4 WWE stars who could return on SmackDown tonight

The upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown could host several surprises with Saturday Night’s Main Event in the picture. Several stars could return on Friday night to increase fans’ excitement for Saturday’s special show.

Fans will see Cody Rhodes defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at SNME, and things could take an interesting turn on Friday. Meanwhile, Nia Jax will also look for a credible challenger for her title in the coming weeks. A top star's return could shake up the women’s roster and give her exactly what she wants.

With the return of a few stars from storyline or real-life injuries, SmackDown could look to bolster its roster and give RAW a tough time ahead of the red brand’s Netflix debut.

Below are four stars who could return on Friday Night SmackDown.

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#4. Braun Strowman could surprise former NXT Champion on SmackDown

Braun Strowman was last seen during the Last Monster Standing Match on the September 30 episode of RAW, where he defeated Bronson Reed. Seth Rollins returned during the contest to Stomp Reed and help Strowman win.

The Monster of all Monsters suffered a torn groin injury during the contest, putting him out of action for some time. He could be ready to make a return by moving to the SmackDown brand again.

Carmelo Hayes will fight a mystery opponent on Friday night’s show. Triple H could bring in Strowman to surprise the former NXT Champion and give him a tough time in the ring.

WWE could move Braun Strowman to SmackDown as part of the transfer window to free up some slots on RAW for the show’s Netflix debut. Someone like Roman Reigns could replace him.

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#3. Hulk Hogan could return ahead of WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event

WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event is expected to be a major show on NBC this week. Cody Rhodes will lead the team to create a memorable event for the fans as it returns for the first time in sixteen years.

To hype the event, Triple H could bring back some notable legends who appeared in the first-ever Saturday Night’s Main Event. The Hulkster defended the WWE World Heavyweight Title against Bob Orton in the first show of the series. He also competed in the main event for nine consecutive shows and won each one of his matches.

Hulk Hogan could appear in the ring on Friday to hype the show and get fans pumped up for Saturday. If the show is successful, WWE will look to make Saturday Night’s Main Event a regular.

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#2. Charlotte Flair has been out of action for over a year

The Queen has been missing from action since December last year. She has teased her return on social media a few times and is likely ready to return to the ring soon.

A recent report suggests she could return as early as the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event. Triple H could pull the trigger a little sooner to have her appear on the upcoming episode of SmackDown.

Flair could appear as a babyface to ignite a rivalry with Nia Jax right away for the WWE Women’s Championship. She wouldn’t need to build herself up as she’s already a top star, and their rivalry could continue for several months.

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#1. Randy Orton will be looking for revenge

Kevin Owens will look to win another world title when he faces Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, his dreams could be shattered by Randy Orton, who he attacked several weeks ago.

Instead of appearing at SNME, The Viper could make his way on SmackDown to call out KO before making it clear that he will do everything in his power to ensure he doesn’t become a world champion.

The segment will help WWE bring The Viper’s fans to SNME and bolster the show's ratings. Having Randy Orton return right before the show will be a bold move that could give Cody Rhodes the backing he needs before his title defense.