WWE News: Is Rey Mysterio Returning Prior to 1,000th Episode of Raw?

Keep in mind that anything can change at this point. The WWE clearly wants to make sure the 1,000th episode of Raw is must-see TV.

That being said, WrestlingInc.com is reporting:

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Rey Mysterio will return at next week's SmackDown taping on July 17th from the Valley View Casino in his hometown of San Diego, CA.

The return may happen off-camera, as Mysterio was expected to make his televised return to the company on the 1,000th episode of RAW on July 23rd. WWE has yet to list Mysterio for any upcoming events, including next week's SmackDown taping in San Diego.

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Ultimately, I have no doubt that Rey Mysterio will be at next week's SmackDown taping. Especially considering the taping is in Mysterio's hometown. However, I feel that he will probably not be on air and will either greet the crowd before or after and possibly give the fans a post-tape dark match.

If the WWE decides to have him on air in any capacity for that particular taping, it could prove deadly for the 1,000th episode of Raw.

I, like many others, feel that a lot of casual fans will be tuning in for that special Raw. Bringing Mysterio back could turn some of those people into regular watchers.

However, if he does wrestle next week, one would think that he is going to be a part of the Blue Brand's roster. That would mean he may get involved in a feud with Alberto Del Rio. To me, this feud should happen and culminate with one—or both of them—landing a shot against Sheamus for the World title.

In the end, we will have to wait and see what the WWE has in store for the aging high-flyer.