Stephanie McMahon Makes Rare SmackDown Appearance

Stephanie McMahon made a rare on-screen appearance during the January 31 edition of WWE SmackDown, adding even more excitement to an already packed go-home show before the Royal Rumble.

After Chelsea Green retained her Women’s United States Championship against Michin via disqualification, WWE aired a Charlotte Flair return package. But the real surprise came right after—Stephanie McMahon was shown sitting ringside, all smiles, as WWE made sure to hype her upcoming ESPN+ series, “Stephanie’s Places.”

While she didn’t cut a promo or get involved in any on-screen drama, WWE made it clear they wanted the spotlight on her as she prepares to step back into the public eye with her new show.

Set to debut in March on ESPN+, “Stephanie’s Places” is a spinoff of Peyton Manning’s “Peyton’s Places” and is produced by Omaha Productions alongside WWE and ESPN. The series will see McMahon traveling the world to sit down with some of WWE’s biggest names, past and present, and explore their personal journeys.

Speaking about the project on The Pat McAfee Show, McMahon admitted she was nervous at first but quickly found her footing. “I really enjoyed the experience,” she said, explaining that the show will highlight the struggles and triumphs of some of WWE’s biggest icons.

A teaser clip released by WWE shows Stephanie interviewing Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, Steve Austin, and Charlotte Flair, among others. With a mix of legends and current superstars, it looks like this series will be packed with stories fans haven’t heard before.

With Stephanie McMahon making this unexpected SmackDown appearance, it’s clear WWE is going all-in on promoting her next chapter. Whether this was just a one-time sighting or the start of more involvement remains to be seen.

Do you think Stephanie McMahon will make more WWE appearances? Will you be watching “Stephanie’s Places” when it drops on ESPN+? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!