Title Changes Hands At WWE 2/18 SmackDown Tapings (SPOILERS)
WWE has already announced the news themselves
A title has changed hands at the taping for next week's edition of WWE SmackDown, which is being taped concurrently with tonight's live episode in New Orleans.
WWE has already spoiled the title change on their own website, announcing that Sami Zayn has defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the Intercontinental title.
The website write-up reads, "During a special SmackDown taping on Feb. 11, Sami Zayn defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to capture the Intercontinental Championship.
"Tune in to SmackDown next Friday at 8/7 C on FOX to see how The Master Strategist emerged victorious in the hard-fought battle for the gold!"
This is Zayn's third time reigning as Intercontinental champion. He last held the title on December 22, 2020, when he lost the belt to Big E at a taping for the Christmas edition of SmackDown.
Nakamura's second reign with the belt ends at 182 days. He won the title from Apollo Crews on the August 13 episode of SmackDown.
Next week's SmackDown is being taped one week in advance, due to Elimination Chamber taking place next Saturday night in Jeddah.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
