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It's surreal to think of it. 1000 episodes of SmackDown. That's right. It was only 6 years ago when RAW hit its 1000th episode and now the blue brand joins the very same category. It's incredible to think that the show, named after The Rock's iconic catchphrase has come so far.
It's seen many Evolutions (pun intended) and many forms. It started off as an extension to RAW to further storylines but in 2002, WWE chose to wisely split the roster into two, making superstars exclusive to one brand. This turned out to be a great decision as it led to the creation of many different superstars, who took it to a whole new level. Post-Ruthless Aggression Era, it seemed like SmackDown had once again taken a back seat and become merely an extension of RAW.
It was 2016 when the brand split was reintroduced and a new era of SmackDown began. It saw many of the young and newer superstars take the opportunity and elevate themselves to a whole new level, with many months seeing the blue brand being the clearly superior show.
It's incredible to think of how far the show has come and tonight's show is going to be one of epic proportions. Let's take a look at what to expect from SmackDown 1000!
Rey Mysterio returns for a dream match
WWE announced last week that Rey Mysterio had officially signed full-time with the company. While it was an expected announcement, one announcement took fans by pleasant surprise: Rey Mysterio returning to take on Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup Qualifier on SmackDown 1000.
This is a dream match that we never thought we'd see. It's going to be interesting to see if Mysterio can hold up with the superstars of today. If he beats Nakamura, not only does it put him in the World Cup, but it may also directly put him in the United States title picture!
Edge brings back the Cutting Edge
So this is the one thing that remains unconfirmed. WWE initially announced that Edge would return for a Cutting Edge segment. Unfortunately, WWE seemed to have pulled the announcement from the website.
While this could very well mean that Edge's appearance has been cancelled, let's not jump to any conclusions yet. It's very unlikely that the Rated-R Superstar wouldn't appear on the 1000th episode of SmackDown. After all, he was an essential part of the brand for so long.
Even in his retirement speech, he said that he always felt like SmackDown was his brand. Who can blame him? Edge feuded with the all-time greats and won multiple world championships, even headlining WrestleMania when being a part of the blue brand roster.
Expect to see Edge tonight on SmackDown 1000. Maybe he'll bring his best friend Christian along too. Who wouldn't want another piece of nostalgia?
Rusev takes on The Miz in a world cup qualifier
Last week, Rusev and Lana proved Aiden English' false video after hacking into his account. It revealed that Aiden English simply made an advance towards Lana, who rejected him. A humiliated Aiden English then told Lana that the offer was still on the table, so she can have an "Aiden Night".
Rusev then assaulted Aiden English, who finally got his receipt. With that behind him, he takes on The Miz in a World Cup qualifying match. One would think that it favours the Miz since the world cup is literally only Americans so far.
Either way, expect a great competitive match up. The last time these two faced off, it was in a gauntlet match and Rusev came out victorious. Washington D.C is certainly going to be celebrating Rusev Day on SmackDown 1000! Who's side are you on?
It's nostalgia galore!
We all know that WWE fans have a well of nostalgia that never seems to run dry. This week on SmackDown 1000, get ready for nostalgia city.
Also read: Superstars confirmed for SD 1000
Apart from Evolution, Edge and The Brothers Of Destruction, here are some of the confirmed legends returning for SmackDown 1000:
The Big Show, Torrie Wilson, Vickie Guerrero, Teddy Long and Michelle McCool.
It's going to be interesting to see if Teddy Long gets to make one more tag team match on SmackDown! Either way, expect an extremely fun segment with the legends, particularly from Vickie Guerrero and Teddy Long.
The one legend, however, who everyone is wondering whether will return or not is none other than The Rock. After all, SmackDown was his show. It would be crazy for him not to appear. As of now, the expectation is that he'll appear through a video package.
It would be a pleasant surprise to see The Brahma Bull return!
The Brothers of Destruction return
The Undertaker was an integral part of SmackDown for many years, particularly during the Ruthless Aggression Era. He was one of the top featured stars in the brand and main evented WrestleMania and won multiple world titles when part of the brand.
Who can forget the wars that he's had with the likes of Edge, Randy Orton, Batista, Mark Henry, etc.
Well, he's back and he's bringing Kane with him. One would imagine that they're going to address what happened on Super Show-Down and explain why they chose to assault Triple H and Shawn Michaels.
They're getting ready for Crown Jewel and it's going to be interesting to see The Phenom reflect on his time on SmackDown Live while also addressing what lies ahead.
It is interesting to note that Triple H will be in the same building. Will they confront each other?
Evolution is back!
They're back for a one-night reunion! Batista makes his WWE return after four long years to reunite the band! Although Evolution was a RAW-exclusive faction, who cares? It's going to be extremely fun to see the legends reunite and reflect on their journeys.
It's been a long time since the end of the faction. Over 13 years, to be precise. Since then, each superstar has taken a different path. Flair has retired, Triple H has transitioned more into an executive role, Batista has a successful Hollywood career while Randy Orton remains as ruthless as ever on SmackDown Live.
Will the band get along? Or will their differences in attitude be the cause of a sour reunion? It's going to be interesting, especially if Batista has every intention of stepping back in the ring. He's stated before that he wants to, and that he just needs the opportunity to do so.
What's going to happen when Evolution reunites? Find out tonight on SmackDown Live!
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