It goes without a doubt that the blue brand of the WWE has benefited the most from the tectonic shift brought about by the Brand Split. From outclassing RAW regarding ratings and overall programming to becoming a pre-taped show cramped with RAW replays, and again, rising in prominence after the recent brand split; SmackDown has stood the test of time despite its dwindling fortunes.
After many ups and downs, SmackDown is all set to celebrate a significant milestone next week. The monumental episode will see the returns of The Undertaker and Edge apart from an Intercontinental Championship match between perennial rivals Miz and Dolph Ziggler, who, as always, are expected to tear the house down.
WWE is going all out in ensuring the long-term remembrance of the 900th edition, and according to reports, more special guests have been lined up to make an appearance next week. This slideshow takes a look at the legendary names that have been doing the rounds on the dirt sheets. So further adieu, let’s delve in:
Honorable mention – Shelton Benjamin
It’s a damn shame that the much-hyped return of Shelton Benjamin fell through because of an untimely torn rotator cuff injury. Nevertheless, The Gold Standard mentioned that he would need 6-12 months to recuperate and that the plans of his inevitable return have not been shelved, as of yet.
Triple H and Vince McMahon too are quite high on the prospects of his comeback, given that he’s prepared to go full steam. All we can do is hope that one of the most underutilized stars of our generation shows up next week on SmackDown.
#1 Kurt Angle
It is no secret that Kurt Angle has his eyes set on a future return and the inevitable WWE Hall of Fame induction ever since he parted ways with TNA. The Olympic Gold Medalist has been quite vocal about his intentions on ending his storied career with the company in which he began his pro wrestling endeavor.
It's quite unfair when you think of WWE's double standards. RAW got Goldberg while SmackDown got Curt Hawkins! Where’s the logic in that? Doesn’t SmackDown deserve a legendary return too? It sure as hell does and who better than the first mayor of suplex city and a SmackDown original, Kurt Angle.
Picture this; Kurt Angle forming a new stable with American Alpha and running roughshod on the entire SmackDown roster. It would be reminiscent of the Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Hass) and a fitting way for Angle to have a final run with the company before he gets his name etched into the illustrious Hall of Fame.
#2 Teddy Long
It will be a shame if WWE doesn’t get back Teddy Long – one of the most iconic General Manager’s in the brand’s history – for next week’s historic show. Another run as the SmackDown General Manager isn’t a far-fetched idea as that was what Long wanted when he returned to RAW in June this year. Sadly, Stephanie said no!
Talking about next week and WWE might just get Long back to announce a tag team match for the night because well, it was the best thing he did. Not getting Long back would be a mistake, and just for that decision, Vince McMahon would deserve to go one on one against the Undertekaaa!
I bet all the playas will love that!
#3 The Rock
Should the Great One return to layeth the Smacketh down on the upcoming jabronis next week? Hell yeah! Will he return to do the honors? We’re not so sure about that. Nevertheless, The Rock is someone who has the liberty to turn up anytime he wants, and even Vincent Kenedy McMahon himself won’t stop him.
Rock was a pivotal figure back in the day when SmackDown was kicking RAW in the rear end with some top quality programming. Getting Rock back for one night only goes hand in hand with his historical contributions to the show. Not to forget, Rock is WWE’s cash cow and a rating puller, making him a go-to guy whenever the need for a ‘surprise’ returns arises.
#4 Chavo Guerrero
The talk of a possible WWE return of Chavo Guererro has been doing the rounds and his recent loss in a loser leave Lucha Underground match against Rey Mysterio have added fuel to existing rumors.
While a move to SmackDown – which doesn’t have the Cruiserweight division – doesn’t make sense on paper as he is rumored to return with the sole purpose of boosting the adolescent cruiserweight division, WWE could change their minds and add him to a talent starved SmackDown roster.
A return on next week’s episode would be the perfect way to reintroduce the former Cruiserweight Champion. As a matter of fact, WWE could use Chavo Guerrero to shed light on his uncle, the late great Eddie Guerrero's hand in making SmackDown what it is today. It's a genius move that gets Chavo over as a babyface in the process.
#5 John Cena
Admit it. We all yearn for the return of the Doctor of Thugonomics who made SmackDown his stomping ground and used it as the launchpad to greatness. A part of John Cena’s legend will forever be attributed to his early work in SmackDown and revisiting the brash and arrogant Cena from that very era makes you realize WWE’s missteps.
Although Cena is on a hiatus shooting for his TV show American Grit, a special appearance wouldn’t hurt one bit. But you know what would make the special appearance a goosebump-inducing moment? The teaser of the possible John Cena vs. Undertaker WrestleMania 33 match!
A face-off between the two would blow the roof off the place and make for a highlight reel moment from the memorable episode. What do you guys think?
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