4 Superstars who need to return for SmackDown 1000

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On October 23 this year, WWE SmackDown Live will celebrate its historic 1,000th episode of the show.

Since its pilot in April 1999, and it's official debut in August that year, the blue brand has provided an alternative to the superstars of Monday Night RAW, which celebrated its 1,000th episode in July 2012.

Over the past 19 years, SmackDown Live has played host to some of the biggest superstars in WWE history, and has seen plenty of shocking moments.

From Rhyno goring Chris Jericho through the stage in 2001, to Brock Lesnar and Big Show breaking the ring in 2003, to Edge's second Money in the Bank cash-in in 2007, the show is no stranger to controversy.

The blue brand has also seen the debuts of superstars such as John Cena and Randy Orton.

Here are 4 superstars who need to return for the historic show next month.


#4 Batista

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2005 was definitely the year of the Animal. In January at the Royal Rumble, he won the 30-man match, last eliminating John Cena.

In April at WrestleMania, he vanquished his mentor Triple H to capture the World Heavyweight Championship.

Later that year, he was drafted to SmackDown, where he held the title until January 2006.

Returning from injury, Batista would make SmackDown his home, becoming one of the most iconic superstars to don the blue.

Whilst Batista has said he hasn't been invited (yet), the show is going to take place in DC, which wouldn't just give fans the excitement of 'The Animal', but also the support of their home-town boy.

#3 Teddy Long

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SmackDown has played host to plenty of authority figures since its inception, but no other was able to have a lengthy run, and captivate the WWE universe quite like Theodore R Long.

Joining the brand in 2004, Long was not expected to be the head of the brand for long, with RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff saying he doubted Teddy would make it to that year's Survivor Series.

Instead, Long lasted as the General Manager of the brand for 8 years, before his team lost to Team Johnny at WrestleMania 28.

With a fondness for shocks (as well as Tag Team matches) Long is best known for his time as GM, overshadowing his career as a referee or manager.

Perhaps WWE would want to go the next step further and invite several former GMs, including Paul Heyman, Kurt Angle, John Laurinaitis and Vickie Guerrero.

#2 Edge

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In 2007, the Rated-R Superstar had accomplished great things on plenty of Monday Nights. Already a 2-time WWE Champion, Edge had also held the Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships on several occasions.

But this clearly wasn't enough for the Ultimate Opportunist. Living up to that moniker, Edge defeated Mr. Kennedy for the loudmouth's Money In the Bank contract, and cashed it in mere days later on SmackDown, over a prone and bloody Undertaker.

What followed was 2 years of dominance by Edge, who maintained his main-event status through hook and by crook.

A return to the brand he dominated would be a welcome sight for the WWE Universe.

#1 The Rock

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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson simply has to be at the 1,000th episode of SmackDown Live. Not just for his champion accolades, or his unwavering charisma, but simply because he named the show.

Always known for his catchphrases, The Rock would often "Layeth the SmackDown" on his opponents, and the phrase was used to create the hit show.

That wasn't even the first time the People's Champion had influenced a show, as he also hosted the 'Rock Bottom' pay per view in 1998.

One can only imagine how electric the people would be if their champion was to appear on the 1,000th episode.

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