WWE SmackDown Live: 3 ways creative can bring back Luke Harper

Luke Harper recently made his long-awaited return to WWE in a live event in Rochester, NY.

Harper faced Mojo Rawley in his hometown and beat his opponent. The former Bludgeon Brothers member has been sidelined ever since electing to undergo wrist surgery in October. His partner Rowan also had an injury and was sidelined due to a biceps tear.

The duo last appeared in WWE programming when they lost the SmackDown Live tag titles to the New Day.

Rowan made his return to WWE, joining Daniel Bryan as his intellectual peer. That has left Harper without any direction when he makes his eventual return to WWE programming.

Here are 3 ways in which WWE can incorporate Harper back into TV programming.

---

#1 Joining Daniel Bryan and Rowan

Family reunion on the card?

Daniel Bryan has been on a tear, ever since his heel turn. Some of his work as a heel has been the best in Bryan's career.

Eric Rowan joined Daniel Bryan as his intellectual peer. The sheer presence of Rowan creates an intimidation factor for opponents. Rowan has helped Bryan in quite a few matches and also laid out some post-match beatdowns.

Now, if Harper happens to join them, the trio would become the unstoppable force of SmackDown Live. It would be like a mini-reunion of the Wyatt Family, of course, without Bray Wyatt.

Another advantage of Harper joining with Rowan would be the return of The Bludgeon Brothers. That act got shortened prematurely and they can renew the feud with The Usos or The New Day.

The trio of Bryan, Rowan, and Harper can establish themselves as the monster trio with all the gold, i.e, WWE Championship, and SmackDown Live tag-team championship.

The best time for his return would be at WrestleMania 35, helping Daniel Bryan retain his championship at the grandest stage.

#2 Surprise challenger for the US title

Unforeseen foe for Joe?

Luke Harper is one of the most underrated WWE Superstars out there. Even at 40 years old, he is in very good condition and can have good matches with anyone on the roster.

The former Intercontinental Champion in his own right has enough charisma for a solo run in the company.

There have been rumors that Samoa Joe is going to face John Cena for the US Championship at WrestleMania 35. While that match is definitely a top draw, nothing has been confirmed yet.

WWE can bring back Luke Harper to face Samoa Joe for the US title. For a start, Harper is a WWE regular and it is time regulars are given more preference than part-timers.

Having already won the Intercontinental Championship and tag-team titles, it would make a lot of sense for Harper to go after the US title.

The hard-hitting matches between Samoa Joe and Harper could be a sight to behold for the fans if WWE does book them in a feud.

#3 Joining Kevin Owens

The numbers game has gotten the better of Owens

Kevin Owens has been feuding with Daniel Bryan ever since Vince McMahon named him as the replacement for Kofi Kingston. One aspect Owens has fallen short of is in the numbers game.

Daniel Bryan has Rowan as his bodyguard and the monster has definitely done damage to the Prizefighter.

In a recent episode of SmackDown Live, Mustafa Ali made the save for Owens against Bryan and Rowan. But that was more because of a common enemy. For a large part of his stint in WWE, Owens always has had a partner in crime.

From Chris Jericho to Sami Zayn, some of the most defining moments in Owens' career has been when he has a partner. Owens even rued the fact that he no longer has any friends.

Harper can fit perfectly because he has a history with both Rowan and Bryan. He can be the equalizer for Owens against Bryan and Rowan. And when the impending implosion happens, as it does for with all of Owens' partners, they can have a decent feud going forward.