Tonight’s WWE SmackDown from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City is shaping up to be a must-watch event, especially with the unexpected appearance of multiple top WWE RAW superstars backstage. According to a recent PWInsider report, Bayley, LA Knight, Grayson Waller, and Raquel Rodriguez—all usually confined to the RAW brand—were spotted behind the scenes just hours before the show’s kickoff at 8 PM ET on the USA Network[1].
This rare RAW presence on a SmackDown taping is already stirring speculation among fans and insiders alike. Sources close to WWE reveal that while some of these stars could be just visiting, there is a strong buzz that one or more may be poised for a surprise appearance or even a direct challenge tonight, especially given the ongoing U.S. Title Open Challenge by SmackDown’s own Ilja Dragunov[1]. A WWE insider shared, “Seeing RAW talent backstage at SmackDown on a major night like Halloween is never just casual. These are strategic moves, especially ahead of big pay-per-view storylines.”
Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Title Open Challenge: A RAW Star in the Crosshairs?
Ilja Dragunov has been on an impressive run since capturing the United States Championship from Sami Zayn on October 17. Following a strong defense against Aleister Black last week, the “Mad Dragon” has continued his open challenge tradition, notably encouraging challengers on social media earlier today: “This title is a legacy and the open challenge is my duty. Who wants to step up tonight?”[1]
With Bayley, LA Knight, Grayson Waller, and Raquel Rodriguez backstage, the question on everyone’s mind is whether one of these RAW standouts will answer Dragunov’s call and shake up the SmackDown landscape. Fans and analysts are eager to see if WWE aims to heighten brand rivalry through such inter-brand clashes, potentially setting up explosive future programs post-Halloween and leading into Survivor Series season.
Confirmed Matches and Star-Studded Lineup on SmackDown
Tonight’s card is already packed with high-stakes and star power. In addition to the Ilja Dragunov open challenge, key matches include:
- Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
- Carmelo Hayes vs. Kit Wilson
- Jade Cargill addressing her recent shocking attack on Tiffany Stratton
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre are also scheduled for a contract signing segment to promote their anticipated championship bout at Saturday Night’s Main Event, adding further intensity to tonight’s program[3][5][6].
WWE insiders have noted that having RAW and SmackDown’s top superstars together backstage is a sign that WWE is building toward crossover attractions that blur brand lines and boost viewership across both shows.
Halloween Meets Holiday Humor: R-Truth’s Surprising Costume Choice
Adding a lighter note to the Halloween-themed SmackDown, reports from Fightful Select reveal that beloved veteran R-Truth plans to dress up as Santa Claus tonight — an amusing mismatch given it’s Halloween, not Christmas[2]. This classic R-Truth comedic twist is generating backstage whispers about a possible festive segment designed to entertain the crowd with holiday confusion.
A backstage source hinted, “R-Truth’s timing and sense of humor never fail. Showing up as Santa on Halloween? It’s the kind of quirky moment fans expect from him.” Whether this will be a quick in-ring skit or an extended segment remains to be seen, but it’s likely to provide a memorable break from the intense championship build-ups.
What This Means for WWE’s Brand Strategy
The presence of multiple RAW stars at SmackDown on October 31 signals WWE’s ongoing effort to create unpredictable moments that excite the fanbase. Blurring brand boundaries can refresh storylines and potentially lay the groundwork for fresh rivalries and alliances as WWE approaches some of its traditionally biggest events, including Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble in the coming months.
Industry insiders speculate that WWE may be testing the waters for increased cross-brand interactions while strategically positioning key talents in high-profile spotlights. As one source put it, “Cross-brand surprises not only boost live attendance and TV ratings but also revitalize character arcs heading into the new year.”
Tune In Tonight for Full Coverage
WWE SmackDown airs live at 8 PM ET on the USA Network with international streaming available on Netflix. Ringside News and other outlets will provide live updates, full results, and behind-the-scenes reports throughout the night.
With the unexpected RAW presence, Ilja Dragunov’s open challenge potentially answered by a visiting star, contract signings, and a festive R-Truth segment, tonight’s SmackDown is a unique blend of suspense, action, and humor—don’t miss it.
What do you think? Will one of the RAW superstars backstage be the next U.S. Title challenger? Or is WWE cooking up another surprise? Share your thoughts below!