4 Ways WWE can make the first episode of SmackDown on Fox memorable

With both the low ratings and the emergence of All Elite Wrestling, WWE needs to do everything in its power in order to make SmackDown's debut on Fox one of the most memorable shows in not only WWE history but also wrestling history.

If they put out a run-of-the-mill episode like they have the last few weeks, then it will fail to make an impact. And with AEW's show starting around the same time, they'll need to change some of the tropes they've been using like promo parades, multiple roll-ups on the same show and using Shane McMahon way too much.

The show is slated to take place in Los Angeles so one might think that 'hey, they should have some celebrities show up and/or participate in segments'. The WWE Universe can't really think of a memorable appearance by a celebrity in a good way.

Machine Gun Kelly was boring as are most musical guests. Jeremy Piven, Ken Jeong and others either don't get the product or are just there for the paycheck. John Stewart and Seth Green are obviously fans, but they've appeared enough.

One celebrity appearance that did work was Ronda Rousey, but that was because she was joining the company. Other than that and Stephen Amell's feud with Stardust, I don't think that would help the show. Remember how bad it was with LaVar Ball and his basketball-playing progeny?

Regardless of what happens, there are some slam-dunk things that WWE can and probably will do in order to bring SmackDown to Fox with a bang. Here are at least four things that the WWE can do in order to make SmackDown's first episode on Fox a great one.

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#4 Bring back some legends

I'm sure the gorilla is welcome, but only the Rock will likely show up in October.

Since the Rock is both a Hollywood star and a wrestling Superstar, he transcends the idea of bringing celebrities to the first episode of SmackDown on Fox. He's actually been in the ring, albeit not in a few years, but still holds tremendous pull with the WWE. Rumors have already started that WWE is looking to have legends like the Rock show up in October.

He's also someone who can hold the attention of the WWE Universe for a long time, unlike say, Jeff Jarrett or Hulk Hogan. Sure they're legends of the business, but neither man can cut promos as long as or as good as the Rock.

Other legends like the Undertaker, Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels would also make sense as would the likes of Edge, Trish Stratus, Ric Flair and John Cena. Celebrities might work, but they have to be the right celebrities and not someone random.

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#3 Debut the Undisputed Era

He might be the NXT Champion now, but he could lose it before October.

One of the biggest potential debuts the WWE has in the chamber of its debut gun is that of the Undisputed Era. They debuted back when Drew McIntyre was the NXT Champion, so it's not like they've only been in NXT for a few months. A combination of anyone and Kyle O'Reilly have been multi-time tag team champs and Cole has held the North American Championship as well as being the current NXT Champ.

While they are likely some of the glue that is holding the yellow brand together, the brand is still in transition from the likes of Tomasso Ciampa getting hurt and the multitude of call ups in early 2019. The likes of Keith Lee, Matt Riddle, Kushida and Mia Yim will likely be moved up the card in the coming months. And let's not forget the amount of talent in the Breakout Tournament.

Whenever they decide to do it, WWE has to treat TUE's debut as a big deal. They are four of the most complete stars in the veins of the Four Horsemen. Each man has his strengths and role in the group, but the obvious star of the group is Adam Cole.

Their main-roster debut should be saved for a special occasion, like the Fox debut and they should target someone high up the food chain. While that is likely to be Kofi Kingston and the New Day or Roman Reigns, that would be a good way to both debut one of the best factions of recent memory while also making SmackDown's debut an immediate hit.

#2 Have Brock Lesnar cash-in his briefcase

'The Beast' is more than likely to have a role on SmackDown's first show on Fox.

This is more of a suggestion of a failed cash-in rather than a successful one because the WWE Universe has discussed at length the mistake it would be to have Brock Lesnar win another major title. But it's not my company, so his winning another title might be a certainty that we'll all have to live through.

Lesnar is currently off of programming to build up to his actual return and attempted cash in. He tried to cash in on Seth Rollins a few times only to be brushed back at every turn. When he does come back and attempt to cash in once again, it may likely be on SmackDown and Kofi Kingston provided he holds the title through SummerSlam.

When they happen, Money in the Bank cash-ins are always memorable and noteworthy. It either means that someone will become champion for the first time or start another reign. They are also noteworthy if the holder of the briefcase fails. To build suspense and make the greatest impact, keeping Lesnar off of TV until the debut on Fox would be a huge moment if he successfully cashed in or not. I'm for it happening, but hoping for the latter to be the result.

#1 Have a title change or multiple title changes

A title change would go a long way towards making SmackDown's first show on Fox stick in people's memory.

While having the WWE Championship changing hands on night one on Fox would be a huge deal, it would be a bigger deal if someone new won the title or if it was among a few titles that changed hands on the night.

Since the tag titles aren't always booked the best, it would be easy to have either one or both sets of titles, including the Women's and SmackDown titles, change hands on the show. Depending on who walks away from SummerSlam with the belts, it would either be great if heels lost or a fresh new team won.

Another certainty that would help things is that if the Intercontinental Championship was either defended in a gimmick type match or if it changed hands. Put the IC Title up for grabs in a ladder match or a Fatal Four Way. Have a gauntlet match but an equal one not rife with McMahon interference.

Simply put, title changes often make episodes stick in your memory instead of weeks after weeks of promos parades, Shane McMahon going over talent and the New Day merely showing up. The variety will help make things different rather than following the same disjointed formula.

Not every title changing hands is necessary, but at least some of or all of the belts should be defended on the first episode on Fox. Having one or two change hands and in memorable fashion would certainly make the show stand from the crowd.