WWE Want MAJOR Return For SmackDown’s Fox Debut

Vince McMahon is pulling out all the stops for SmackDown's big move.

The Rock SmackDown Silhouette
WWE

Last week brought news that WWE were going "big league" for SmackDown's apparent 4 October debut on Fox, with the network supposedly testing new TV cameras as well as inviting a host of celebrity guests to attend the Staples Center, Los Angeles show.

Now, it looks like WWE are going all out themselves, with the Barnburner Radio Network claiming Vince McMahon wants as many legends in the house as possible.

Brock Lesnar and Ric Flair were mentioned by name, as was Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who is comfortably the biggest old name WWE could pull off for the event.

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A guaranteed ratings bump, The Rock's appearance would represent a major, major coup, particularly with WWE trying to paint their promotion as the big time in the wake of AEW's emergence. Johnson would almost certainly guarantee a strong viewership for the Fox debut; it's a no-brainer if they can make it work.

AEW's Tuesday/Wednesday Night Dynamite show is expected to debut on the very same week. They aren't going head-to-head on the same night, but we can therefore expect WWE to do everything in their power to put AEW over as the "minor leagues." The Rock would help accomplish that.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.