Happy Anniversary Smackdown!
As many of you may know Smackdown will be switching networks on Friday, October 4th. In fact, I believe I touched on that very subject in one of my first articles. In addition to landing a new home SmackDown will celebrate twenty years on the air. Twenty years is quite an historic feat for any network show. Most television shows these days barely make it that long. Since its inception in 1999, Smackdown has remained a staple not just in wrestling, but also in popular culture thanks in large part to the Rock who was responsible for giving the program its name. Over the years Smackdown would feature its share of prominent matches and moments and progress story lines all while giving fans a second weekly dose of wrestling action.
In fact, the inaugural broadcast of Smackdown I mentioned? It featured quite a stellar main event. The Rock would battle Triple H for the WWE championship with Shawn Michaels as the guest referee. Remember, this was only the first episode and though he would lose the contest there was no doubt that Rock established Smackdown as his show. By the way, speaking of the Rock…
Finally the Rock has come home
Yes, you read that correctly! After a three-year absence the Rock, or Dwayne Johnson as he’s called these days, will make his long awaited return to the squared circle. Ever since WWE announced Smackdown was moving to the Fox Network speculation ran rampant about Johnson’s possible involvement. It’s no secret Johnson is a very busy man as one of the highest paid actor’s in Hollywood. He has a myriad of projects on his plate and his schedule doesn’t leave much wiggle room. However, as of a few days ago it was confirmed that the Great One would indeed be at the show.
So, what exactly will the Rock be doing? To be honest, I have absolutely no idea. He could be there to plug an upcoming movie, he could simply cut a promo about Smackdown celebrating twenty years on the air, or he might literally lay the Smackdown on someone. Will he wrestle? I highly doubt it but he could use his appearance to set up a future match down the line. It’s hard to say.
There are few better at entertaining than the Rock so you can expect whatever he’s involved in to be both entertaining and electrifying!
Stone Cold Steve AustinÂ
Another name that will be appearing on the show is that of the Texas Rattlesnake, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin’s last appearance on WWE television was back in September on an episode of Raw. Austin has said he’d be open to making more appearances in the future. If that isn’t exciting enough the Bionic Redneck has made some rumblings as of late when he announced on an episode of his podcast that he could have one more match in the WWE. You heard that right. The man himself has said he could wrestle again some day.
Stone Cold hasn’t laced up his boots since his last match in 2003, at Wrestlemania 19 albeit against the very man I mentioned earlier the Rock. Now, what does that mean Austin will do at the show? My guess would be it will be more than just an in-ring promo. Obviously, the smart thing to do would be to capitalize on Austin and Rock being on the same program. How should WWE do that? By having two of their biggest stars appear in the ring together of course! Will it happen? Hard to say. If it does though, expect it to invoke nostalgic Attitude Era feelings.
The Deadman ComethÂ
You didn’t think I’d forget about the Undertaker, did you? Of course not. The Phenom will be in the house when Smackdown makes its debut on Fox. Last time anyone saw Taker he was delivering a thunderous chokeslam to Sami Zayn in the middle of the ring. So, what exactly will the Deadman be doing? Rumor has it Taker’s appearance could lead to a confrontation between himself and “The Fiend,” Bray Wyatt. If you remember Wyatt did attack Kane with the mandible claw on Raw a few weeks back so Taker wanting to exact revenge on his brother’s behalf makes sense.
While that seems likely the reality is that WWE will use this as an opportunity to plant seeds for a Wyatt/Taker bout to take place at Survivor Series. A match between these two monsters would be great to see. One thing is certain: If I were in Bray Wyatt’s shoes I wouldn’t dare attempt to play mind games with the Undertaker or he might just rest in peace.
Matches and other big namesÂ
The show won’t just be about big names there will be actual wrestling matches taking place. Kofi Kingston will look to tame the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar when the two square off for the WWE title. Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon put their careers on the line in a high stakes ladder match. Roman Reigns will battle Erick Rowan and the women will see action when Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair take on Sasha Banks and Bayley in tag-team action.
Also, there will be some other legendary names appearing on the program. Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Trish Stratus, Sting, Goldberg and Jerry “The King” Lawler among others, will be in attendance for what should be a more than memorable debut.
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