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See Cody Rhodes as Stardust and More From SmackDown's Last Move to USA Network

What a blast from the past! Check out what these WWE SmackDown stars were like the last time they were on USA Network.

By Chris Phelan
Cody Rhodes enters the ring during the WWE SmackDown

Tonight's the night. SmackDown finally returns to USA Network. In the night's main event, Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa in a steel cage match that fans will never forget!

How to Watch

Watch Monday Night RAW every Monday evening at 8/7c on USA Network. Stream more exciting WWE series on Peacock.

A new era in WWE begins tonight. But before we witness the fireworks of the first SmackDown on USA Network in eight years, we must acknowledge the past. 

Back in 2016, SmackDown moved to USA Network for the first time — a network they'd stay on for four years — and we've tracked down a promo hyping up the move that has some familiar faces that every fan needs to see!

How does a pre-Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and a pre-American Nightmare Cody Rhodes sound? (And by "pre-American Nightmare," we mean Stardust.)

Check out this delightful throwback video in all its glory:

You have to hand it to Cody Rhodes: he gave the Stardust character his all! It just goes to show that hard work and determination always pays off. In fact, many members of the WWE Universe don't believe Cody would have ever found himself at the top of WWE without enduring the ups and downs of his fascinating career.

In an April 2019 social media post, Cody Rhodes — still three years away from returning to WWE — spoke openly about his time as Stardust.

"I'm very grateful for Stardust," he explained. "It was a professional low, but still fairly successful. Needed to hit rock bottom to be able to hit the notes I am now."

While it's important to look back at the past (and, in Stardust's case, chuckle a bit), there's no overlooking that Cody Rhodes is simultaneously in the prime of his career and at the pinnacle of the professional wrestling industry. It's an excellent place to be — and a place Cody hopes to remain at for a long time.

Tonight on USA Network at 8/7c, Cody Rhodes continues to cement his incredible WWE legacy against Solo Sikoa inside a steel cage — it will be a night no fan should miss!