5 things to expect from SmackDown Live episode 1000

SmackDown is about to approach its 1000th episode. There's no doubt that it's going to be a historic show. We will be a seeing a lot of familiar faces returning, and some amazing video packages highlighting its 19 year journey. Surprises are definitely in store.

If you remember RAW's 1000th episode special, it was an excellent show. Although it featured only a few unforgettable matches, the surprise appearances of our favorite stars from the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras, were a treat to watch.

SmackDown's 1000th Episode is set to air on October 16th, and the hype train has already left the station. Here are 5 things we should expect from SmackDown Live episode 1000.

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#1 A trip down nostalgia lane

The Classic SmackDown set during the Ruthless Aggression Era

Over the years, SmackDown has evolved. It went from being a glorified Raw fallout show to being its own separate brand. SmackDown has always been entertaining to watch, so expect many familiar faces to return - Kurt Angle, Theodore Long, Paul Heyman, Edge, John Cena, Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, etc.

Backstage segments will likely feature appearances by legends and funny segments. We can also expect to hear the classic SmackDown opening themes of the 2000s.

But the expectations don't just stop here. Something even better will be getting to see the classic stage from the Ruthless Aggression era - featuring the trademark fist.

Expectations are high, and we are sure WWE won't disappoint. Whatever ends up happening, a trip down nostalgia lane is guaranteed, and our childhoods will be revisited.

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#2 A 3 hour special

AJ Styles - current stars need time to shine as well

There is more than 19 years worth of history to celebrate, therefore 2 hours isn't enough. Raw has proven this statement true by celebrating almost all of its big shows as 3 hour specials. SmackDown 1000 needs to be 3 hours long as well.

Of course everyone wants to see familiar faces return for one night on SmackDown, but we also need to see the current roster of SmackDown featured heavily during the episode. After all stars like AJ Styles, The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, etc. show up every week and make SmackDown an entertaining show.

Balancing the past and the present requires great effort, and an extra hour. A special occasion like this comes once in a very long while, so everyone should get the deserved spotlight.

#3 The Rock makes an appearance

The Rock after being selected as the first draft pick for SmackDown in 2002

It has been a long time since we last saw The Great One. The Rock didn't even make an appearance on the 25th anniversary special of Raw earlier this year.

The Rock has been busy lately. Apart from acting in multiple films each year and promoting them around the globe, The Rock is also a producer who needs to oversee several projects.

But it wouldn't be fair if he couldn't even spare one night to appear on the show he was a major part of. In the first ever draft in 2002, The Rock was chosen as the first pick of the SmackDown brand.

The Rock just needs to make a special appearance, even a short segment with him appreciating his time on SmackDown would be enough, but if The Rock doesn't appear - many fans will be disappointed.

#4 The Undertaker participates in a match

The Undertaker confronting Team SmackDown before Survivor Series 2016

The Undertaker was an integral part of the SmackDown brand from 2002 to 2010. The Undertaker has had several memorable moments and matches in the history of SmackDown.

Moreover, The Undertaker made an appearance on the 900th episode of SmackDown, there's no doubt we will be seeing him on the 1000th episode as well.

But what would make most happy is if The Undertaker not only makes an appearance, but also ends up having a match. A short and sweet match against AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Almas, The Miz, Sheamus, Cesaro or The Miz would be a fun segment.

The Undertaker has been a highlight of several special shows this year like the MSG show, The Greatest Royal Rumble, and the upcoming Super Show-Down in Australia. All signs point to him having a memorable segment, possibly a match on SmackDown 1000.

#5 The WWE Title changes hands

Only Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles have won the WWE Title on an episode of SmackDown

What could be more shocking than ending the historic episode by crowning a new WWE Champion? AJ Styles has been an excellent WWE Champion, but he has to drop the title sooner or later.

It has been speculated that the reason behind AJ's lengthy reign is to push him heavily till the new game WWE 2K19 comes out, because AJ is its cover star.

The game comes out on October 5th, while SmackDown 1000 will take place on October 16th. So a WWE Title match as the main event sounds possible, and what would make the episode even memorable is if someone finally wins the WWE Championship from AJ Styles.

Possible candidates are Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Randy Orton and Samoa Joe. The WWE Title has only changed hands on SmackDown thrice, so expect a shocker - ending the show on a high note.