5 WWE Superstars who should return on SmackDown's USA premiere next week
After almost five years on the FOX network, WWE SmackDown bid its host adieu with a solid season finale. With the majority of the brand's top stars featured in Edmonton, the Friday night show addressed the feedback from Bash In Berlin, kicked off its path to Bad Blood, and set up a potentially blockbuster season premiere for next week.
The blue brand's re-debut on the USA network is already stacked, with an Undisputed WWE Title Steel Cage match scheduled between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. That's not all, with Kevin Owens and a mystery partner taking on A-Town Down Under among other big plans. Aside from the advertised matches, however, the landmark show could also see some massive unadvertised returns.
Here are five WWE Superstars who could and should make their epic returns on SmackDown's season premiere next week
#5 & #4: Roman Reigns should return on WWE SmackDown's season premiere... with Jimmy Uso
In the weeks leading up to WWE Bash In Berlin, Roman Reigns was used in local advertising content for the September 13, episode of SmackDown. In the aftermath of his brutal beatdown at the hands of The Bloodline, he was taken off those graphics, causing fans to worry. However, the Stamford-based company seems to be hinting once again that he will be present.
Given that Solo Sikoa is facing Cody Rhodes, Reigns' presence will be needed to prevent Jacob Fatu and Co from invading the steel cage. Additionally, since his last confrontation with The Street Champ's forces ended so badly, he needs to return with backup in the form of Jimmy Uso. This will not only improve his odds of success but also begin the buildup towards an inevitable Bloodline civil war
#3: Randy Orton could be Kevin Owens' mystery partner against A-Town Down Under
![Who will team up with The Prizefighter against Theory and Waller? [Image from WWE.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/7a5a2-17257043360138-1920.jpg?w=500)
After his brief friendly rivalry with Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens found himself back at odds with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller on WWE SmackDown. After prevailing in a Triple Threat match laced with tension between Theory and Waller, The Prizefighter fell victim to a two-on-one attack. This forced Nick Aldis to set up a tag team bout for next week's season premiere with Owens needing to find a partner.
Fans are wondering who the mystery man could be, with a number of names coming up in interesting scenarios. Could it be long-time friend Sami Zayn? Could it be a debuting star? Or could it be recent collaborator Randy Orton, who has spent the past few weeks on RAW challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship? The Viper is the most likely candidate, and after his impressive showing in Berlin, he will be a welcome addition back to the blue brand.
A Randy Orton return is definitely a season premiere-worthy moment.
#2: AJ Styles' SmackDown return is long overdue
AJ Styles has been off WWE Smackdown since the end of his highly acclaimed rivalry with Cody Rhodes. During his absence, The Phenomenal One has mostly kept a low profile, with no news of him surfacing other than his excursion to Japan to face Naomichi Marufuji. Almost three months after losing an "I Quit" match with The American Nightmare, Styles' blue brand return is long overdue.
The question is: What will his direction be once he returns? Will he go after someone like Kevin Owens or Randy Orton? Will he turn babyface? Will he bring Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows back to Friday nights after their solid recent NXT run? Given the two-time world champion's recent career resurgence, Triple H and Co need to bring him back on the season premiere with a big angle.
#1: The Rock should make a blockbuster appearance on WWE SmackDown's historic episode
Over its 25-year history, WWE SmackDown has shared a very special connection with The Rock. Not only was the show named after one of his catchphrases but he was also an integral part of its early history before going to Hollywood. He has also made sporadic appearances through the subsequent decades, most memorably having a run in the buildup to WrestleMania XL.
It's also important to note that The Great One appeared on the blue brand's FOX premiere, having a one-off interaction with Becky Lynch and Baron Corbin. Given that he has unfinished business with Cody Rhodes and potentially Roman Reigns, shouldn't he appear on the USA network premiere?
Having The Brahma Bull on this landmark episode would be a huge statement of intent for the new era whilst potentially setting up months of storytelling.