Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

SmackDown's debut on FOX did not feature an appearance from The Undertaker ... and "The Dead Man" has given a simple explanation as to why.

While not officially confirmed, Undertaker was featured in the initial advertisement photo for SmackDown's anniversary celebration and he teased an appearance yesterday via social media. 

Hours after SmackDown, however, Undertaker answered someone on Instagram who said he should've been on the show. "I was told I wasn't needed," he replied.

Steve Austin and Sting were also advertised for yesterday's historic show -- which averaged 3.869 million viewers -- but neither have publicly explained their absence from the program.

The Rock, on the other hand, did appear on Friday Night SmackDown as advertised.

Watch his interactions with Becky Lynch and Baron Corbin below.