SmackDown 1000 is all set to be the grandest episode in the history of the blue brand as a plethora of legends have been advertised for the show. Huge names like The Undertaker, Triple H, Batista, Ric Flair, Mark Henry, Michelle McCool, Teddy Long, Torrie Wilson and many more will be present at SmackDown 1000.
Earlier this year, the company’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW celebrated its 25th anniversary and had the greatest superstars of the past and present headlining the event. SmackDown 1000 will not be as epic as the RAW 25 episode given that the episode will air only from arena, unlike the latter which aired lived from 2 arenas.
The company has tried its best to bring the legendary superstars back for one night. However, there will be few names who were present at RAW 25 but will not be performing on SmackDown 1000. Here are the 4 superstars who the WWE Universe will miss the most-
#4 Chris Jericho
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
The Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla was a part of the SmackDown Live roster in 2017 and hasn’t appeared on the ‘B’ show ever since taking the pin in the triple threat match for the United States title. Chris Jericho is one of the rarest talents to possess both, good mic skills and excellent in-ring abilities. He was the company’s first ever Undisputed Champion. Y2J introduced the historical Money In The Bank contract which helped in changing the lives of many superstars.
Chris Jericho is currently the Intercontinental Champion at New Japan Pro Wrestling and the leader of his musical band Fozzy. Jericho last made a WWE appearance at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the Greatest Royal Rumble match way back in April. He also featured in the RAW 25 episode performing a backstage segment with Elias. Given that the former United States Champion loves to keep his returns a secret, to receive huge pops, the company might not have advertised him. Chances of a Jericho appearance seem unlikely, but a return cannot be ruled out.
#3 Christian
Christian’s career was at an all-time high when he teamed up with Edge to elevate tag team wrestling to the next level along with the Dudley Boyz and the The Hardys. However, the Canadian superstar’s career had been cut short by injuries and limited his in-ring appearances. That did not stop the former TNA champion to work podcasts and talk-shows on the WWE Network.
Edge and Christian host a show on the WWE Network. In fact, Christian hosted a special edition of “The Peep Show” at RAW 25 with Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan as the guests. The duo were the Tag Team Champions on the red brand back then.
WWE had earlier announced that the Rated-R superstar Edge would be present at SmackDown 1000 but has released no news regarding Christian’s presence.
#2 The Dudley Boyz
One of the most successful tag teams in WWE history, the Dudley Boyz haven’t been advertised for the historic 1000th episode the company’s B show. The Dudley Boyz had made a return to the company in late 2015 where they challenged the New Day for the tag team championships.
The duo, however, failed to capture the gold on many occasions which reduced them to the role of jobbers. Though they had an epic feud with the Wyatt Family, also involving Tommy Dreamer and Rhyno, the Dudleyz once again lost the battle. They then put over the younger talent coming from NXT and announced their retirement later that year.
The Dudley Boyz had performed at RAW 25 where they put Heath Slater through a table after receiving one of the loudest chants of “D-Von! Get the tables” from the WWE Universe.
#1 Stone Cold Steve Austin
Stone Cold Steve Austin is one of the greatest characters created by Vince McMahon and receives a huge pop even today. Austin had earlier been a prominent part of the blue brand and his potential absence at the show’s 1000th episode has left many fans disappointed.
The Texas Rattlesnake is not among the stars who have been advertised for the event. He was present at the RAW 25 show where he and Vince McMahon appeared to have cleared their differences just for the Attitude Era star to hit his boss’s son with a Stunner. He then stunned Vince and ended the segment sharing a beer with Shane O’ Mac.
Stone Cold set the tone for the rest of the night with that appearance but given that SmackDown only has a run-time of 2 hours it would have been difficult to give proper TV time for all legends.
Which superstar of the past do you want to return tonight? Share your views in the comments section below.