Major spoiler on plans for returning WWE star on SmackDown - Reports

Tonight's episode of the blue brand is set to be an important one for WWE. The final SmackDown on FOX will feature a return, The Bloodline in action as a unit, and more. Sources have just leaked spoiler details on one key item for the upcoming show, as well as the main event.

Giovanni Vinci will return to the WWE storylines on tonight's show. The Italian grappler was booted from Imperium in April, then sent to SmackDown by himself in this year's annual Draft. Vignettes for the 34-year-old's return began airing in August, revealing that he would be returning to the blue brand with the 2022 gimmick he used on NXT.

The Mean Machine is returning to the ring on tonight's SmackDown against a familiar face, according to Fightful Select. The 13-year industry veteran is set to wrestle Apollo Crews.

SmackDown will mark the fourth-ever Vinci vs. Crews singles bout. The 37-year-old won their first in April 2019, which was a Worlds Collide dark match. Vinci then won in July 2022 on NXT TV, and this past March on WWE Main Event. Tonight's match is scheduled to air third on the card, followed by Bayley vs. Tiffany Stratton, which is planned for after the opening segment with Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa.

WWE's current planned lineup for tonight's show has Grayson Waller vs. Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory airing after Vinci's return, followed by an LA Knight promo, then Chelsea Green vs. Michin. A vignette for Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair is penciled in next, followed by The Bloodline vs. DIY and The Street Profits in the eight-man main event.

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