:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49086189/Brock_Lesnar_bio.0.0.png)
With an injury-depleted roster and dearth of non-main event stories that fans are invested in, WWE seems to be loading up even more than usual on part-timers and veterans on the march to WrestleMania 32.
That will include a rare Brock Lesnar appearance outside of a Sunday or Monday night, as he is among the featured Superstars promised for next Tuesday's SmackDown taping in Boston (for the episode which will air on Thursday, March 24).
SmackDown isn't the Beast Incarnate's usual stomping grounds, but it will be his second appearance on the blue brand in as many months - an indication of how shallow WWE thinks their bench is right now, and that (despite Vince McMahon spinning things to the contrary) ratings do still matter. Lesnar's appearance next week follows the Mar. 10 broadcast which received the lowest ratings of any SmackDown since it moved to USA Network earlier this year.
This is also the last significant Thursday night show before Mania, as the episode immediately before is typically clip and recap-heavy, so if they're going to use Lesnar on a pre-taped show, this is the one to add him to.
Will it make you more likely to tune in, or is your excitement for BROCK SMASH wearing out?