Best Booking Options for Edge's Appearance on WWE SmackDown's 900th Episode

Edge's return to WWE SmackDown must be fuel for the journey into the New Era.

The Rated-R Superstar is set to appear on the 900th episode of SmackDown, hosting a "Cutting Edge" segment when the blue brand hits Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 15. This could be just another entertaining moment in Edge's career, or it could be something with a more lasting impact.

Having a Hall of Famer in the house is an opportunity to highlight a rising star's villainy or propel a struggling NXT transplant.

WWE is going all-out for SmackDown No. 900. As revealed on Tuesday's SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler will defend the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz. And WWE announced on its official website that both Edge and Undertaker are scheduled for the show.

The Deadman may be planting the early seeds of his WrestleMania showdown.

With his career cut short by spinal stenosis, Edge won't be building toward any bouts. He can, however, help elevate today's stars by playing a variety of roles.

In the Lion's Den

Edge's popularity and vulnerability are both smart elements to exploit. Any heel who threatens the retired star is bound to garner solid heat as a result.

He's a beloved figure who fans hated to see hang up his boots. The easiest route to take would be to contrast that with villains looking to harm him—neck injury and all.

Enter SmackDown's band of predators: The Wyatt Family.  

WWE can provide Bray Wyatt and his crew with a moment rich with tension, one where they look most dastardly. This is a good opportunity to toy with Randy Orton's surprise alliance with Wyatt. The Eater of Worlds can instruct Orton to hold Edge as Wyatt closes in to torture him.

Or Wyatt can order The Viper to attack his old rival and tag team partner.

Edge's health necessitates that The Wyatt Family doesn't follow through with its threats, but there is drama to harness here in teasing the possibility. WWE pulled off a similar scene in May 2014, when Wyatt's squad of monsters encircled announcer Jerry Lawler.

A reprise of this moment would be huge for The Wyatt Family. It would be a reminder of how vile and dangerous these men are. 

Wyatt unsheathing his claws like this would be a powerful sight. 

Rated-R Motivational Speaker

Apollo Crews has arguably been the most disappointing NXT call-up this year. Much of that has been because WWE hasn't done much of anything with him.

And he's had precious few chances to show off any personality.

That's a prime reason to have him interact with Edge on next week's SmackDown. The Rated-R Superstar has a long history of making us laugh and managing to get the silliest of things to work.

WWE should pair him with Crews in a backstage skit and let the athletic marvel have some fun.

Plus, it would be smart to have Edge talk about how much talent Crews has and how much potential he sees in him. He could tell Crews that he knows things haven't gone as planned for him but that he's sure the newcomer will rise to the top.

This would be a livelier version of the moment Big Show and Crews shared back in May, when the big man offered his thoughts on Crews' rivalry with Sheamus.

A stamp of approval from a Hall of Famer won't fix the issues with Crews, but it would give him a needed boost. 

Passing the Baton

Whoever ends up being Edge's guest for Cutting Edge, WWE has to consider booking AJ Styles to interrupt.

The WWE world champ has put together a tremendous year, looking like a franchise cornerstone in the process. The company can build on that and generate further momentum for The Phenomenal One.

Credit: WWE.com

Styles should berate Edge as the two engage in a back-and-forth verbal showdown. 

This is a great chance to show off Styles' arrogance and malice. And it makes Styles look like a bigger star if he's the one going toe-to-toe with the Hall of Fame guest.

There are parallels between the two men to explore, too. Styles is a crafty, speedy athlete who some didn't believe was main event material, just as Edge was. 

The Rated-R Superstar can talk about seeing himself in Styles and predict great success for him. The world champ won't accept the compliments graciously, of course. He can follow Edge's salute of his skills by bashing the fan favorite.

There is ample potential drama to dive into here, as there is with a Wyatt Family collision.

Whichever route WWE takes with Edge, the goal should be to have the former world champ transfer some of his electricity to a star on the rise. SmackDown's celebration of 900 episodes is a shot to bolster the next generation off the back of the previous one.