5 Notable absentees from SmackDown's Season Premiere on FOX Network

SmackDown recently moved to its new home on FOX Network and the WWE Universe were treated with an awe-inspiring house warming party. From Brock Lesnar's showdown with Cain Velasquez to The Rock's return, the WWE enthusiasts were all praises for the Blue brand's Season Premiere.

The Rock wasn't the only Superstar from the past to be seen on the show as Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus, Lita and more were also present at the monumental episode of SmackDown. While the show may have been a major hit amongst the fans, it won't be wrong to say that certain faces were missed; some big names from the past should've been there owing to the magnitude of the show.

WWE's Blue brand embarked on a new journey on FOX Network and moments like these are truly cherished by the WWE fanatics forever. While numerous big names arrived to celebrate the occasion, some were nowhere to be found and here we list down five notable absentees from the recently concluded show:

#5 Edge

Of all the Superstars to have ever represented the Blue brand, Edge was undoubtedly the most consistent one. The Rated R Superstar spent most of his glorious career on SmackDown Live, which is why his absence from the gigantic event on FOX Network was a bit of a shocker.

Edge retired from in-ring competitions in 2011 but has maintained a solid bond with the WWE Universe ever since. His occasional appearances have been well received by the fans and it's a pity that the former World Heavyweight Champion didn't participate in what was a special occasion for the company and SmackDown in particular.

From his La Familia days to the epic rivalries with the likes of Batista and The Undertaker, SmackDown Live had been Edge's home for the most of his career.

#4 Shawn Michaels

Remember the very first episode of SmackDown? It was on 29th April 1999, when Triple H and The Rock battled in the squared circle with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. All eyes were on The Game and The Great One but it was Michaels who stole the show with a devastating Sweet Chin Music he executed on Rock to help his best friend, Triple H retain the WWF Championship.

HBK is often considered amongst the greatest Superstars of all-time and he recently came out of retirement to face the Brothers Of Destruction in Saudi Arabia alongside his best friend, Triple H. Looking at the strong connection that Mr. WrestleMania still enjoys with the company as well as the fans, it was a bit disappointing to note that Michaels didn't appear on the show.

#3 John Cena

John Cena is a 16-time World Champion, which places him at the top of the charts right alongside Ric Flair. Interestingly, Cena's first world title reign happened when he was signed with the Blue brand in 2005. The Leader Of Cenation famously defeated JBL at WrestleMania 21 to become the WWE Champion for the first time in his career.

From his first World title win to his record-breaking 16th triumph, when he defeated AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2017, a plethora of milestones in Cena's career coincided with his presence on SmackDown Live.

WWE's Season Premiere of SmackDown on FOX Network was marked with the return of numerous big names. From The Rock to Kurt Angle, many former legends were seen on the show, be it in a segment or just sitting in the crowd. Amid all this, the WWE Universe was on the lookout for the Leader Of Cenation simply because of the history he had on the Blue brand.

#2 The Undertaker

SmackDown's 20th-anniversary celebration on FOX Network was attended by quite a few legends as the Blue brand commenced their journey on FOX with a spectacular Season Premiere. The WWE Universe was enthralled to its core upon witnessing the nerve-wracking entertainment and were immersed in the ocean of nostalgia, courtesy of some of the big-name returns witnessed on the show.

Amid all this, there was one question which made the rounds - Where is The Undertaker? When will The Deadman's bell ring? Who is going to face the wrath of the Phenom on SmackDown's Season Premiere? The answers to all these questions were a bit dismaying, as The Phenom didn't appear on the show.

Taker was one of the key members of the SmackDown roster and spent the majority of his career on the Blue brand. To put it all together, The Phenom truly represented SmackDown for numerous years and on a show as monumental as this one, he should've been there.

#1 Triple H

SmackDown’s Premiere on FOX Network was graced by the McMahons, but there was one notable absentee among the power figures of the company - Triple H. The COO was nowhere to be seen on TV for the Blue brand’s mega show this past week, something which was a bit hard to digest, considering the star power and superiority of The Game.

Triple H is probably the most influential man in the company after Vince McMahon and many feel that he will be the heir to Vince's throne once the chairman decides to call it a day. With all that being said, Triple H's on-screen involvement was expected for several reasons. Firstly, The Game spent a good amount of time competing on the Blue brand in his long illustrious career and secondly, the magnitude of the show demanded a word or two from the COO of the company.