Backstage News On Original WWE Plans For Harry Smith's Return

WWE reportedly had plans for a feud between Harry Smith (Davey Boy Smith Jr.) and WWE NXT UK Champion WALTER.

As noted, Smith made his WWE return in a dark match before the July 16 SmackDown in Houston, teaming with Austin Theory for a win over Xyon Quinn and Odyssey Jones. Smith later cut a post-show promo for the WWE YouTube channel and confirmed that he is back with the company. It was later revealed that Smith had actually signed with WWE in April, after agreeing to a deal in March.

In an update, Smith was heavily recruited by WWE Talent Relations head John Laurinaitis, and everyone involved was told to keep his signing quiet until he debuted, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Smith was told to stop working indie dates at that point.

The original idea for Smith's WWE return was to debut him on the NXT UK brand, making him the top babyface Superstar there. Smith was set to feud with WALTER for the NXT UK Title, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to those plans getting nixed.

Smith was brought to the main roster after Laurinaitis pushed hard for him to be there instead of NXT. WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon wanted Smith on the SmackDown brand.

It was also noted that Smith previously met AEW President Tony Khan at a party. Jim Ross has always been a big proponent of Smith, but none of this led to a run with that company.

Smith, a former WWE Tag Team Champion, previously worked for the company from 2006-2011, and since then he has found significant international success for companies like, MLW, NJPW, and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

There is no word on what WWE has planned for Smith on SmackDown, but we will keep you updated.