It is extremely difficult to convince fans that SmackDown is equal to Raw, that it is worth the audience's time if huge stars cannot be bothered to show up every week. Too often, the John Cenas and Randy Ortons are left off the broadcasts, given the night off following Monday Night Raw. That is not to mention part time stars such as Brock Lesnar, who would not be caught dead on the show. Injecting star power into the show would not only prove that the company is making a very real effort to present SmackDown as equal to Raw, to create a must-see atmosphere, and draw viewers in. In 2013, The Rock made a rare SmackDown appearance to help promote his WrestleMania 29 match against Cena. While it consisted only of a promo, just having him there lent an energy and excitement to the show that helped separate it from other episodes of the time. That is exactly what WWE could encourage with the placement of marquee stars on the broadcast every week. It does not take much to ignite interest in the show. Providing an injection of star power is, perhaps, the simplest solution.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.