client, The King of Strong Style.

Now that the match is set, how will Nakamura and his entourage respond to Strowman’s quest for championship gold?

Also announced for SmackDown is a tag team fatal four-way bout that pits John Morrison & The Miz against The Revival, Heavy Machinery, and The Lucha House Party. The winning team will receive a SmackDown Tag Team Title match against The New Day at Super ShowDown.

Four of the biggest and baddest tag teams on SmackDown will face off for a chance at the titles on Super SmackDown. Heavy Machinery, Lucha House Party, The Miz & John Morrison and The Revival will battle it out for a date with The New Day at Super ShowDown.

The Miz scored a victory over Kofi Kingston earlier this month and The Guru of Greatness has defeated both members of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions since his return. The Revival are searching for a change after recent struggles, and perhaps a rekindling of an old rivalry can spark a transformation. Heavy Machinery and Lucha House Party will both be hungry for an opportunity at a breakthrough championship run.

Which team will be left standing after the dust settles on Super SmackDown?

Furthermore, a Royal Rumble rematch will take place on SmackDown as Shorty G and Sheamus battle once again. Sheamus was victorious at the Royal Rumble.

Shorty G has had to persevere his entire life, and a recent setback to Sheamus is the latest obstacle to hurdle. Following a defeat at Royal Rumble, Shorty G will face The Celtic Warrior in a rematch on SmackDown.

Sheamus has promised to reclaim SmackDown as his own and targeted Shorty G as a prime example in the “decline” of the blue brand. Despite the taunts, Shorty G nearly claimed victory last Sunday, but a brutal Brogue Kick earned The Celtic Warrior the win.

Can Sheamus stay undefeated in his return to the ring, or will Shorty G put a halt to the former WWE Champion’s grand plans?

And finally, a rematch from last week is set for Friday as King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, & Robert Roode take on Roman Reigns & The Usos.

The Big Dog smells blood, and Roman Reigns will look to deliver a humbling blow to King Corbin on a special Super SmackDown. Reigns will team up with The Usos in a rematch of last week’s showdown with King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode.

Reigns has put together an impressive streak with defeats over King Corbin at Royal Rumble in a Falls Count Anywhere Match, last Friday’s Six-Man Tag victory and an emphatic Tables Match triumph over Robert Roode. Will he once again triumph over the 2019 King of the Ring?

Fightful will provide live coverage of WWE SmackDown beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Friday.

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