Braun Strowman and Top Potential Targets for Bray Wyatt on WWE SmackDown

Bray Wyatt hasn't been seen since losing a Universal Championship match against Braun Strowman at Money in the Bank last month, but it has been announced that he will return Friday night on SmackDown with an edition of the Firefly Fun House.

Fans are eagerly awaiting what Wyatt has to say and who he intends to go after now that he is back. Strowman stands out as the most obvious option, but there are some other Superstars who could make for intriguing opponents as well.

Here is a rundown of some blue brand performers who could be on Wyatt's radar come Friday's episode of SmackDown.

Braun Strowman

When the WWE Universe last saw Wyatt, he was getting outsmarted by Strowman at Money in the Bank, as The Monster Among Men put on the sheep mask he once donned while in the Wyatt Family only to hit his opponent with his finisher and pick up the win.

With Wyatt out of the picture, The Monster Among Men transitioned into a feud with The Miz and John Morrison, and he beat both of them in a handicap match at Backlash to retain the Universal Championship.

Now that Strowman has no clear rival aside from possibly Mr. Money in the Bank Otis, the door is open for Wyatt to return and go after him and the universal title far more aggressively.

It stands to reason that Wyatt will want revenge on The Monster due to the fact that he was deceived by him, and there is little doubt he wants to regain the belt as well after previously losing it to Goldberg.

While Wyatt isn't far removed from his feud with Strowman, the possibility of him renewing the rivalry while primarily playing The Fiend character is something that would appeal to the bulk of the fanbase.

The Fiend has essentially been out of the picture since beating John Cena in a Firefly Fun House Match at WrestleMania 36, so the WWE Universe is certainly ready for the compelling character to make its return.

Strowman is arguably the most dominant force in WWE right now, but The Fiend is one entity that can believably go toe-to-toe with him.

If they do battle in an Extreme Rules match at the pay-per-view of the same name, there is no telling what the two hard-hitting Superstars may be willing to do to one another.

AJ Styles

AJ Styles is coming off one of the biggest wins of his WWE career, after defeating Daniel Bryan last week in the finals of a tournament to become the new intercontinental champion.

The Phenomenal One said at Backlash that he intends to address Bryan on Friday's SmackDown, which could mean their rivalry is set to continue. But if Wyatt decides he wants the IC title, then all bets are off.

WWE has done a good job of making the Intercontinental Championship seem important in recent weeks. The tournament as a whole helped accomplish that, as did the video package that was played last week, plus the fact that two of the best in-ring workers of all time had a great match in the finals.

One way to ensure it remains relevant is by having one of the most popular stars in the company pursue the belt. Wyatt fits that description, and there is no doubt he would bring even more attention to the title.

Wyatt and Styles have never had a televised singles match, so a bout between them would feel fresh and different, plus the dynamic would be interesting in that fans would have to pick a side since both Superstars are essentially heels, while still remaining popular with the bulk of the fanbase.

Styles and Wyatt wouldn't produce the same type of matches that Styles and Bryan can, but The Phenomenal One has shown he can work well with a macabre character, after he and The Undertaker stole the show with their Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36.

Perhaps another cinematic match in the form of the second Firefly Fun House bout between Styles and Wyatt could put the Intercontinental Championship on an even higher pedestal.

Matt Riddle

After a few weeks of buildup, former NXT star Matt Riddle is finally set to make his official SmackDown debut Friday.

His debut is among the most highly anticipated ones in recent memory due to the belief that his personality, look, in-ring ability and legitimacy could soon make him one of the biggest babyfaces in the entire company.

If WWE truly believes The Original Bro can be a top star, then debuting him in an impactful spot against one of SmackDown's biggest names would make sense.

Riddle hasn't crossed paths with most of the Superstars on the main roster, and that includes Wyatt. If he were to specifically call out the newcomer during the Firefly Fun House, it would be a clear indication that WWE views Riddle as a big deal.

While Riddle vs. Wyatt may not be the type of dream match that fans are anticipating, their unique personalities could mesh well together and make for one of the most compelling programs in recent memory.

Also, if Riddle could somehow manage to come out on top in a feud with Wyatt, it would go a long way toward launching him to the top of card.

Having Riddle face Wyatt right out of the gate may not seem likely, but there are few better ways to make him a key part of SmackDown immediately than by pitting him against arguably the most over character in the company.

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