WWE SmackDown, known as the company‘s second-longest-running prime-time show behind Monday Night RAW, recently made a significant move to the USA Network in September 2024 after finishing its run on FOX. While SmackDown performed well in the key 18-49 demographic, topping this category, it also faced a notable decline of nearly one million viewers from last year in the United States. This shift highlights an urgent need for the brand to attract renewed attention, and <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE SmackDown Wrestling Legends Return could be the solution to reinvigorate the show’s popularity.
Historically, WWE has relied on nostalgia to galvanize fan interest, as seen with events like Goldberg’s retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event and the inclusion of female icons Nikki Bella and Trish Stratus at the Evolution premium live event. The company continues to balance booking its current roster while looking toward past wrestling stars who could elevate the blue brand’s status once more.
Hulk Hogan’s Potential to Energize Current Rivalries
Hulk Hogan remains one of professional wrestling’s most recognized figures, even though his recent appearance at the RAW premiere on Netflix was met with mixed reactions. At 71, Hogan has been retired from active wrestling for over ten years but continues to make televised appearances, cutting promos as the legendary Hulkster. His involvement could be crucial during John Cena‘s ongoing retirement tour in 2025, offering a new layer to the main storyline between Cena, the Undisputed WWE Champion, and his challenger, Cody Rhodes.
Hogan’s experience as a former nWo leader and Hollywood persona equips him to play a significant role, potentially reigniting fan interest by cutting memorable promos or teaming with Cena as an on-screen villain. This appearance could be strategically promoted to boost TV ratings and add depth to the current feud, giving the blue brand a much-needed spotlight from a legendary figure.
The Rock’s Missing Presence and Impact on Major Storylines
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a crossover star in wrestling and Hollywood, has played pivotal roles in WWE storylines, including influencing John Cena’s heel turn and affecting Cody Rhodes’ character trajectory. However, following the Elimination Chamber event in Toronto, The Rock disappeared from WWE television, leaving fans eager for his return. With Cena and Rhodes scheduled for a rematch at SummerSlam, there remains an opening for The Rock to re-enter the narrative during this critical period.
Reports suggest that Johnson has pitched the idea of Rhodes turning heel, hinting at possible major storyline developments as soon as SummerSlam. This scenario could trigger a double turn, turning John Cena into a fan favorite and “The Rock” becoming the orchestrator behind Rhodes’ villainous turn, reinvigorating the blue brand‘s headline acts.
Trish Stratus’ Continued Role in Elevating WWE Women’s Division
Trish Stratus, a seven-time WWE Women’s Champion and Hall of Famer, returned on the July 4, 2025 episode of SmackDown to engage in a storyline with Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill. After competing at the Evolution event, Stratus maintained a presence on SmackDown, signaling that her in-ring return may not be over. Her involvement in future events like SummerSlam could boost the women’s division further by lending star power to emerging talents.
WWE could use Stratus to help build new stars by having her confront or be targeted by wrestlers like Nia Jax, who could generate considerable heel heat by attacking the beloved legend. Additionally, Stratus might continue appearing to support and advise champions Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill, serving as a bridge between current stars and the company’s rich history in women’s wrestling.
Mickie James as a Potential Authority Figure for SmackDown
In times of turmoil, such as if SmackDown’s General Manager Nick Aldis were incapacitated, Mickie James—Aldis’ real-life wife and a celebrated wrestling star—could fill a leadership role. Rumors in 2023 hinted at a storyline where James, known as Hardcore Country, would co-manage the brand alongside Aldis, though this never materialized.
Mickie James boasts an impressive legacy, having been a five-time IMPACT Knockouts World Champion, a five-time WWE Women’s Champion, and a one-time Divas Champion. Her storyline feud with Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22 remains a highlight of her career. As she balances less physical involvement nowadays, James’ talents could provide valuable guidance and authority presence on SmackDown, helping steer the women’s division and the brand forward. Holding an executive position at Ohio Valley Wrestling also situates her well for future backstage or on-screen leadership roles.
The Headbangers’ Untapped Potential to Boost the Tag Team Division
Mosh and Thrasher of the Headbangers are Attitude Era legends who signed Legends contracts with WWE in 2023 but have yet to return to weekly programming. Their deals cover licensing and merchandise, including video game appearances, yet WWE could greatly benefit from their active competitive return. The tag team division remains strong on SmackDown, but the addition of nostalgic teams like the Headbangers and The Hardys could introduce fresh excitement.
The Headbangers could assist in elevating younger teams like DIY—Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa—by engaging them in rivalries, possibly with interference from teams like The Motor City Machine Guns. Reviving The Headbangers’ presence could add new storylines and bolster the blue brand’s tag team scene.
The Hardy Boyz: A Key to Tag Team Renaissance
Matt and Jeff Hardy are iconic tag team performers who played a major role in defining WWE’s tag team renaissance during the Attitude Era and beyond. Currently active with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, their history and ongoing interest in returning to WWE programming hint at an imminent comeback. Both brothers have expressed interest in facing The Motor City Machine Guns, a rivalry eagerly anticipated by many fans and commentators alike.
The Hardys’ encounter with SmackDown’s current WWE Tag Team Champions, Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy of The Wyatt Sicks, could provide compelling storytelling, especially considering Matt Hardy’s past connections to Bray Wyatt’s family. Additionally, Jeff Hardy revisiting his “Willow” persona would add layers to such rivalries. Numerous other teams, including The Street Profits, DIY, Pretty Deadly, Fraxiom, and Legado Del Fantasma, would be natural opponents for The Hardys, enhancing the competitive landscape on SmackDown.
Nikki Bella’s Active In-Ring Presence and Possible SmackDown Revival
Nikki Bella, a WWE Hall of Famer, has remained active in 2025, recently defeating Chelsea Green on RAW. Bella has signaled in interviews that her program with Green could continue and hinted that her appearances may extend to SmackDown, implying another chapter in their rivalry on the blue brand.
“probably going to have to show up on SmackDown.”
—Nikki Bella, WWE Hall of Famer
Bella’s alliance with Stephanie Vaquer and the two could revive The Bella Twins alongside her sister Brie, responding to the threats posed by Chelsea’s faction, The Secret Hervice, which includes Alba Fyre and Piper Niven. Nikki’s ongoing battles and alliances suggest a renewed focus on the women’s division, where the Bella Twins could challenge reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez, filling a competitive void in the tag team scene.
The Impact of Returning Legends on SmackDown’s Future
The return of these wrestling legends to SmackDown is critical for WWE’s efforts to remedy dwindling viewership and maintain its position as a premier wrestling brand. Bringing back iconic figures like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Trish Stratus, Mickie James, The Headbangers, The Hardys, and Nikki Bella can invigorate storylines, create buzzworthy moments, and connect younger audiences with wrestling’s storied past.
These legends can provide both in-ring excitement and backstage leadership, mentoring emerging talent and expanding the creative potential of WWE SmackDown. Their involvement could elevate key events like SummerSlam and Evolution, ensuring that SmackDown continues to compete at the highest level in the crowded sports entertainment market.
As WWE looks ahead, the strategic use of its revered legends alongside current stars may prove instrumental in restoring the blue brand’s stature and drawing fans back to one of wrestling’s most beloved weekly programs.
