The Rock to SmackDown: The Great one along with other has been linked with a return to Smackdown for its historic episode in the fall.
SmackDown Live is set to complete its big money move to Fox on Friday, October 4th 2019. The company has disbursed $1 billion for the rights and have given WWE a host of names it would like to feature on their weekly programming. One of the names reportedly in the list was a certain Donald Trump as well.
Also read: Triple H was reportedly offered the position of Executive Director of SmackDown Live before Bischoff
Vince McMahon, on his part, is trying to leave no stone unturned to make SmackDown seem like a major deal in its new home. According to Wrestling Observer, the WWE are determined to bring in as many celebrities as they can for their SmackDown premier. The Idea being that with WWE looking as Major League as possible, AEW will in turn look minor league in comparison.
A report from the Wrestling Observer read: “FOX is also looking to invite a lot of celebrities and give the show the feel of a major event, which is a reason that it’s being held in Los Angeles.
Joe Peisich revealed on Barnburner Radio Network that WWE are trying everything to deliver on the show’s celebrity factor. They have approached several stars including Dwayne ’The Rock’ Johnson.
Joe Peisich said: “WWE is sort of pushing a panic button and trying to call former guys, new guys, whatever — they’re trying everything here. I have also heard that for the first SmackDown on Fox in LA they’re trying to get The Rock, they are trying to get Brock Lesnar, they are trying to get Ric Flair into it.”
The Rock and SmackDown come full circle
The Rock was the first ever WWE Superstar to be drafted during the first brand split when he became Vince McMahon’s first pick for SmackDown. His famous promo, where he promised to ‘layeth the SmackDown’ on his opponents, is actually where the blue brand got its name.
He enthralled and enamored the crowd during his time in the WWE. His legendary rivalry with Stone Cold helped the WWE eclipse WCW during the historic Monday night wars and established the WWE as the no.1 wrestling program in America and arguably the world.
If the Rock does appear on SmackDown’s first episode on Raw, he and the blue brand will finally come full circle. Two words in a goofy promo helped the Rock catapult himself to the stars. Now the Brahma Bull has the opportunity to do the same for it.
