Return Vignette Aired For Absent WWE SmackDown Wrestler

A vignette was aired on last nights August 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown teasing the return of someone who has been absent for quite some time. Former Imperium member Giovanni Vinci has not been seen on the blue brand ever since he was drafted to SmackDown in the 2024 WWE Draft, with his last appearance in any capacity coming on the April 22 episode of Monday Night RAW when Ludwig Kaiser attacked him after their loss to The New Day and booted him out of Imperium.

During the vignette, Vinci was shown back home in Italy, with images of the Alps, Vinci driving fancy cars, and him sitting in a high rise. He cut a promo in his native language, with English subtitles provided.

“The best part about the past is that it is behind you. There are no losses, only lessons. Nobody should think success is a given, but I know it is my destiny. I have become the man I always meant to be - a man who knows no limits and accepts no shortcuts. Skiing the Italian Alps or speeding on the track, I do it with style. Soon, I will bring the same relentless drive to SmackDown.”  

It isn’t known when exactly Vinci will return to live TV on SmackDown.