Two names are expected to be back for tonight’s SmackDown tapings.
With Clash at The Castle taking place next weekend, WWE will be taping two episodes of SmackDown tonight in Detroit, Michigan. As the next Premium Live Event takes place on a Saturday in Cardiff, it would have been difficult to hold the go-home episode of SmackDown live, and then travel to the United Kingdom the day of the show.
According to Fightful Select, WWE will be bringing back two names for tonight’s SmackDown tapings, with one of them being a WWE Hall of Famer.
The first is Xavier Woods, who hasn’t been seen on television since the July 29 edition of SmackDown after being attacked by The Viking Raiders, who The New Day are currently feuding with. Following the attack, the Viking Raiders, who have unleashed a more violent side over the past few weeks, held a ‘viking funeral’ for Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston.
The report from Fightful noted that Woods is expected to make his return to the ring, and as of now will appear on both shows in the lead up to Clash At The Castle.
While it hasn’t yet been announced, it has been speculated that The Viking Raiders will face The New Day at Clash At The Castle next month, which would explain Woods’ imminent return.
The second name expected to make their return is WWE Hall Of Famer JBL. While JBL retired from the ring back in 2009, he has appeared regularly for the company in a number of non-wrestling roles, including premium live event kickoff show panels, and occasional stints as a member of the commentary team.
Fightful noted that JBL will be appearing on the second show (Friday September 2), however it’s currently unclear how he will be used.
The second show will reportedly also feature Ronda Rousey’s “suspension” being lifted, as well as a two-year title celebration for Roman Reigns./
WWE has currently only announced two matches for the show, Happy Corbin vs. Ricochet and the last chance fatal-4-way between Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H, Dana Brooke and Tamina, Shotzi and Xia Li and Natalya and Sonya Deville. The winners of the second match will face Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez in the semi finals of the Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament, after Toxic Attraction were forced to step down due to Gigi Dolin’s injury.