Absent WWE Superstar's return date finally revealed on SmackDown

A popular WWE Superstar's return date has finally been revealed during this week's edition of SmackDown. The star in question has not competed in a match since the April 22, edition of WWE RAW.

Giovanni Vinci used to be a member of Imperium, but the group kicked him out earlier this year following a loss to The New Day. Ludwig Kaiser brutally attacked Giovanni Vinci following the loss, and he has not returned to action since.

There have been several vignettes for Vinci shown on SmackDown in recent weeks. The former champion appears to be returning to the gimmick he had as a singles star in NXT on the blue brand.

This week's edition of WWE SmackDown is airing now as it is being taped in Berlin, and an update on Vinci was provided during the show. It was announced that the former Imperium member would be making his return next Friday night on SmackDown.

Giovanni Vinci's former stablemate, Ludwig Kaiser, was involved in a major match during tonight's edition of SmackDown. The leader of Imperium, Gunther, will be defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton tomorrow at Bash in Berlin. The Ring General defeated The Viper in the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament, but the match ended in controversy as Orton's shoulders were not on the canvas during the pinfall.

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