This week’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown closed out with a family celebration put on by Roman Reigns and The Usos with Paul Heyman.
There was no sign of Brock Lesnar but Finn Balor walked out to the ring to claim the Universal Championship match he was owed from SummerSlam. Balor issued the challenge for the Universal Title on next week’s SmackDown. There was physicality with Balor being at the disadvantage until The Street Profits ran in to make the save.
For those of you wondering why Brock Lesnar was not at SmackDown, it’s because WWE is taking their time to get to the Reigns/Lesnar storyline. PWInsider is reporting that Balor vs. Reigns is scheduled for next month at Extreme Rules and Lesnar vs. Reigns is scheduled for 10/21 at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia or 11/21 at the Survivor Series pay-per-view.
In the coming weeks, WWE will continue to play out the story of Paul Heyman with the idea being that fans don’t know if he is on Reigns or Lesnar’s side.
"I haven't forgotten about @JohnCena. I'll deal with him in due time." – @FinnBalor #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/7OhOPgOIZN
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 28, 2021
Will we get @FinnBalor vs. @WWERomanReigns w/ @HeymanHustle for the Universal Championship next week on SmackDown? pic.twitter.com/V6a2LZ1IRS
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 28, 2021