Report: Vince McMahon To Be In Character For WWE SmackDown Appearance

Following the announcement that Vince McMahon had stepped back as WWE CEO and Chairman while a Special Committee of the Board investigates the misconduct allegations against him and John Laurinaitis, a one-line press release from the company revealed McMahon would appear on tonight's episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

The 76-year-old won't be appearing as Vince McMahon, though, and he is set to address "his temporary absence" in character as Mr McMahon on SmackDown, according to CNBC. The SmackDown script was reportedly torn up today and WWE writers were reworking the show on Friday after the initial script had been completed earlier this week.

In addition to McMahon's appearance, Riddle will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on SmackDown. If Riddle loses, he will be banned from challenging for the title again while The Tribal Chief is champion. Max Dupri will also reveal his model agency's first client.

McMahon temporarily stepping down as WWE CEO and Chairman comes after it emerged the 76-year-old was under investigation by the WWE board over a $3 million hush payment he made to a former female employee over an alleged sexual relationship.