7 Shocking (But Believable) Theories About WWE 2018

Beware: if you think to yourself that any of these theories and predictions are impossible, then consider that Goldberg faced Brock Lesnar in a WrestleMania rematch (from 2004), Jinder Mahal became WWE Champion, Chris Jericho found himself promoting a match with Kenny Omega at NJPW's version of WrestleMania and Kurt Angle pretended Jason Jordan was his son in 2017. If we're being honest with ourselves as wrestling fans, nobody saw those things coming.

What does this mean for 2018 then?

Let's play predictor and find out...

7. NXT Replaces SmackDown As The 2nd Brand

'WWE Week' on USA Network or not, it's pretty big for the so-called development brand that NXT has aired for the first time on network TV. This could be a sign that WWE big wigs are willing to get right behind one of their most exciting products and push it in front of one that has been ailing for years now. We're looking at you, SmackDown.

2016's Draft was supposed to bring SmackDown on par with Monday Night Raw. Just like every other time WWE have had such good intentions though, that didn't happen. Tuesday night's offering is still the proverbial ugly stepchild of the weekly programming roster. Replacing it with something more vibrant may be a sound decision then.

NXT has a buzz surrounding it. The close-quarters feel to the show is vastly different to Raw's arena set up, and the in-ring action is even enough of a contrast to help it stand out. SmackDown, by comparison, still comes across as a Raw rerun at times.

2018 could be NXT's year and SmackDown's downfall.