WWE SmackDown Preview: Cody Rhodes Returns Ahead of Huge Title Clash
WWE Friday Night SmackDown rolls into the Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania tonight, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Saturday Night’s Main Event just one day away, the blue brand is gearing up for a dramatic night — and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is right in the center of it all.
Cody Rhodes Shows Up… But Is His Mind Somewhere Else?
Just 24 hours before his Champion vs. Champion showdown with NXT Champion Oba Femi, Cody Rhodes is scheduled to appear live. But while he should be focused on Femi, the “American Nightmare” can’t seem to shake his ongoing war with Drew McIntyre.
Last week, Cody demanded that GM Nick Aldis lift McIntyre’s suspension so they could settle things like men. Aldis refused, and Cody has been relentlessly pushing for the fight ever since. The big question heading into tonight:
Is Cody too distracted to handle Oba Femi tomorrow?
Oba Femi Sends A Message
Oba Femi has noticed Cody’s divided attention — and he’s not impressed. The two-time NXT Champion made it clear that he plans to show the world that he’s not just “the future” of WWE… he’s the right now. Cody may be the champion, but Oba plans on proving he’s the more dominant force.
Three Big Matches Confirmed For Tonight
SmackDown isn’t holding back — tonight’s show features a stacked lineup:
🇺🇸 U.S. Title Match: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Ilja Dragunov puts his United States Championship on the line against Tommaso Ciampa. Dragunov has already defended the title six times, and Ciampa forced this match by interfering last week and costing Carmelo Hayes a win. Dragunov accepted the challenge without hesitation.
⚔️ Mixed Tag Team Match: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. Aleister Black & Zelina Vega
The “Terror Twins” reunite! After months of mind games from Black and Vega — who claim they see the “real” Priest hidden underneath — Priest has finally had enough. He says they’ve only managed to “really piss him off,” so he’s teaming with Ripley to end this feud tonight.
🔥 Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend
This is Lash Legend’s first-ever singles match on the SmackDown roster. Last week, Legend and Nia Jax launched a brutal attack on Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and The Kabuki Warriors. Tonight, Bliss gets her chance at payback.
Also Advertised
- WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill
- Sami Zayn
Tonight’s Official Match Card
- United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa
- Mixed Tag Match: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. Aleister Black & Zelina Vega
- Singles Match: Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend
