Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was a noticeable absentee at the Raw Reunion Special this week. But WWE hopes he will be around when SmackDown debuts on Fox in October.

It seems fitting that the man whose catchphrase gave the brand its name will be in attendance for such a momentous occasion. But, as things stand, he hasn't agreed to be there.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Johnson is among the stars WWE is trying to get to give the show as prestigious a launch as is possible. The publication reports that, while talks are underway, the actor hasn't committed to an appearance.

The former WWE superstar was part of the main roster when SmackDown first launched and, as mentioned above, it was a bit of lingo from his explosive promos that birthed its name.

PREVIOUSLY: Seth Rollins' Spot On The Raw Reunion Show Was Intended For Someone Else

via ewrestlingnews.com

SmackDown will relaunch on Fox on October 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. There will also be a one-hour preview show in September to hype the debut.

Meanwhile, All Elite Wrestling has announced the launch of their TV show on TNT, which will take place on October 2, two days before SmackDown's first Fox airing.

It has also been reported that WWE will look to counter AEW's move by letting Fox Sports 1 air NXT on a weekly basis. Dave Meltzer had previously claimed that the broadcasting company was negotiating with WWE to have the show -currently exclusive to WWE Network - on TV and it appears that the other party reckons it's a good idea.

Johnson is a pretty busy man these days and has been working nonstop on movies and his show, The Titan Games. Of course, he's very likely to show up despite all of that and it would be surprising if he isn't part of the debut show.

His presence alone will draw many viewers and WWE stands to lose a lot of viewership on the night if he doesn't agree to turn up.

NEXT: WWE's Saudi Show Date Change Could Result In An All-Women's Edition Of SmackDown