10 Things We Learned From WWE SmackDown (April 18)
9. Growing Anticipation
The build-up vignettes continued for The New Day and Lana, as SmackDown Live! gamely prepares to re-introduce two of Monday Night Raw's hottest acts.
The New Day's absence from television has been a welcome break for the trio, not least because Kofi Kingston is currently rehabilitating from an ankle injury.
Despite huge support from arena crowds, the act had become painfully tired, as evidenced by their patronising 'host' roles at WrestleMania.
A return to television after the hiatus will at least at first be well-received, but may foreshadow a heel turn for the popular trio as they look to recapture the sort of in-ring dominance they've failed to establish since losing the Tag Team Titles back in December.
Meanwhile, Lana performed another cabaret-style dance, as the 'Ravishing Russian' continues to tease her imminent arrival on the blue brand.
Little else has been revealed, but she'll presumably bring the rhythmical gimmick into the ring in the style of early Fandango with a hope of infusing the women's division with yet another over act alongside Naomi, Charlotte and Becky.
The transformation will mark sad on-screen separation from Rusev, but reflects a different type of female persona for the competitive women's roster to work around.