WWE SmackDown: 4 Surprising returns/appearances we can witness tonight

After messing up what was a highly anticipated episode of Monday Night RAW last night, WWE will bring to us the blue brand, SmackDown. Fans were expecting something special from the company, especially after the massive success of their rival AEW's event Double or Nothing. Instead, what we all got was a disappointing episode of RAW.

WWE has a huge chance in their hands to correct last night's mistake by putting on a solid show of SmackDown and giving fans some assurance that they still do care about us and will take the AEW threat seriously.

Last night's RAW was highly predictable with almost no surprises or shockers, except Sami Zayn namedropping AEW. If WWE plans to put on a solid show tonight, they need to make the show exciting by a few unexpected appearances and segments.

In this article, let's take a look at the 4 surprising returns/appearances that we can witness on SmackDown tonight. Do let me know in the comments section your thoughts about the current WWE programming.

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#4 Triple H

Will the COO step-up and address the big issue?

Among all the jabs and shots that AEW and Cody Rhodes took on WWE and Triple H, The Game has been silent and hasn't responded to anything. We saw Sami Zayn namedropping AEW on RAW last night, which seemed to indicate that the war has started.

With Triple H scheduled to face Randy Orton at WWE Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia on June 7th, he could appear on SmackDown to deliver a message to his rival with whom he has a huge history.

Triple H could also use this segment to take a few shots at AEW himself and give them a taste of their own medicine. We previously saw him and D-Generation X take shots about AEW during their Hall of Fame induction speech which is a clear indication that Hunter isn't afraid to speak about his rivals.

"Hunter, just one RKO outta nowhere would put you down!"

"A lot of people are trying to put me down these days, Randy! Neither will I let you succeed, nor them! The Game is here to stay!"

#3 Authors of Pain

Just what the SmackDown Tag Division needs!

One-half of the dominating Authors of Pain, Akam, unfortunately, suffered an injury earlier this year in January and has been out of action ever since. Due to the same, his partner Rezar has also been off-TV.

But if the rumors are true, Akam is completely fit for a return now and the Authors of Pain can make a return to WWE TV anytime now. With SmackDown's Tag division looking extremely weak after the Superstar Shake-up, these two monsters could revive it and lead the division into greater heights.

Them appearing tonight and destroying the Tag Champs would be a great way to mark their return!

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#2 Mickie James

Mickie coming back would be awesome!

One major name missing from the SmackDown Women's division after the Superstar Shake-up is Mickie James. She has been letting her fans know through her social media that she wants to come back, and tonight might just be the night when we see that happen.

No one wants to see Charlotte in the title picture again for the time being, and Mickie returning and becoming Bayley's challenger would be a much better scenario. Bayley deserves a proper run with the title, and a solid victorious feud against Mickie James would serve that purpose perfectly.

#1 Sasha Banks

Sasha returning would blow-up the internet!

Sasha Banks was one of the superstars who openly applauded AEW's show on Twitter. With the complicated situation between her and the company, many fans are of the opinion that she is on her way out of the company and will join the rivals soon.

This is where WWE could strike and shock us all. With the reports of her working on a WWE project recently, it does seem that the situation is not as worse as it seemed. Her making a surprising return tonight as a full-blown heel to take out her former tag-team partner and the current SmackDown Women's Champion, Bayley, would make headlines on social media for sure.

Sasha could claim that it was she who was carrying Bayley all along and now instead of her, Bayley got the opportunity to become the champion.

Sasha returning would definitely put all the eyes on WWE instead of AEW, and WWE could also give it back to AEW and fire some shots on them through Sasha Banks.

What changes should WWE make in its shows to step-up and compete with AEW? Let me know your thoughts and views in the comments section.