Vince McMahon's opening segment on WWE SmackDown in full

Acclaimed wrestling promoter Vince McMahon roared WWE Friday night SmackDown into life with a swift but emphatic introductory appearance last night.

Anticipation was rife as fans tuned in to witness the event, with McMahon’s swaggering stride into the ring resulting in a mighty wave of cheer from the crowd, with his theme song “No Chance in Hell” blasting through the speakers.

Standing in the ring, he spoke loudly to the crowd in trademark guttural fashion, saying: “I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in what we call our WWE signature. Those four words are: then, now, forever, and the most important word is together. Welcome to SmackDown!”

With a nonchalant throw of the mic, McMahon departed from the centre with the crowd on their feet, clasping hands with a few eager front-seaters and making his way back down the walkway as the night of action commenced.

Vince McMahon’s opening segment on SmackDownpic.twitter.com/TM9lK6Qads

Viewing figures are anticipated to have been higher than normal for the company with McMahon’s appearance adding to a heated showdown between Roman Reigns and Riddle for Reigns’ undisputed universal championship.

For those of you who didn't tune into Smackdown…… here is all Vince McMahon said. pic.twitter.com/hY1Levq4JR

With Reigns claiming the victory, iconic figure Brock Lesnar returned and announced he was eyeing a match with Reigns to reclaim his belt.