4 unexpected surprises we could see on the WWE SmackDown Season Premiere tonight

As has become an annual tradition in the WWE in recent years, RAW and SmackDowns Season Premieres have begun to be important dates on the calendar for all wrestling fans.

Tonight, on the season premiere of SmackDown, fans will see the return of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, as well as an appearance from The Game, Triple H.

While some major segments of the show have already been announced, we are going to take a look at four unexpected moments that may take place on the blue brand tonight.

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#4. The Deadman rises

If there is one superstar who has made a career out of making surprise appearances on shows, it is The Undertaker.

The Deadman's infamous gong that strikes when many least expect it has offered up some of the greatest moments in the company's history.

This past week on the company's third brand, NXT, the Hall of Famer showed up on the show unannounced as he went after former NXT Champion Bron Breakker and chokeslamed him in the middle of the ring.

Given that he has already made one surprise showing this week, do not be stunned if he appears on the show where many of his greatest moments took place.

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#3. Return of the fist

Over the years, the sets of SmackDown and RAW have gone under some major makeovers, with some being a bigger hit with fans than others.

Arguably, one of the most iconic stages in WWE history was the giant SmackDown fist that was a staple on the blue brand from August 2001 until January 2008.

One person who would like to see the return of the fist is former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr., who recently gave his thoughts on its potential comeback while speaking on his podcast Wrestling With Freddie.

"I think most people agree that [the] fist was just so great," Prinze said. "I think WWE might even bring that back. I think they miss it too. I know [Triple H] liked it, I remember him talking about it a long time ago." (H/T Wrestling Inc)

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#2. WWE's newest signing wrestles her first match

Last month, fans were stunned when one of All Elite Wrestling's biggest-ever performers made the decision to leave the promotion where she made her name and move to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Jade Cargill was a staple in AEW, holding the TBS Championship for an impressive 508 days. Despite her many achievements there, it seemed as though she was ready for a new challenge.

This past Saturday at Fastlane, as well as Tuesday on NXT, many fans got to witness Cargill on their televisions for the first time as she appeared backstage. However, as she has yet to make her in-ring debut, a big surprise on SmackDown tonight could be that fans get to witness her first official bout for the company.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated last month, Cargill stated why she chose to sign for World Wrestling Entertainment as well as laying out her goals for her time there.

"I understand what I’m here for. I want to capture gold and I want to headline WrestleMania, but none of that is handed out. I want to work to create those phenomenal moments. I want to have marquee matches, I want to get people talking, and I want to create something bigger than myself. That means I have even more to prov. I’m going to show there is no one like me. I’ve proved everybody wrong my entire life. That’s been my journey–I’m undeniable. Always bet on Jade. If people still don’t like me, I bet you they still tune in." (H/T Sports Illustrated)

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#1. A Former WWE Champion returns

One performer that fans are dying to see back in the ring is Big E, the powerhouse of The New Day has not wrestled since March 2022 after he picked up a very severe neck injury on SmackDown.

Back in July, the former WWE Champion was asked on After The Bell with Corey Graves about his potential return to the ring.

"I feel great. Unfortunately, I don't have a timetable, but the great thing is, I feel 100 percent. I don't even feel like somebody who broke their neck. My mobility is incredible, my strength is great, and I have no issues whatsoever. I wish I had some answers on returning to the ring—I got nothing, unfortunately." (H/T Wrestling Inc)

While Big E remains tight-lipped about his comeback, it has been three months since that update, and many performers over the years have stated that they are unfit to wrestle, only for them to stun the fans and appear soon after.

Given how much the fans adore him, many will be hoping that he is trying to add some mystery behind his comeback and returns on SmackDown tonight.