WWE legends reportedly planned for SmackDown's USA Network debut
WWE CCO Paul "Triple H" Levesque has announced Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa in a Steel Cage Match for the title will kick off SmackDown's USA Network debut tonight. The blue brand's latest episode is also a new season premiere.
Naturally, the company is looking to stack up the two-hour show with surprises. According to PWInsider, several legends of the industry are being considered, from Rob Van Dam, former SmackDown GM Teddy Long, Ron Simmons and Booker T.
Although the aforementioned names have been discussed in the last two days, it's worth noting that none of them were seen backstage or at the venue so far.
The American Nightmare has reached 158 days as champion, having won the belt at WrestleMania XL. His title reign was critiqued recently by WCW veteran Disco Inferno, who noted how creative has failed him when it comes to compelling storylines.
However, Konnan pointed to his one-off with Kevin Owens, a program the former hopes will be revisited because WWE has teased The Prizefighter's heel turn already, but it is yet to happen.
Could Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson show up on SmackDown one year after WWE return?
For years, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stayed away from World Wrestling Entertainment to focus on his acting career and other business ventures. Many fans expected him to show up for a showdown with Roman Reigns in early 2023, but The Rock remained silent.
On September 15, 2023, he surprised the fans in Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado, with an unannounced appearance. The legendary WWE Superstar joined Pat McAfee to layeth the SmackDown on Austin Theory.
Ahead of tonight's show, set to air live from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, fans were sent into a frenzy when Instagram account "Memes Unleashed" speculated at the prospect of two huge returns. As Solo Sikoa battles Cody Rhodes, it is not out of the question that Roman Reigns shows up to once again cost Sikoa a title match.
But what if The Final Boss shows up and turns on Roman Reigns? What if he reveals himself as the puppeteer behind Solo Sikoa's Bloodline? What if he is back for The American Nightmare after having declared in April 2024 that the latter's belt is his for the taking?
We will keep you posted with live results and news once SmackDown is on air!