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After 999 episodes, and one year worth of hype we are finally a few hours from SmackDown 1000. The list of legends set to appear on SmackDown 1000 keeps growing longer as the show gets closer, and without a doubt, there are some who will appear unannounced.
From the reunion of Evolution to the return of Rey Mysterio, SmackDown 1000 looks to be a star-studded event, but for some of the members of the SmackDown roster, it's just another day at the office. Without taking anything away from the show, some superstars will be more concerned with their future than with the nostalgia of the night. In this article, we take a look at SmackDown 1000 through the eyes of some of the superstars who are on SmackDown every week.
Honourable mention
This section is dedicated to Rey Mysterio who is making his WWE return on SmackDown 1000.
Since his departure from the WWE, Rey has become one of the biggest stars on the independent circuit. Using his fame from his time in the WWE, and his exceptional in-ring ability, Rey helped raise the profile of several independent wrestling promotions all over the world. He also helped make Fenix and Pentagon Jr. two of the biggest stars in the world by partnering with them in various promotions. The WWE has confirmed that Rey will appear in a number of events which indicates that they have secured his services for the foreseeable future.
Rey's return may mark a new period in the company's history as well as draw in more fans which would boost the WWE's ratings. Rey's arrival also means that the WWE universe could get to see some dream matches such as Daniel Bryan vs. Rey Mysterio or Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins.
Since Rey was a pioneer of the Cruiserweight division in the WWE, he might give it some much-needed credibility.
#3. Shinsuke Nakamura
The artist of WWE is the first opponent that Rey Mysterio will face on his return, and for that reason, he appears on this list. Both Shinsuke and Rey have a lot of international f, but among the WWE fans, Rey will always rank higher than Shinsuke.
Since Shinsuke has not appeared at a WWE pay-per-view in a while, he needs to win at SmackDown 1000 to ensure that he remains relevant in the eyes of the fans. Shinsuke is a heel, and he might get more heat in this match than at any other point in his WWE career.
The possibility remains that the fight will be made a title match which presents an entertaining prospect for Shinsuke and Rey. With Randy taking out anyone who challenges Shinsuke, there's the distinct possibility that he could target Rey. Since Jeff Hardy was cleared to compete if Randy attacked Rey Mysterio Jeff could come to Rey's aid.
If Jeff and Rey teamed up, they would make one of the best tag teams particularly against the Speed Force, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston. Regardless of the possible directions, a Rey Mysterio storyline could follow, Shinsuke needs a particularly strong showing on SmackDown 1000 to cement his place as a WWE star.
#2. Rusev
For the past couple of weeks Rusev has been the victim of Aiden English's mind games, but on SmackDown 1000 he looks to make a fresh start. Rusev will face the Miz to see who will qualify to represent the blue brand at the WWE Crown Jewel. Rusev is the odds-on favourite since he is the more superior athlete and has a wider array of moves in his arsenal.
Rusev needs a win to distance himself from Aiden English who will definitely try to interfere in the match. If Rusev goes to the WWE World Cup as the only superstar, not from America, he will stand a better chance of winning in most fans eyes.
If Rusev qualifies and goes on to win the WWE World Cup, it might once again place him in the main event picture. A world title run would make Shinsuke even more popular which is very good for business.
#1. The Miz
After one of the most embarrassing losses at WWE Super ShowDown, the Miz will try to reclaim his position as one of SmackDown's top stars. The Miz faces Rusev who already has something to prove in a match that promises to be a slobber knocker.
f the Miz qualifies and goes on to win the WWE World Cup, he can prove that the loss to Daniel Bryan was nothing more than a fluke. Winning it would allow the Miz to insert himself into the WWE title picture.
Apart from his match with Rusev, the Miz will probably host MizTV which has the potential to be the most must-see segment on SmackDown 1000. The Miz has a large pool of superstars to choose from including legends such as Batista and Ric Flair.
MizTV may take a violent turn if the Brothers of Destruction choose to make an appearance. At the end of the day, the Miz will probably benefit more than anyone else who appears on MizTV.
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