WWE SmackDown: Potential Spoilers, Rumors, News and Preview for October 18

The ultimate underdog story will invade WWE SmackDown this week, as the show features a title match no one could have seen coming.

AJ Styles will defend the WWE World Championship against James Ellsworth. This is the man who served as one of Braun Strowman's first no-name victims. The scrawny Ellsworth has since sparked enough fan interest to stick around and play the lovable long shot.  

When Denver's Pepsi Center hosts Tuesday's SmackDown, a number of rivalries promise to get rolling.

Becky Lynch's injury has allowed Naomi to climb into the SmackDown Women's Championship picture. Recent wins now have Naomi poised to potentially push Alexa Bliss out of the way.

American Alpha is sure to be on the hunt for The Usos. Baron Corbin and Jack Swagger will collide once more.

As for what else to expect, internet buzz, current storyline arcs and the SmackDown preview on WWE.com offer some glimpses of what the blue brand has in store when SmackDown hits the airwaves on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network.

On Tap

Styles sought an easy challenge last week. He invited Ellsworth to tangle with him in non-title action, but the champ wasn't counting on Dean Ambrose taking over officiating duties.

With The Lunatic Fringe's help, Ellsworth upset Styles. SmackDown general manager Daniel Bryan then decided to give the enhancement talent a crack at the WWE World Championship.

And so Denver will witness one of the weirdest world-title bouts in WWE history. 

Swagger vs. Corbin is on the docket, too. Swagger bested The Lone Wolf in controversial fashion on Oct. 4, when the referee believed Corbin to be tapping as he reached for the ropes. Corbin responded with a win over his rival at No Mercy.

Tuesday's SmackDown will now feature Swagger vs. Corbin III, as WWE announced on last week's show. 

News, Potential Spoilers

Will Curt Hawkins finally compete on SmackDown?

After weeks of teasing his debut, he was set to wrestle a match last Tuesday. It never happened.

According to PWInsider (h/t Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc), WWE canceled his match because of time issues. Other segments ran over their scheduled times, forcing the company to change its plans. Hawkins is reportedly set to compete on Tuesday night in Denver.

If he does, his opposition at recent house shows could indicate who he clashes with. Per the Internet Wrestling Database, Hawkins has been taking on Apollo Crews and Kane at live events. 

SmackDown already has its hands full trying to welcome back Hawkins, showcase emerging stars such as Corbin and build toward the Survivor Series pay-per-view on Nov. 20, but there's at least a possibility of seeing a familiar face on the blue brand soon.

Bubba Ray Dudley hinted at a possible return to SmackDown on Twitter:

He and D-Von Dudley, though, said farewell to WWE in late August. 

Regardless of who shows up on Tuesday night, the Pepsi Center may not be a packed house. Jason Powell noted on ProWrestling.net, "It will be interesting to see what the attendance is like, as we received word that they were handing out free tickets for Raw on Monday via at least one local radio show."

SmackDown Streaks

Jimmy Uso knocked off Chad Gable last Tuesday with brother Jey's help. That pushed Jimmy's SmackDown winning streak to four matches, per CageMatch.net.

American Alpha has fallen to The Usos several times since Jimmy and Jey turned heel. The shift in character has boosted the former tag champs in a number of ways, including in the win column.

Eventually, Gable and Jason Jordan are sure to get their revenge on The Usos, but it's no safe bet that happens anytime soon.

Crews hasn't even been in a position to lose of late. He's been a no-show on SmackDown recently.

Per CageMatch.net, Crews has not wrestled on three editions of SmackDown in a row. If that doesn't change with Hawkins' return, WWE has to find another way to put Crews in the spotlight.

His momentum is already fading, as he's becoming an afterthought on the blue brand.

Spotlight on Rivals and Contenders

Since Bliss found out she would have to wait until Lynch healed to get her shot at the SmackDown Women's Championship, clashes with Naomi have thrown her off course.

Naomi defeated Bliss at No Mercy and then knocked off Carmella on last week's show. Suddenly, the babyface in glow-in-the-dark gear looks ready to slide into contention.

The SmackDown preview on WWE.com asked, "If Naomi manages to beat Alexa a second time, will Miss Bliss find her No. 1 contender position to Becky Lynch's title in jeopardy?"

It sounds like a Triple Threat match may be in the works. If not, this is a good chance for Bliss to prove that she is worthy of a title shot by outlasting the surging Naomi. 

When Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton cross paths, the audience is guaranteed weirdness.

Last Tuesday, Wyatt teamed with Luke Harper against Orton and Kane. At some point in the match, Kane vanished. The Wyatt Family pounced on the suddenly solitary Orton.

Will WWE follow up on Kane's disappearance? Will this story continue to embrace the bizarre? Let's hope so.

WWE has a great opportunity to elevate Wyatt with this feud, and his character opens the door for some narrative experimentation. 

SmackDown in Denver is poised to also heavily feature the tag team division.

The champs, Heath Slater and Rhyno, await worthy rivals. The SmackDown preview asked, "Who will step up to eventually become the No. 1 contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Championship?"

The winner of the American Alpha vs. The Usos rivalry could claim that spot. Tyler Breeze and Fandango would be fun additions to that mix, but the ballroom dancer has been nowhere to be seen lately.

The Ascension and The Hype Bros have collided of late, perhaps leading to one of those squads gathering some momentum for a change.

For those doubting whether The Ascension can go from bottom-feeders to contenders, just remember that Ellsworth has a WWE world-title match ahead of him. That bout is a reminder that anything can indeed happen in the WWE realm.