Legend who hasn't wrestled in 811 days spotted at ringside on SmackDown season premiere

WWE SmackDown's season premiere was not only stacked from top to bottom in terms of programming, but there were also some huge names at ringside. One of the names featured was a legend who hasn't wrestled in two years and three months.

This week on SmackDown, one of the major stars spotted in the crowd was none other than Bobby Roode, aka Robert Roode - the former NXT Champion, United States Champion, and RAW Tag Team Champion. He's also a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion - having the longest reign in the title's history until Josh Alexander broke his record.

It's been 811 days since Bobby Roode wrestled, having last lost to Omos at a WWE Live Event in June 2022. His last televised appearance was in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown before WrestleMania 38, over two years ago. He was in the crowd tonight on the blue brand:

Since unofficially retiring from wrestling, Bobby Roode has taken on the role of a backstage producer - a job that is seemingly best suited to former wrestlers who are done with their in-ring careers.

Among the other names spotted in the crowd were RAW's Damian Priest and legends Ron Simmons, Teddy Long, and William Regal.

There's been no word on Bobby Roode wanting to return to the ring, which probably means that he's in a good spot as a producer.