Who will step up when SmackDown goes Live?

This Sunday, the Royal Rumble signaled The Road to WrestleMania. Now, thanks to the snow storm earlier this week, SmackDown will be the first show in front of the WWE Universe since the epic pay-per-view. If that weren’t exciting enough, the “Hottest Show on Thursday Night” is going to be LIVE!

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Whenever SmackDown goes live, there is no predicting what might happen. From holiday celebrations, to “Blast[s] from the Past” to a good, old “Great American Bash” or coming all the way across the pond to the first-ever live SmackDown broadcast from the United Kingdom, the special edition of big blue carries an incredible history.

Tonight, the stakes could not be higher and there is no doubt that the blue brand will deliver once again with a whole new slew of action, surprises and extraordinary moments. With The Showcase of the Immortals on the horizon, look to see a number of Superstars make a statement and prove that they have what it takes to stand on The Grandest Stage of Them All right out of the gate. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: You can’t afford to miss a second of tonight’s live action.

Will the Casket be the death of Bryan’s WrestleMania dreams?

Speaking of must-see SmackDown moments, during a historic Raw broadcast on Monday, it was announced that Daniel Bryan will battle Kane in a horrific Casket Match, LIVE tonight at 8/7c on Syfy.

Fueled by his quick elimination in Sunday’s Royal Rumble Match and a desire to get to WrestleMania by ending his longstanding rivalry with the demonic Superstar who put him on the shelf for eight months, Bryan seems eager to take part in a match he’s never competed in.

Considering that the Casket Match is one of the matches on which Kane has made his mark — and that he carries with him the full strength of The Authority — it is very possible that The Beard’s WrestleMania hopes could end up “dying” a painful death tonight. On the other hand, if anyone can rise out of the ashes of Royal Rumble defeat to power through Kane, it is WWE’s “Yes!” Man. Don’t miss a second of this tumultuous showdown, tonight on Syfy.

How will the ‘Reigning’ No. 1 Contender embrace the storm?

Things get intense between the 2015 Royal Rumble Match winner and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

After outlasting 29 other Superstars in Sunday’s epic Royal Rumble Match and having his arm raised in victory by The Rock, Roman Reigns returns to The Great One’s show a conquering hero tonight. 

For a true warrior, though, it’s always about the next battle. In Roman Reigns’ case, the greatest challenge is most certainly yet to come. He will now set his sights on WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and their  inevitable collision at WrestleMania 31. What fallout could await Thursday night’s best show?

Lesnar made the bold statement during Raw’s special broadcast that he doesn’t respect his No. 1 contender. While it will be interesting to see how his powerful challenger will react, one has to wonder who will be the target of his rage? Will The Beast Incarnate or his outspoken advocate Paul Heyman have more to say on the subject? Would another bold Superstar dare to step in his path in an attempt to steal his WrestleMania momentum? Find out LIVE, tonight at 8/7c on Syfy.

Keep one eye open, Seth Rollins is ready for war

Mr. Money in the Bank discusses his WWE World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat Match against John Cena and Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble.

During Monday’s special broadcast, one Superstar who demanded that his presence be known was Seth Rollins. This seems to be an ongoing quest for Mr. Money in the Bank in recent weeks. Despite constant accusations that he hides behind The Authority, Rollins’ efforts to be heard go far beyond knocking over Lesnar’s chair. Case in point, The “Future of WWE” put up an incredible fight in the WWE World Heavyweight Title Match at Royal Rumble. And we think he’s just getting started. Translation, Roman Reigns isn’t the only Superstar to watch out for tonight. Seth Rollins has a lot to prove.

You can’t see Rusev!

John Cena and Rusev almost come to blows after both suffering disappointing losses at the Royal Rumble.

This Monday, we also learned that John Cena will go head-to-head with Rusev at WWE’s newest pay-per-view: WWE Fast Lane. While the showdown between the 15-time World Champion and his yet to be pinned adversary was originally being considered for WrestleMania by The Authority, the confrontation between the two Superstars at Royal Rumble made it clear that this must be settled sooner or later.

While we don’t know if the Cenation leader will be in Hartford, Conn., tonight, The Hero of the Russian Federation and the “Ravishing Russian” Lana are sure to have quite a bit to say on the matter. More times than not, in situations like this, actions speak much louder than words.