In the weeks leading up to Night of Champions, the dangerous Alberto Del Rio scored huge victories over Randy Orton, Kane and John Cena, before falling to World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus at Night of Champions.
Likewise, Dolph Ziggler has excelled in recent months, winning the Money in the Bank contract, playing an intricate role in Chris Jericho leaving WWE and engaging in a fierce rivalry with WWEs Apex Predator, Randy Orton. But at Night of Champions, he would fall, too, feeling the sting of The Viper in an explosive showdown.
While these pay-per-view losses were definitely costly, they also may fuel both competitors into a new level of title competition. Tonight, Del Rio & Ziggler have a true chance to get back on track and channel their frustration, in a tag team showdown against Sheamus & Orton. And if they can reign supreme in the explosive match, it clearly would have a major impact on the World Title picture.
Certainly, Mr. Money in the Bank would be in a perfect position to cash in his contract if he sensed The Celtic Warrior was weakened enough. As for Del Rio, the questionable circumstances surrounding SmackDown General Managers reinstatement of the Brogue Kick, just moments before his title match Sunday, has left The Mexican Aristocrat with a sour taste in his mouth and a true yearning to get another opportunity at championship gold. Without a doubt, he will look to take advantage of tonights contest in any way he can.
And what of Randy Orton? Though he will fight alongside Sheamus tonight, he is on record as having a great deal of interest in facing The Great White for the World Heavyweight Title. Considering his serpentine personality, could The Viper use the opportunity to strike his own partner and make a statement?
WWE.com Smackdown preview completely snubs Team Friendship.