The former WWE Intercontinental Champion, Big E and recently returning star Aleister Black were held off this week’s WWE SmackDown on FOX episode as per the reports.
Why was Big E kept off SmackDown?
The last week’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown saw the return of Aleister Black. He had interrupted the Fatal 4 Way main event, which saw Apollo Crews defending the WWE Intercontinental Title over Big E, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. ‘WWE Demand’ For NJPW Censorship Leaks
Black hit the ring and dropped Big E with Black Mass, which assisted Crews to pin Big E for the win and retain the title.
It is understood that, Black and Big E were both backstage for this week’s SmackDown, but not used as they did not have creative plans.
PWInsider reported that there was a creative decision made which was to keep them off screen for about a week or so. It was done to steadily build the storyline and not to rush the things.
was described as a situation where WWE creative is actually letting things breathe for once.
This week on SmackDown saw Owens defeat Crews in a non-title match by disqualification after an interference by Commander Azeez.
Adam Pearce later announced a match between Owens and Crews for next Friday with the WWE Intercontinental Title on the line, and Azeez would be banned from ringside.
