Several top Raw superstars were reportedly backstage for tonight’s special “WrestlePalooza on ESPN” go-home edition of SmackDown in Toledo, Ohio. Among those present were AJ Styles, Penta, Finn Bálor, and Ludwig Kaiser.
Although none of the Raw talent were confirmed for the televised broadcast, indications suggest they may appear in dark matches for the live audience. Their presence adds an element of uncertainty to a show already stacked with two championship bouts.
Charlotte Flair, returning from injury, will team with Alexa Bliss to defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Chelsea Green and her enforcer, Alba Fyre. The match comes just weeks after Green’s attack sidelined Flair. In addition, Sami Zayn will continue his United States Championship open challenge, with Carmelo Hayes stepping forward in what represents the most significant main roster opportunity of his career.
The lineup for the final SmackDown before WrestlePalooza also includes an appearance by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, while Brock Lesnar is scheduled for a live interview to preview his high-profile clash with John Cena.
One notable figure, however, has already confirmed he will remain off-screen. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Pardon My Take, CM Punk stated he would be backstage but not part of the broadcast, instead supporting his wife, AJ Lee, following her own return to in-ring competition last week.
“I’m having the time of my life,” Punk said of working alongside Lee again. “I always like to say I try to spend as much time with my wife as I can, and I spend a lot of time with her. And it never feels like it’s enough. So having her be back in this environment with me at work is like a dream come true.”
True to form, Punk also gave his candid opinion on Saturday’s event title, acknowledging, “That might actually be the first time I’ve said it. It’s a ridiculous name.”
With a packed card, high-profile interviews, and the added intrigue of Raw talent backstage, tonight’s SmackDown stands as a decisive final stop on the road to WrestlePalooza.