3 Surprising returns that could happen on SmackDown's FOX premier

The all new SmackDown will premier on FOX next Friday. There has been quite a bit of buzz about the possible changes the company is going to make following the Blue Brand's arrival to a new network.

In anticipation of the big event, WWE has announced next week's match card. Kofi Kingston will be defending his WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar. Kevin Owens will face Shane McMahon in a Ladder match with both of their careers on the line. SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley will align with her former teammate Sasha Banks against RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair in a match featuring all Four Horsewomen.

Despite an already stacked card, several former WWE Superstars will be returning to SmackDown. These will likely include those who were instrumental to SmackDown's success over the years and WWE could bring back some of wrestling's biggest stars for its FOX premier.

So, here are three surprising returns that could happen on the premier of SmackDown on FOX.

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#3 John Cena

John Cena could return.

John Cena was definitely a big part of SmackDown's history. He debuted against Kurt Angle on SmackDown and stayed loyal to the brand for quite some time. When he became the face of the company, he was shifted to Monday Night RAW and has become somewhat synonymous with the Red Brand since then, but fans shouldn't forget his memorable SmackDown moments. Even recently, John Cena was a free agent where he could appear on either RAW or SmackDown, but always seemed to fit in well with The Blue Brand.

Cena has been busy making blockbuster Hollywood films, but WWE can definitely approach him for a comeback for one very special SmackDown episode. John Cena has a habit of making an appearance on WWE's special episodes and this could be one of them. A John Cena return would prove to be one of the show's most memorable moments.

#2 Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey could return.

Former MMA Star Ronda Rousey had a fabulous debut in WWE that made worldwide headlines. Rousey successfully debuted at WrestleMania 34, alongside Kurt Angle against Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Rousey eventually defeated Alexa Bliss to become the RAW Women's Champion at SummerSlam. From there she went on to headline WrestleMania, as part of a historic first time ever all female main event. In one short year, she became one of the greatest female Superstars in wrestling history.

After losing her RAW Women's Championship to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania, Rousey has disappeared from WWE television. Fans wait in eager anticipation for Rousey's WWE return, but they may not have to wait long.

There have been rumors that WWE would love for Rousey to return for FOX's SmackDown premier. Although she was never a regular competitor on the Blue Brand, the WWE Universe may see her return next week, as a permanent addition to the Friday night roster.

#1 The Rock

The Rock could return.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has reportedly been approached several times in the past few years to make a surprise WWE appearance at big events like WrestleMania. Johnson is one of the most recognizable actors in the movie industry and has also delved into producing films. His Hollywood success and busy schedule have kept him from returning to the company where he first made a name for himself.

With all that stated, The Rock will inevitably return to WWE at some point and why not next Friday for the big SmackDown premier? Johnson could take a day off from his busy schedule and make a one-off appearance.

Johnson was, at one time, one of SmackDown's biggest stars. Many wrestling fans believe that no other Superstar was more instrumental in establishing the brand. It would be fitting if WWE could find someway to involve him in the show. A new era for SmackDown just wouldn't seem right without The Rock.